Local families and education representatives have taken part in a Bournemouth West roundtable aimed at shaping the government’s reform of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities system.
The discussion was hosted by Jessica Toale MP, who said it was important that residents’ experiences contribute directly to national policy work already under way.
Parents, carers, schools and SEND organisations shared views on the pressures facing the current system and outlined where changes are needed. The feedback will be passed to the Education Secretary as part of the government’s commitment to involving families in the development of reforms.
The government has said the nationwide engagement campaign, launched in December, is intended to create its biggest conversation on SEND in a generation.
National investment includes £3 billion to create 50,000 new specialist places, with BCP Council receiving £9.18 million to expand provision locally. Rising demand continues to shape the debate, with more than 1.7 million pupils in England identified as having SEND.
Jessica Toale said the roundtable offered an opportunity for those most familiar with the system to set out what needs to change. A further online session for residents will be held on Wednesday 21 January from 10.30am which you can register for here.
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