Pippa Heylings, MP for South Cambridgeshire, secured and led an adjournment debate in the House of Commons on special educational needs and disability (SEND) in schools.
Pippa used the debate to urge the Government to take action on the SEND crisis.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for proper funding and a National Body for SEND, to end the postcode lottery faced by the families of children with the highest needs.
Recent research found that there are 200,000 children in England struggling to get an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).
This follows a visit last week to Bassingbourn Community Primary School where Pippa saw first-hand the inspiring work of teachers and specialists in creating safe spaces for those with neurological disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), supporting them to integrate into classrooms.
In the debate Pippa spoke of the challenges many families face in securing statutory support while still waiting for formal diagnoses which can take months or sometimes years to acquire.
Pippa Heylings, MP for South Cambridgeshire, said: “We are facing a mental health epidemic.
“Amid this crisis, our most vulnerable children – those with Autism and ADHD – are being left to struggle on their own, waiting for assessments that could provide them with access to essential resources and support and greater acceptance from society.
Pippa Heylings with: Stephanie Wilcox, Headteacher, Melbourne Primary School, Kathryn Thorp, SEND Coordinator, Melbourne Primary School, Visitors John Carrell & his friend Eloise Bowler (both 16 years), Amy Luu, Headteacher, Bassingbourn Primary School and Hannah Wilkinson, Hauxton Primary School IMAGE: Pippa Heylings MP“Research shows that autistic children are significantly more likely to develop mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression than their neurotypical peers. Even more heartbreakingly, the suicide rate among autistic individuals is alarmingly high.
“That’s why Liberal Democrats are calling for a National Body for SEND, to end the postcode lottery faced by families of children with the highest needs.”
The MP said this would include looking at immediate government action needed to:
- Prioritise early diagnosis and support for children with SEND.
- Urgently increase funding for ASD and ADHD diagnostic services to reduce waiting times, including addressing the chronic lack of Educational Psychologists.
- Provide targeted resources to local authorities to improve their capacity for EHCPs.
- Commit to creating more special school places and ensure fair funding for mainstream schools supporting SEND children.
- Develop interim support measures for children awaiting diagnosis, so they do not continue to fall through the cracks.
- Provide mental health professionals in all schools, primary and secondary.
“Without action we will continue to fail our most vulnerable children by not providing timely interventions that could transform their lives,” the MP added.
