SEND provision: Ensuring every child can access a great education

Ensuring everyone has access to a great education has been, and continues to be, a priority for me. In particular, following an unprecedented increase in demand, I have worked closely with Surrey County Council and our local NHS to press for quicker assessments, improved communication and increased support for children with SEND and their families. My office has also worked to directly support many parents of children with SEND who have struggled accessing the right support for their child, when they need it. 

I know everyone working within the education sector wants to see the best outcome for children, but the increases in demand for SEND services has seen services stretched and families left waiting for assessments and appropriate school placements. These pressures have also been seen in the health service, with huge increases in demand causing delays in assessments for autism and ADHD.

To address this I have been working with teams across Surrey County Council, raised pressures and concerns with Ministers, and have met with the Children's Commissioner and the Chair of Surrey and Borders NHS Partnership last month to discuss the challenges and potential solutions. This includes looking at issues with recruitment but also the current structures and framework, to see how the process can be improved.  

This is an issue that needs to address as a matter of urgency. Current waiting lists for ND assessments can take up to 2 years, with many children having struggled for some time before obtaining a referral. Without these medical assessments children and their families can struggle to get the education support they need. The cumulative impact of these delays has a profoundly detrimental impact on children and their families. It is therefore vital we work at all levels, with all partners, to make sure the right support is available and all children can access a great education.   

I am committed to continuing to support local children and their families, and to campaigning for improvements in the process and provision of SEND support both locally and nationally. If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties, please do get in touch with me. 

 

Note: during the election campaign my office remains available to assist constituents with matters of urgent personal casework.

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