Oral Answers to Questions

Lewis Cocking Excerpts

Wednesday 5th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lewis Cocking (Broxbourne) (Con)]

3. What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on SEND provision. [R]

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)]

This Government’s ambition is that all children with special educational needs receive the right support to succeed, where possible, in mainstream schools. To further support that vision, in December I announced £740 million of high-needs capital for 2025-26. The Department is working closely with experts on reforms and has recently appointed a strategic adviser for SEND, who will play a key role in engaging with practitioners, children and families as we consider the next steps in SEND reform.

[Lewis Cocking]

I draw Members’ attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.

Hertfordshire currently receives the third lowest SEND funding in the country, despite the number of children in the county with education, health and care plans growing by 223% in the last decade. What steps is the Minister taking with her Cabinet colleagues to create a fairer funding system that ensures that all children, wherever they live across the country, can have the funding they need to support their education?

[Bridget Phillipson]

I recognise the hon. Gentleman’s interest in this area, and the interest of Members from right across the House in the urgent need to reform the SEND system. However, I gently observe that we inherited the funding mechanism from the previous Government, and that the last Conservative Education Secretary said that the SEND system they have left behind is “lose, lose, lose”. We are determined to fix it, to build up parents’ confidence, and to make sure that all children get the education and support that they need.