James Sunderland has been campaigning for the Government to invest in SEN children as never before, to speed up diagnosis and open more dedicated SEN schools so that every local authority can provide focused intervention in a specialist and dedicated setting allowing children to fulfil their potential in the right environment, rather simply be excluded.
James has been working with Ministers and lobbying for this additional £16m in dedicated schools funding to help the council to better use their resources and manage spending on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
James has welcomed the news that schools in England are set to benefit from record funding as England’s core school budget reaches almost £60 billion in 2024-25 – its highest ever level in real terms.
James Sunderland welcomes the Government’s efforts to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities or in alternative provision and funding for a new SEND school in Bracknell in particular, but highlights the importance of diagnosis and the need to improve the Child And Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
Following meetings with Minister for Children Claire Coutinho, local MP James Sunderland welcomes news that the Department of Education has approved 33 new special free schools to be built, including the successful bid by Bracknell Forest Council for a school with 100 places for pupils aged 4 to 19 with autistic spectrum disorder.
James Sunderland calls on the Government to invest in special educational needs and mental health provision for children as never before, for every local authority to review their SEND provision, and for a focus on reducing waiting times for an assessment by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
James Sunderland asks the Secretary of State for Education about progress on the special educational needs and disability review and calls for more investment in focused intervention for those who need extra support.
