Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of school sensory equipment; and what steps she is taking to ensure the adequacy of that equipment.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

All education settings have duties under the Equality Act 2010 towards individual disabled children and young people. Part 6 of the Equality Act outlines that schools must make reasonable adjustments, including the provision of auxiliary aids and services for disabled children, to prevent them being put at a substantial disadvantage.

The government’s ambition is that all children and young people receive the right support to achieve and thrive in their education and as they move into adult life.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has announced £740 million of high needs capital for the 2025/26 financial year to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and/or who are in alternative provision.

This funding can be used to adapt classrooms to better meet the needs of all children including the provision of sensory equipment within mainstream schools, alongside continuing to provide and adapt spaces to support pupils with the most complex needs in special schools.