How we take care of, and educate, some of our most vulnerable people is a measure of us as a society. EVERYONE has the right to a good education. 

That’s why, after finishing my own stint at the despatch box alongside BEIS officials for the Department’s OPQs this morning, I decided to remain in the House and listen to the Secretary of State for Education’s Statement on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Review that has recently taken place.

Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities have long deserved an integrated education system and, with today’s Review announcements building on the Schools White Paper that was announced yesterday, I was pleased to hear how seriously the Government is taking this incredibly important issue.

Having actively supported SEND schools like Chapel Green and Fred Nicholson over my time as an MP, as well spoken up for rural schools and the funding and support they need to deliver the standard of SEND services that some of their pupils require and deserve, this has become a matter very close to my heart.

I am very aware of the challenges and pressures being faced by many of our local schools currently – having visited several again recently and had others reach out to share their experiences and feedback. In response, I have been raising their views with the Secretary of State, his ministers and his officials to ensure their voices are heard and I continue to follow the situation closely.

While there remains much work to do, today’s announcement by Nadhim Zahawi and his team of a new SEND system is great news for millions of children, parents and children, including many in Mid Norfolk.