Schools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and Thriving Debate

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Department: Department for International Development

Schools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and Thriving

Sojan Joseph Excerpts
Monday 23rd February 2026

(1 day, 10 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Sojan Joseph Portrait Sojan Joseph (Ashford) (Lab)
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In the consultation events that I held with parents, carers and teachers, the message was clear: it is crucial that SEND support starts early. I welcome what my right hon. Friend has said about that. As the proposals move forward, will she ensure that those with lived experience of the system remain central to the Government’s reforms, so that SEND support is more personalised to every child’s needs?

Bridget Phillipson Portrait Bridget Phillipson
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My hon. Friend is right about the importance of early years, which sit right at the heart of our reforms, in the early identification of need and work with families. Although we have had a big national conversation on SEND, it is only the start of the dialogue that we want to continue with parents to ensure that the changes we implement work for them, and that their voices, and those of children and young people, continue to be heard.