Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Let Us Learn Too and Disabled Children's Partnership's The SEND Money Survey, published on 7 February; and what assessment they have made of the impact on (1) finance, (2) mental health, (3) physical wellbeing, and (4) families with disabled children, from having to pay for specialist support privately.

The government recognises that the current special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system does not consistently deliver the outcomes we want and expect for children and young people with SEND, their families, or the people and services who support them. This was highlighted by a SEND Money Survey conducted by Let Us Learn Too and the Disabled Children’s Partnership.

The department is conducting a review of SEND provisions in England. This is to ensure that children and young people with SEND get the right support, in the right place, at the right time, to improve outcomes and experiences within a financially sustainable system. The department has met with representatives and organisations, including Let Us Learn Too and the Disabled Children’s Partnership.

On 1 February 2022, the government announced more than £45 million of continued targeted support for families and parents of children and young people with SEND over the next three financial years. Additionally, councils will be provided with £30 million to set up more than 10,000 additional respite placements, helping to provide positive opportunities for children and young people with SEND.

In March 2021, the government published the mental health recovery action plan. It is backed by an additional £500 million of targeted investment to ensure that there is support in place for this financial year. This support includes £79 million to expand support in children and young people’s mental health services.

Education policy is devolved. Therefore, arrangements covering SEND policy and provision in Wales are a matter for the Welsh Government.