Standardising SEND Support

Consistent, high-quality support should be available for families wherever they live. After recently attending a SEND roundtable organised by Dingley’s promise, I spoke with the Minister for Early Education, Olivia Bailey, about the need for greater standardisation. I have since written to her seeking updates on the Department for Education’s plans:

• How the Department for Education plans to approach standardisation of SEND support

• Whether national standards for Ordinarily Available Support will be set out

• How families and frontline organisations will be involved in shaping these reforms

  
  

In January 2025, the Public Accounts Committee warned that the SEND system “is reaching, or arguably has already reached, crisis point.” Bold change will require targeted investment, and I welcome the Government’s December announcement of £3 billion to create tens of thousands of new specialist places in mainstream schools as part of more inclusive, system-wide reform.

Crucially, standardisation would bring clarity for parents and establish a consistent baseline for schools to provide tailored support. While this should not come at the expense of local needs, core principles will help to guide local authorities and set minimum expectations associated with specialist services.

If the Government is willing to make enact this change, they will have the enthusiastic support of thousands of committed schoolteachers, local authorities and families who are doing everything they can against the odds.

I will continue to urge this Government to make the right choice for children and families across Newbury and West Berkshire.