Norfolk MP says SEND Education issues 'one of biggest' local concerns
Alice Macdonald recently met with parents and teachers involved with the system, to get their views on how to improve it
A Norfolk MP tells us issues and problems with local SEND education is one of the biggest issues facing her constituents.
Alice Macdonald recently met with parents and teachers involved with the system, to get their views on how to improve it.
Latest data shows that the number of active legal appeals to decisions regarding a child's Education, Health and Care plan- in the UK- rose by 55% last year, on 2023's figures.
EHCP plans are official documents that describes a child or young person's care needs.
"This all adds into this adversarial feeling around the whole system"
Alice represents Norwich North
"So, there are things we need to look at locally in regards for certain challenges. A huge amount is being spent for children to travel huge distances and for tribunals as well. This all adds into this adversarial feeling around the whole system"
"Part of this having the right provision and staffing to process The EHCPs. It's also really difficult for parents to get diagnosis in the first place.
"Therefore, we have to start from the child and family and work on what's right for them. There are real delays in them being able to these plans"
What's the Government doing here?
The Department for Education says it's putting £740 million towards creating 10 thousand new school spaces for pupils with SEND needs.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in the Autumn budget that £1 billion is going towards SEND education, this year.