Today in Parliament, I held a drop-in to show support for the reform of education for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Parliamentary drop-in sessions provide a chance for both Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords to learn more about a particular issue. Across the day, over 42 different Members of Parliament were able to attend the drop-in to learn more about the challenges facing SEND children and their families.

At the drop-in, parents of SEND children told MPs that they were frustrated that schools are unable to provide their children with the education they deserve.

The SEND reform campaign is run by parents of children with disabilities, who are asking the Government to reform the education system so that every child has a school placement suited to their needs.

Some of SEND Reform’s objectives include:

• More SEN schools for those with the highest of needs.
• More SEN provisions within mainstream settings.
• EHCP deadlines to be met and adhered to.
• Adequate S.E.N.D training for teaching staff.
• A dedicated minister for SEND.
• Improvement plans and safety valves to be revoked.
• Post 16 support to be protected.

I have been proud to campaign for SEND reform, previously speaking at a rally outside Norwich City Hall, telling protesters that the decision from the Conservative County Council not to adequately fund SEND education is a political choice, one they will pay for at the upcoming local and national elections.

At a rally for SEND reform outside Parliament, I met with the parents from SEND Reform England for the first time, where they told me their stories of their struggles to get the best education for their children.

The message at the drop-in was clear: it is time to build the inclusive education system our children deserve.

Watch my video at the drop-in below.