Children with SEND in Cornwall to benefit from £3.7 million in investment
"We are giving schools a clear, practical blueprint to become truly inclusive"
£3.7 million worth of investment will be made to improve inclusivity in schools for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Cornwall.
The funding is part of Labour's Inclusive Mainstream Fund, which is designed to support educational settings with high-quality adaptive teaching and inclusive approaches for SEND students.
Concern has long been raised within Cornwall over the availability and accessibility of SEND support, often described as a postcode lottery.
Families have experienced difficulties in obtaining the necessary assistance, either having to travel far or face long wait times.
Labour’s initiative seeks to address these challenges by laying down clear expectations for Cornwall schools to develop facilities that enable students to thrive.
This includes a commitment to the establishment of inclusion bases at every secondary school, equipped with dedicated teaching and specialist support.
Inclusion bases are designed to facilitate access to a broad and adapted curriculum, aiming to eliminate inconsistent and patchy provision.
These plans focus on ensuring students with SEND are integrated smoothly into school life and not sidelined from activities or lessons.
The initiative reflects a reimagining of physical spaces within educational settings, supported by guidance on adapting them to meet the everyday needs of SEND students.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "Every child and young person deserves to feel included, without fighting for the support they need to succeed."
"We are giving schools a clear, practical blueprint to become truly inclusive, from calmer classrooms and sensory-friendly spaces, to specialist support embedded right in the heart of the school, so children can learn alongside their peers rather than miles from home.
"Every child deserves to attend a school where they belong, where the environment works for them, and where the right support is simply part of the school day. That's what we're building."
Anna Gelderd, Member of Parliament for South East Cornwall, praised the investment, saying it provides a foundation for easier understanding and access to SEND support.
She said: "I really welcome this clear guidance, which is backed by a significant investment for our area. Providing parents with easy-to-understand information about what they can expect for their child, whilst supporting schools with the right funding, will make great progress in supporting our young people with SEND in South East Cornwall.
“I’ve been making the case for more SEND provision in our area, meeting with local families and educators at my SEND roundtable to hear more from them about what we need in South East Cornwall. I am glad that the Government supports this mission and is taking steps in the right direction to address our concerns.”
Similarly, Jayne Kirkham, MP for Truro and Falmouth, recognised the vital support this funding offers to local schools working hard on SEND provision.
Statistics from existing inclusion bases demonstrate notable successes, such as high attendance and educational outcomes for SEND students.
The investment and detailed guidance aim to provide tangible improvements, ensuring that all educational settings can offer a welcoming and supportive environment for SEND students.