Funding Boost for Stockport's SEND System
Stockport’s schools are brilliant centres of learning. But, for too long, they have not been backed to cater for a wide range of needs. That has meant that some children have not had the education that they deserve. It has led to a more unfair country, with a significant attainment gap, and it has led to families being pushed to breaking point to try and get the help they need.
That is why, since entering government, a big focus for Labour has been on making our schools more inclusive. Inclusion is essential. It goes to an important principle for me – that every child, regardless of their background, postcode or need, deserves a high-quality education. One that is rich, broad, stretching and ambitious. They deserve that in our community, close to home, with their friends. They deserve that without a fight.
That is why, in February, I backed Labour’s plans to transform our system supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). At their heart, they are modelled around moving specialist support into mainstream schools so they can be more easily accessed and put in place more quickly before issues take hold.
That means the most ambitious teacher training plan in our country’s history – upskilling staff in every school, college and nursery. It means 60,000 more specialist places across early years settings, schools and colleges so children can get the support that they need on their doorstep, in their community.
I met with local families to discuss these plans at my community roundtable on the SEND system, and I am grateful to everyone who shared their powerful testimonies and experiences with me - https://shorturl.at/EoeLK
While we wait for the response to the formal consultation, Labour has delivered the biggest single funding allocation on record to deliver more places for children with SEND – Stockport Council received just over £3 million to deliver more specialist places.
Stockport Council was then given £2.1million to set up a new SEND service for local families – Experts at Hand. The service will get specialist support, such as educational psychologists and speech and language therapists into our schools.
Now, Labour is unveiling our Inclusive Mainstream package to make clear to Stockport’s schools the adaptations they must make to support children with a wider range of needs. This first of its kind package will show SEND parents the kind of tangible improvements they should see – adapting acoustics and light, introducing quiet and calm spaces, or installing ramps or handrails. But these are not instructions without support. Stockport Council will receive £1.9 million to make this a reality. This is investment going hand in hand with reform to build a system where every child can achieve and thrive.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all school staff, teachers and parents across Stockport for all that they do to support children with SEND, as well as everyone who has taken the time to share their views with me on this matter.
As ever, if you live or work in Stockport constituency and would like to share your experience or feedback with me, please send me an email or a letter. I am also happy to meet in person, over a video meeting or speak on the telephone. My contact details can be found here - https://shorturl.at/Oj6o4