Locally, we have so many brilliant schools and teachers, I have loved visiting them since becoming an MP. Standing up for families and young people has been a central pillar of my work locally, and I am so proud that by working together on my local campaigns we have secured funding to rebuild and repair various school buildings, as well as delivered the much anticipated grammar school annexes which mean many local pupils can now be educated closer to home.
However, I firmly believe that every child deserves high-quality education and care, and one area of concern that has cropped up repeatedly within my mailbox over the last 4½ years relates to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
As you would expect, I have been working closely with Kent County Council (KCC) on how to remedy this, and I am glad that matters are now moving in a more positive direction. KCC have now tripled the number of cases dealt with each month and halved the number of cases waiting for an assessment decision.
Following the superb news last year that the Conservative Secretary of State for Education had approved funding for a new SEND school to be built in Swanley, the situation is improving locally and fast. However there is always more to be done.
Given that KCC spend 40% of their High Needs funding from DfE on maintained special schools, they are rightly seeking to ensure they have the right special schools meeting the needs of children in the right place, and are currently running a consultation with the stated aim of “improving further the quality and accessibility of special school provision across Kent”.
The consultation runs until 31st July, and can be found at; https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/special-schools-review and I would encourage all parents who are interested to make a contribution in order to ensure your voice is heard.
I will be writing on behalf of the parents who have already contacted me, to raise their thoughts, but if you wish to share your experience please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at [email protected].
