Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Richard Holden Excerpts
Thursday 24th October 2024

(4 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Catherine McKinnell Portrait Catherine McKinnell
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We recognise how challenging this situation is for families who are not getting the support they need for special education needs or disabilities. We know that the system is broken—the National Audit Office report lays it out bare. We are determined to fix this; that is the message that I want to send.

Richard Holden Portrait Mr Richard Holden (Basildon and Billericay) (Con)
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Within five months of entering office, this Government will introduce VAT on independent schools, with all the impact that may have on the state sector. How long will we have to wait for an actual plan for SEND children, rather than just political posturing around VAT?

Catherine McKinnell Portrait Catherine McKinnell
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The changes that we have set out and are determined to make all aim to improve the situation that we have inherited, after 14 years of neglect and decline under the previous Government. I have set out at length all the changes that we seek to make through legislation—and the changes we have already made—to our education system to ensure an inclusive mainstream, and high and rising standards and opportunities for all.