This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament

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Petition Fund additional support for children during the EHCP assessment process

There is no difference in a child’s needs before and after an EHCP has been collated, so there should be no difference in the support provided. The Government should therefore provide additional funding to schools so that they are able to support children during this lengthy process.

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As a parent of a 5-year old diagnosed autistic child I have experienced first hand the effect that lack of funding has on children awaiting EHCP. During this process I have met numerous professionals, other parents and children who are not receiving the support they need while an EHCP assessment is underway. Children are being put on reduced timetables for long periods of time or having to be educated in empty classrooms and losing education time with peers. It’s not good enough.

This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months

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MPs discuss SEND and alternative provision improvement plan

On Monday 6 March the Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Claire Coutinho MP, made a statement in the House of Commons about the Government's new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Improvement Plan.

The Minister updated MPs on the Government's progress to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities or alternative provision in England.

She said the Government will:

  • Develop new national special educational needs and disabilities and alternative provision standards to set out what support should be available.
  • Establish local SEND and AP partnerships.
  • Train thousands more early years special educational needs co-ordinators and 400 more educational psychologists.
  • Invest £2.6 billion by 2025 in new special and alternative provision places, and improve provision.
  • Publish guidance on ensuring effective transitions between all stages of education, and an effective transition into employment and adult services.
  • Invest in supported internships.
  • Expand school and college mental health support teams.

Following the statement the Minister was questioned by MPs.

What are Ministerial statements?

Ministerial statements are a way for Ministers to bring an important matter to the attention of the House.

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