Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to hold discussions with (a) parents of children with SEND and (b) specialist charities that support parents on reforms to the SEND system.

The department is committed to ensuring that co-production with parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and with the specialist charities that support them is a priority.

The department has two contracts which enable it to talk directly to both parents and carers of children with SEND and the specialist charities who support them in order to get their input into its policy development. The department uses these contracts to regularly discuss policy development and delivery with parents, carers and with the SEND sector. The department also presents, and hold workshops, at regular events coordinated by SEND specialist charities, such as the Council for Disabled Children, throughout the year.

The department recognises the importance of, and will continue to work together, with parents and carers, specialist organisations, children and young people with SEND, so that they get the right support to succeed in education, lead happy and healthy lives.