Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to improve SEND provision in Stratford-on-Avon constituency.

Following the last Ofsted inspection, departmental officials have been working with Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to closely monitor progress against the areas for improvement identified by inspectors.

The areas were:

(i) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) waiting times, assessments and support following diagnosis.

(ii) Co-production.

(iii) Placement of children and young people with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan.

(iv) Uptake of training for school staff working with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

(v) And the quality of the online local offer.

The department has appointed a SEND Advisor to support and work alongside WCC and the local area partnership.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with SEND or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department is committed to taking a community-wide approach in collaboration with local area partnerships, improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.