Crisis in children’s support highlighted by MP
Action to solve a crisis facing support services for children and young people with special educational needs is being backed by Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley.
And she is urging local families to submit evidence to a newly launched inquiry.
“As many families across Shrewsbury and beyond know all too well, we desperately need to find solutions to the huge challenges facing SEND support, including how outcomes can be improved for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities,” said Mrs Buckley.
She was speaking as the Education Select Committee launched an inquiry into solving the crisis.
“Believe me, I know from my casework that the SEND crisis is particularly acute here in Shrewsbury, and I would strongly encourage anyone to consider responding to the Committee's call for evidence.”
The new inquiry comes as a damning report into SEND services this week spoke of ‘a lost generation’ being let down by outcomes for children stalled, families’ confidence undermined, and two-fifths of local authorities staring down bankruptcy.
Faced with years of increasing demand for SEND support, the cross-party Committee will focus on how to stabilise the system in the short term, and how to achieve long-term sustainability with improved outcomes for children and young people.
Mrs Buckley said: “You can read more about this inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to submit evidence by searching online for ‘Solving the SEND crisis’.
The deadline for evidence is Thursday, January 30.
