In the last few weeks, I have visited two truly inspirational local schools. The first was Monkseaton Middle School who used the opportunity of a review of schools to put forward an ambitious plan for a more secure future. Building on years of experience working with many children with additional needs they want to create a through-school with more specialist provision tailored for every child.
The second was Waterville Primary who for years have pioneered an inclusive approach, catering for children with often diverse needs in a supportive environment.
The Government’s recently announced consultation on reforming SEND provision has much to learn from both schools.
SEND needs to be reformed. The reality is that teachers, support staff, families and children have been working hard to get the best outcome for every child, but the current SEND system is broken.
Too often for too many parents SEND is a constant battle to get what’s best for their child. That’s why a new system must intervene earlier, be easier to access and work for, rather than against, parents.
Under the Government’s plan every child who needs additional support will have a personal plan. Every classroom will have staff trained to meet every child’s needs and every school will have a base from which they can deliver extra support. And we’re backing that reform with almost £4 billion of extra investment.
SEND has failed to deal with the growing number of children with additional needs. Our job and challenge now is to make sure every child fulfils their potential whatever their background.