Lib Dem MP Claire Young backs plan to improve access to education for children with special educational needs

Claire Young MP has backed the Liberal Democrats new rescue plan for the SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) system at their Spring Conference in Harrogate, saying that “families deserve far better”.

The motion, which was passed overwhelmingly by members, contains a host of new policies including measures to improve inclusion of SEND students in mainstream schools – by introducing mandatory SEND training for all teachers and education professionals. 

The Liberal Democrats are also calling for the acceleration of state-funded special needs schools to rapidly increase capacity in schools for children with SEND. 67 specialist schools are currently held up due to planning delays, stalling plans to boost capacity in state educational settings.

Currently, many children with special educational needs are unable to access the right education for them due to a widespread lack of provision. This often leads to children travelling long distances to special schools or being sent to expensive private providers.

Claire Young added that council budgets had been “stretched beyond their limits” due to the neglect of the last Conservative government and that the system needs a “root and branch review” to ensure it supports pupils and parents, instead of penalising them.

Commenting, Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young said: 

“I have spoken to countless parents who are desperate to see their child get the education they deserve but are sadly being led down by a broken system, which simply isn’t built to accommodate their needs. This means they miss out on vital learning and development.

“The previous Conservative Government neglected our education system and caused a crisis in special needs provision - failing children, parents and teachers, and stretching council budgets beyond their limits. Now we need to see real, urgent action from Labour Ministers.

“Warm words and far off promises just aren’t good enough. We need a root and branch review of the whole SEND sector, backed up with additional frontline investment, so we can ensure we are supporting pupils and parents instead of penalising them for a failing system.

“This is a national crisis and that’s why the Liberal Democrats have launched our new calls to fix the crisis this weekend. I will keep fighting to ensure we address this crisis head on and offer hope to all those who are currently being let down by this Government.”