Neil Duncan-Jordan, the Labour MP for Poole, hosted a forum for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to discuss the proposals.
The event brought together teachers, special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs), parents, grandparents, and professionals to share their experiences and concerns about the current SEND system—covering everything from education, health and care plan (EHCP) wait times to early-years intervention and unmet needs in mainstream education.
Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan hosted a forum for parents and carers of children with SEND with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) on March 22. (Image: Neil Duncan-Jordan)
Mr Duncan-Jordan said: “For SEND reform to be a success it has to have the confidence of SEND parents and carers at the sharp end of this crisis.
“The Government has to show this is about improving services – so I welcome the billions in investment offered by the Government.”
However, parents at the forum voiced worries about the lack of clarity in the Government’s white paper and whether it will improve support for children with complex needs.
There were also strong concerns about the risk of weakened legal rights, particularly for those appealing decisions through the SEND tribunal system.
Nearly all tribunal cases (98.3 per cent) are decided in favour of families, highlighting the value of this legal route.
Mr Duncan-Jordan said: “I am deeply concerned by claims the Government is considering limiting legal rights for parents.
“Ministers must reassure parents these rights aren’t going away and any changes will be to make things better for families.”
Since becoming MP, Mr Duncan-Jordan has made SEND one of his main priorities.
He has written to ministers on behalf of Poole families, led a letter signed by more than 20 MPs calling for improvements to SEND transport services, and joined campaign group Save Our Children’s Rights in delivering a petition of more than 130,000 signatures.
Mr Duncan-Jordan said: “The first duty of an MP is to represent the concerns of your constituents to the highest levels of Government.
“I will be raising the concerns raised at this meeting, and my forthcoming event on Thursday the 26th of March, with ministers and will stand with local people to ensure SEND reform makes life easier for SEND families and improves outcomes for our young people”.
Poole residents can sign up for the second event at neilforpoole.co.uk/sendforum-signupmarch.