'Parents in tears' during SEND provision battle

The current nationwide SEND situation painted a "dire picture", the debate heard

A West Yorkshire MP has spoken about the "deep trauma" some parents face as they try to secure special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision for their children.

Kim Leadbeater told other MPs she had "parents in tears in her office feeling they had failed" during their efforts to gain an education and healthcare plan (EHCP).

The Spen Valley MP was speaking during a Westminster Hall debate about the issue secured by fellow Labour MP Richard Burgon.

Education minister Catherine McKinnell assured MPs the SEND system was a department "priority", adding they "want to restore parents' trust their child will get the support they need to flourish".

An EHCP sets out the extra help a child needs to access education, on top of what is available through special education needs support.

Examples of extra support might include one-to-one lesson time, or help to learn at home for those with such complex needs that school is unsuitable.

Ms Leadbeater said it had been an issue "consistently" raised with her since becoming an MP three years ago.

"I've had countless conversations and emails with families, teachers, teaching assistants and charities about the anger, frustration and in many cases deep trauma they have experienced trying to navigate the broken system," she said.

"All any of them want to do is get our children and young people the help and support they need and deserve."

Ms Leadbeater spoke about the challenges parents are facing to secure their children SEND provision in her constituency

Mr Burgon, Leeds East MP, said he had been inundated by parents, charities and teachers from across the country about the issue and described the situation as an "emergency".

About 1.6m pupils in England have special educational needs, the debate heard, with councils reporting delays caused by growing demand and insufficient funding.

Ms Leadbeater added: "I've had parents in tears in my office feeling like they have failed as they haven't been able to get any EHCP for their child."

Despite painting a "dire picture", Mr Burgon said he believed the system could be fixed.

Ms McKinnell warned there were no "quick fixes for the deep-rooted issues", but added: "This goverment is absolutely committed to strengthing children's entitlement to excellent provision that meets their needs."

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