The House of Commons Education Select Committee have today published a report into Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). It makes for damning reading on the government' handling of SEND.
The report was compiled following an 18 month enquiry and takes a rigorous look at all aspects of SEND provision. It concludes that the sector as a whole is fundamentally underfunded, but that this isn't the only problem.
The report concludes that:
Derby North MP candidate Greg Webb said: "Children with SEND have been a soft target in the schools funding crisis. Support staff and teaching assistants they depended on have been made redundant. It shouldn't be up to parents pushing authorities in court to get children the services they need - and are entitled to.
"The Conservative government is starving local councils. How can they support children with the most needs without the right funding?"
Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary Layla Moran MP said: "Liberal Democrats demand better for our children. We will give councils thousands of pounds a year extra for every child with the most complex needs, so they can deliver the support children deserve on time. And we will create a new National SEND Strategy, stopping councils from cutting corners and getting our public services to work together in the best interests of each child."