The NNPCF met with the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Philipson, regarding the work of the NNPCF and Parent Carer Forums. We spoke about what is important to our families with children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).
The NNPCF raised key themes such as ensuring there is robust accountability across the SEND System, along with creating equity across the system. It is important that all professionals and families are aware of the ordinarily available provision across Education, Social Care and Health in their local area, and that it is an equal offer nationally for all with SEND.
The NNPCF also highlighted the importance of lived experience being integral to any planned changes with a variety of voices, to ensure changes are co-produced with families so they meet the needs of children, young people, and their families.
The Minster reassured us that inclusion of SEND is of upmost importance to the new government and highlighted the recent move within Department for Education of SEND policy areas from its families to school’s directorate, to sitting directly with the Schools Minister, Catherine McKinnell, MP. This realignment is to support inclusion within mainstream provision, ensuring all pupils are considered in any decisions.
We also spoke regarding the recent publications from Ofsted regarding “one word” judgments and the recently launched Curriculum and Assessment Review, which promises to look closely at the key to attainment for young people, in particular for children and young people with SEND.
We continue to welcome our ongoing discussions with the Department for Education.