Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Thangam Debbonaire Excerpts
Monday 2nd March 2020

(4 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Vicky Ford Portrait Vicky Ford
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I thank my hon. Friend for his concern for children with autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. We do understand that there can be challenges for these children in achieving their potential in education, although the vast majority of them go to mainstream schools. Specialist bases within the schools can be a help. We have invested £365 million through the special provision capital fund. I am very happy to meet him to discuss the situation in Bury.

Thangam Debbonaire Portrait Thangam Debbonaire (Bristol West) (Lab)
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What are the Government doing to ensure that there are enough educational psychologists to assess the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities?

Vicky Ford Portrait Vicky Ford
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I remind the hon. Lady that we are investing a further £780 million in the special educational needs area, and we do work in this area to improve the quality of these skills.