Scarborough and Whitby MP highlights SEND challenges
Survey reveals systemic barriers affecting educational access for children
Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume has released the findings of her surveys into Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in her constituency.
The results reveal delays, shortages, and systemic barriers preventing many children in Scarborough, Whitby, and surrounding villages from accessing the education they need.
A significant concern among surveyed parents is the impact of delays in securing an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), with reports of children missing from formal education as families await assessments and decisions, describing the situation as "traumatising."
The surveys also highlight the scarcity of suitable SEND school places along the coast, notably in Whitby, where some children face part-time timetables or lack formal education due to falling in between criteria for mainstream and special schools.
Lengthy waiting times for autism, ADHD, and mental health assessments emerged as additional key issues.
Ms Hume expressed her concerns, stating, “Fighting for the SEND community was what inspired me to move into politics, but nothing could prepare me for the extent to which the system is broken in North Yorkshire."
She added, "The survey responses confirmed my worst fears but they also showed the extent to which dedicated staff are holding on by their fingernails and delivering results for students."
The surveys reveal educators face significant strain, with supporting SEND students occupying much of their day amidst insufficient external support.
This has resulted in many SEND pupils not meeting age-related expectations, not due to lack of ability but because their needs go unidentified and unsupported early on.
Funding is identified as the primary barrier to effective SEND provision, compounded by staffing shortages and low pay issues disrupting the recruitment and retention of experienced support staff.
Ms Hume noted that the Department for Education’s restructuring aims to integrate SEND at its core, with a £3bn investment planned to increase specialist places within mainstream settings.
She expressed hope for the forthcoming government reforms, stating, “The government reforms are all about ensuring every child has access to an excellent, inclusive education."