Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to support (a) children with SEND and (b) their parents in (i) Cannock Chase constituency and (ii) Staffordshire.

Following the last Ofsted inspection, departmental officials have been working with Staffordshire County Council (SCC) to closely monitor progress against the areas for improvement identified by inspectors. The department appointed a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Advisor to support and work alongside SCC 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. We are 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.