𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁

Measures must be in place to support children with SEND which will allow them to thrive in school and go on to live happy and fulfilled adult lives.

I am grateful for the skill and dedication of the SEND workforce who work tirelessly to support children with SEND to achieve their potential.

Their hard work must be matched by government investment in SEND provision infrastructure, enabling children with SEND to learn in a modern, adaptable, and inclusive environment and best fulfil their potential.

That is why ahead of the 2024 Budget I signed a letter to the Government (pictured below) calling for a review of the budget allocation method for SEND provision to better reflect each area's relative needs.

I am pleased that the Government has recognised my longstanding concerns regarding shortfalls of SEND provision and are taking significant steps to improve the situation.

Over a thousand more children and young people with SEND nationwide are set to benefit from access to high-quality specialised learning, more than doubling the number of special free school places already available.

I am proud to be a long-standing campaigner to have a new special free school built in Worthing. The Department of Education and West Sussex County Council have both indicated their support.

I hope that with further campaigning, this plan will come to fruition and make a meaningful difference to our community.