Our Schools Deserve Their Fair Share of SEND Funding

One of the most pressing issues I hear about from families across Newbury is the struggle to access the right support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It’s heartbreaking to hear about parents fighting to get help for their children or schools struggling to meet the needs of their pupils because resources are stretched too thin.

That’s why I welcome the Government’s announcement of an extra £740 million to support SEND provision in mainstream schools. This investment is desperately needed and could make a real difference to families and schools across the country.

However, the key question remains: will schools in Newbury get their fair share?

Here in our constituency, we’ve seen first-hand the challenges of an underfunded SEND system. Families often face long waits for assessments, limited availability of specialist places, and schools forced to do more with less. I’ve heard from parents and teachers about the impact this has on children’s education and wellbeing. It’s simply not good enough.

This funding is a step in the right direction, but it won’t solve the wider crisis in SEND provision. Schools are crying out for help now, and while this investment will provide some relief, we need a long-term plan to fix the system at its roots. That’s why I’ve called on the Government to ensure that Newbury’s schools receive their fair slice of this funding. It’s vital that children in our community can access the education and support they deserve in settings that meet their needs.

But we must also think bigger. The Liberal Democrats are calling for a National Body for SEND to create a more consistent and fair approach across the country. Families shouldn’t have to battle bureaucracy to get help for their children, and schools shouldn’t have to make impossible choices due to limited budgets.

As we wait for the Government to publish its plans for allocating this funding, I’ll be keeping up the pressure to make sure our local schools don’t miss out. Our children deserve the best possible start in life, and I’ll continue to do everything I can to support families and schools here in Newbury.