SEND Education Support

Expressed concerns about the increase in waiting times for EHCPs and a lack of support, calling for quicker processing and fair treatment of children with special needs. The hon. Member for Gloucester was mentioned by the lead MP but did not provide a full contribution. Thanks the Minister for accepting interventions. The Member argues that the shadow Minister’s comments show how out of touch the Conservative party is, citing parents' tears due to the system left behind by Conservatives.

Discussed challenges in Norfolk, including a 74.5% increase in EHC plans and long waiting times for autism or ADHD assessments. Raised concerns about transport costs and bureaucratic delays.

Described heartbreaking failures in the national and local SEND systems, urging for clear accountability frameworks for local authorities and schools.

Cooper emphasises the importance of addressing the crisis in child and adolescent mental health services alongside SEND provision, advocating for more partnership with the NHS and quicker roll-out of school-based mental health support. He also calls for increased capital spending on co-located provisions.

Acknowledged the challenges inherited from previous governance and highlighted the need to address mismanaged and underfunded SEND provision.

Asked a question but was not given way to.

Emphasizes that increased recognition of special educational needs and disabilities highlights the extent of the challenge to ensure best outcomes for all children, including those with SEND. The Member acknowledges the need for infrastructure and support to ensure every child has a good start in life.

Joined Alistair Strathern in urging the Minister to bring forward necessary reforms swiftly with a clear timeline.

More than one in three SEND children in Oldham is diagnosed with autism or a neurodivergent condition, above the national average. The Member asks if there has been an assessment of this increase.

Called on the Minister to leave time at the end of her speech for the closing remarks.

Dr Chambers highlighted the struggles faced by medical professionals in navigating the SEND system, citing a constituent's story of an extremely long wait for CAMHS support and the inability to access necessary medication due to delays. He questions how the process can be streamlined for everyone.

The hon. Member for Farnham and Bordon highlights that only a minority of SEND pupils have EHCPs, with approximately 1.2 million receiving support without an EHCP in 2023-24. He questions the Minister about her plans for these pupils and raises concerns about independent schools not being included in Government plans as mentioned by the Prime Minister.

Thanked the Minister for her comments and expressed that both sides of the House will continue to work with the Government to ensure regional delivery of SEND education support. She invited Members to visit Suffolk Coastal to see it in action.

Highlighted the systemic failure in providing timely support and assessments to children with special needs in his constituency, welcoming steps taken by the Government but calling for further reforms and additional funding.

Shannon provides statistics from Northern Ireland, noting an 8% increase in children with special educational needs and a total of 11,000 children in special education. He supports the Minister's efforts to improve SEND provision.

Described a decade-long issue in her constituency where a child with autism waited six years for diagnosis and still awaits support for ADHD, impacting the family's mental health. Urged for holistic approach to dealing with children's needs.

Discussed the challenges faced by parents of students with severe learning disabilities, highlighting issues like lack of provision and long distances to access services.

Emphasized the importance of discussing how SEND funding is spent rather than just its availability. Also highlighted issues related to overcharging in some parts of the sector and called for accountability.

Highlights a school in Stafford that is self-funding its EHC assessments, facing an unsustainable financial deficit. Calls for interdepartmental cooperation to ensure schools do not end up in this position.

Called for changes to the statutory framework around parent choice to ensure that all schools can support children with special educational needs without undue financial burden.

Encourages a wider conversation that includes protecting necessary resources centrally when moving to an inclusive mainstream education system, as enshrined in the Children and Families Act 2014.

Focused on the need for mainstream inclusion and highlighted issues at James Rennie school, which is already operating above capacity due to increased demand.

The hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal is doing a fantastic job of highlighting the complexities faced by people such as Jacob and Tiffany, and she should be pushing for universal access to early language programmes in schools.

Cites a report showing only 9% of EHC plans in North Warwickshire go to children with special needs, compared to 31% in Warwick. Expresses concern about the impact of derogatory comments made by county councillors on SEND support provision.

Emphasised the need for a two-way conversation between the Government and parents, teachers, and carers during reforms, addressing concerns about an adversarial system.

Highlighted two critical issues: the severe gap in transport provision for post-16 students with SEND needs, and additional challenges faced by children with visual impairment within the SEND framework.

Highlighting issues such as increased demand, inconsistent support, and the need for an early diagnosis strategy. Called for faster improvements in the system with additional funding.

Stressed that families in his constituency are at their wits' end due to SEND issues exacerbated by rurality, and called out the 98% loss rate of tribunal cases for local councils, urging the Minister to address these concerns.