This summer I held a special round table event to hear exactly what life is like for families with children who have special needs or disabilities, and the many hurdles they face. I know it’s a subject close to many of your hearts.
I sat down with local parents and carers, educators, charities, and professionals to discuss what can and must be done to build a SEND system fit for purpose.
I have compiled a “See Every Need” report collated from their information and suggestions, from the lived experiences of constituents in Southend West and Leigh. It will help to ensure that their voices will be embedded at the heart of government policy.
Government SEND Plans
I met with Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson who said she has a real desire to fix the SEND system.It’s timely because the government is publishing its plans for SEND this autumn. Their approach to SEND reform will be set out in the Schools White Paper, which will serve as a roadmap for what they want to do, with ideas for future laws or changes.
Explanation of SEND Abbreviations:
- SEN: Special Educational Needs
- SEND: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- EHCP: Education, Health and Care Plan
- EHCNA: Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment
- EP: Educational Psychologist
- SALT: Speech and Language Therapy
The Education Secretary was keen to reassure me that the legal right to additional support for SEND children will be protected and will definitely remain under the reforms.
Rising EHCP Delays
Numbers of EHCPs in Southend have risen by 37% in five years and only one in six families are getting their plans issued within the statutory timeframe of 20 weeks, comparatively worse than England as a whole.In Southend West and Leigh, 11.2% of children get SEN support but just 2.8% have EHCPs and my office and I have already helped more than 100 families with SEND concerns.
I have witnessed first-hand how the system is entirely unsuitable for the children it should be supporting and protecting. That is something my “See Every Need” campaign is designed to change.
by David Burton-Sampson
MP for Southend West & Leigh
david.burtonsampson.mp@parliament.uk