Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department (a) has taken and (b)plans to take to implement the recommendations of the paper entitled Right Support, Right Place and Right Time, CP 624, published by her Department in March 2022.

This government is committed to taking a community-wide approach and to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to children and young people with the most complex needs. The Change Programme, which was established in September 2023 following the publication of the Special education needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) Improvement Plan, is providing valuable learning across the SEND and AP system, including by informing thinking about effective, inclusive mainstream practice.

This government recognises that the SEND system is not meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND. Addressing its problems will be a priority for this government.

The government cannot do this alone. It will work with the sector as essential and valued partners to ensure its approach is fully planned and delivered together with parents, schools, councils and expert staff who go above and beyond to support children.