MP employs worker to deal with Send cases

Robert Martin has joined Northampton South MP Mike Reader's team

An MP has appointed a specialist Send (special educational needs and disabilities) caseworker to deal with the "significant volume" of complex cases faced by parents.

Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South, has appointed Robert Martin to his constituency team.

Mr Martin is a learning disabilities nurse, chief executive of Send charity Menphys and parent of a disabled child.

He said he was "delighted" to be taking on the new role.

Last year Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission published two critical reports into Send provision in West and North Northamptonshire, highlighting long waits for assessments and lack of suitable provision.

Both councils have improvement plans in place.

Parents in West Northamptonshire have been protesting about special needs education failings in the area

Mr Reader said: "I've listened to parents. We know how challenging navigating Send is.

"We receive a significant volume of complex Send issues via surgeries, email and when out campaigning across the constituency.

"I've made the decision to bring in a specialist Send caseworker into my team."

Mr Martin stood as a Labour candidate in Mid Leicestershire in the general election in July.

"Over the years, I have had the privilege of working on numerous projects in collaboration with the NHS, social care services, local authorities and parents.

"As the East Midlands regional chair of Parent Carer Forums, I have been actively involved in shaping policy and practice."