(UK) MP slams Prime Minister over SPED failure
- The end of childhood
- May 20
- 2 min read
May 15, 2025, Lancashire Telegraph: Hyndburn MP tackles Prime Minister on special education
Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith has tackled the Prime Minister in Parliament on the lack of special educational needs provision in schools.
The Labour backbencher raised the issue with Sir Keir Starmer after a visit to the Sacred Heart primary school in Church in her constituency.
She tackled him during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Mrs Smith told Sir Keir: "Last week, I visited Sacred Heart Primary School in Hyndburn, where the excellent teachers expressed their frustration at the current special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.
"One wonderful boy, despite being non-verbal and requiring personal support, has been waiting for over 18 months for an education, health and care plan.
"There is a risk that he will not get a place in a school for the year ahead that suits his needs.
"How will you ensure that the voices of parents and children are at the heart of the SEND reforms that the Government will bring forward? "
In reply, the Prime Minister Mr Starmer said: "You are a powerful champion on this issue.
"Our principle is that every young person with special educational needs should receive the right support to succeed.
"We have immediately announced an additional £1 billion ]$1.3B] for high-needs funding, including almost £20 million [$27M] for schools in Lancashire. . . .
Following the exchange, Mrs Smith said: “We are in a damaging and bizarre situation where families are forced into an adversarial process just to access basic support.
"That process is burning out parents, draining local councils, and still delivering worse outcomes for children.
"This is not just about one boy in Hyndburn – it’s about a system that is failing across the country.
"After 10 years of repeated failures, tinkering around the edges won’t be enough. Families feel unheard, and that needs to change.
"We can achieve this in partnership and cooperation with families.
"We should be working towards a system that ensures all children are valued, supported to learn and given the chance to thrive.”
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