Have your say: Help shape SEND support in Newbury and West Berkshire

Supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) should never feel like an uphill battle, but for too many families across Newbury and West Berkshire, it still does.

I hear regularly from parents and carers who are fighting to get the right support in place, whether that’s long waits for assessments, challenges securing Education, Health and Care Plans, or a lack of suitable school places. These stories matter, and they deserve to be heard.

The Government recently set out proposed changes to the education and SEND system in its schools white paper. These reforms could have a significant impact on how support is delivered in the future, but right now, many families are understandably asking what this will actually mean in practice.

That’s why I’m launching a new SEND survey for residents across Newbury and West Berkshire.

If you are a parent, carer, young person, or someone who works with children with SEND, I want to hear from you. Your experiences, good or bad, will help build a clearer picture of what’s working, what isn’t, and where change is urgently needed.

This isn’t just about gathering feedback. It’s about strengthening the case for better support locally and making sure your voices are represented in the conversations that shape services.

I plan on using the findings from this survey to raise issues directly with local authorities, schools, and Government Ministers where needed.

www.leedillon.co.uk/send-survey

If you have a few minutes, please do take part. Every response helps.