Urgent Priorities

Warwickshire must urgently tackle critical shortcomings in SEND provision. Key priorities include:

• Increasing SEND school places: Many children are forced to attend schools outside the county due to a lack of suitable provision locally. This is unacceptable and places undue strain on families. More SEND-specific places must be made available within Warwickshire.

• Fixing home-to-school transport: This year, numerous children were left stranded at the start of term because transport arrangements were inadequate. A dependable transport system must be implemented to ensure every child can attend school without disruption.

• Speeding up EHCPs: Delays in finalising EHCPs are failing children who need immediate support. Councils must adhere to the legal 20-week deadline to provide the help these children require.
   

A Call for Action

Countless children have been left without the essential support they need to thrive. Warwickshire County Council has not done enough to address these issues effectively, leaving families to deal with the consequences. As Stratford MP, I am calling on the government to:

• Provide councils with the funding required to meet their legal obligations.

• Ensure sustainable investment in SEND services.

• Deliver fairer outcomes for all children, without delay or excuse.
   

The Way Forward

The Department for Education’s Delivering Better Value (DBV) programme, launched in April, is intended to improve outcomes for SEND children. While there have been claims of progress, families are yet to see meaningful change. Key areas for improvement include:

• Increasing SEND Provisions: Expand the number of places for SEND pupils in mainstream schools.

• Promoting Inclusion: Implement the inclusion framework across all schools to support SEND pupils.

• Workforce Training: Ensure staff are properly trained to meet the diverse needs of SEND children.

• Improving Systems: Invest in better digital infrastructure to streamline service delivery.
   

A Better Future for All

Every child has the right to an education, and no child should be left behind due to government or council failings. The lack of local SEND provision within mainstream schools must be addressed as a matter of urgency to create a fairer and more sustainable system that meets the needs of every family.