Gathering feedback for the government SEND consultation.
Last week I met with local parents and carers in Wycombe to gather feedback for the government’s ongoing consultation on their proposals for SEND reform. These proposals aim to build a more effective, inclusive system that allow access to high quality SEND education locally and as soon as the child’s need arises.
During the discussion parents described the significant challenges they continue to face, including difficult experiences with Buckinghamshire Council and delays in accessing support for their children in the current system. Many highlighted the impact of long-term underfunding and reductions in services, noting that the current SEND system is struggling to meet the needs of children with SEND.
The government’s consultation aims to address these issues and create an inclusive and exceptional SEND system by working directly with parents, carers, and those with first-hand experience of SEND provisions. This event forms part of my ongoing engagement with local SEND families in Wycombe to ensure their voices are represented and heard as part of the consultation.
I was grateful to meet with local parents with experience of navigating the difficulties of the current SEND system. They shared their hopes for meaningful change, as well as their important feedback about the current proposals. I will be taking these views forward and sharing these with the Education Secretary as part of this consultation.
If you would like to share your views and experience of the SEND system and the proposed reforms, you can access the consultation here: SEND reform: putting children and young people first – Department for Education – Citizen Space