Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support is available to ensure that children with Down syndrome receive (a) inclusive and (b) appropriate education in mainstream schools in (i) Fylde constituency and (ii) Lancashire.

Improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools is a key part of our ambition to ensure that all children and young people receive the support they need, in the most appropriate setting.

High-quality teaching is central to ensuring that all pupils, including those with Down’s Syndrome or other types of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), are given the best possible opportunity to achieve. To support all teachers, the department is implementing a range of teacher training reforms to ensure teachers have the skills to support all pupils to succeed.

On 1 September 2024, the government introduced a new mandatory leadership level qualification for special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs) in mainstream schools. The qualification will play a key role in improving outcomes for pupils with SEND, including Down’s Syndrome, by ensuring SENCOs consistently receive high-quality, evidence-based training on how best to support children with SEND.

We are also strengthening the evidence base of what works to improve inclusive practice in mainstream settings. We have commissioned evidence reviews from Newcastle University and University College London. These will help to drive inclusive practices by highlighting what the best available evidence suggests are the most effective tools, strategies and approaches for teachers and other relevant staff in mainstream settings to identify and support children and young people with different types of needs.