Political opinion with Alison Bennett MP: My SEND coffee morning

Families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) often tell me that navigating the system can feel overwhelming and sometimes impossible. Children's needs and requirements are not being identified and catered for early enough, and this often has a significant knock-on effect on their experiences in school.

These conversations with parents, carers, and teachers always follow a similar pattern; the process of securing support is an uphill battle, and the system needs to change. It is not working for SEND pupils, their families or their schools. However, many parents are feeling concerned about the future following the government’s proposed reforms to the SEND system. They have been left worrying about what this means for their children and whether it will negatively impact the hard-fought support these families have secured.

I believe that they and their experiences need to be at the heart of the government’s plan for the SEND system. These families – who often feel invisible – must be heard.

Therefore, last week, I hosted a SEND Coffee Morning at the Ashenground Community Centre in Haywards Heath for parents, carers and SENCOs, so that they could share their experiences and exchange advice.

For me, the event was also an invaluable opportunity to listen. Parents spoke candidly about the challenges they face when trying to access the support their children need. These included difficulties navigating the SEND system, concerns around delays to Education, Health and Care Plans, and the pressures that long waiting times can place on families.

I am very grateful to everyone who took the time to attend and share their experiences so openly. Their insights will help inform the work I continue to do in Parliament and locally to advocate for improvements for SEND children and young people. I look forward to hosting more opportunities for residents to share their views in the future.

Should you ever have any questions about the SEND system, or require any assistance with a personal case, please contact me via email at: alison.bennett.mp@parliament.uk