Liberal democrat MP for Wokingham, Clive Jones, has said the government must ensure children in Wokingham are protected by reforms to the SEND system.
His party has set out its five tests at prime minister’s questions.
Analysis of the latest data revealed that 1,008 EHCP (education, health and care plan) pupils in Wokingham are in mainstream schools, and are at particular risk of losing their rights to assessment and support under Labour’s rumoured plans, he claimed.
In Wokingham, Jones said he has heard from 50 different children who are struggling to access the SEND support they need.
This number represents only a fraction of the young people who are affected.
Liberal democrat leader Ed Davey and education spokesperson Munira Wilson have written to the prime minister, setting out five principles for SEND reform, and offering to work on a cross-party basis with the government to ensure the reforms deliver for children with SEND, and their families.
The five principles include maintaining the right to SEND assessments for children, boosting special school capacity, improving early identification and cutting waiting lists.
The liberal democrats are also calling for more support for local authorities to provide SEND services and better training for school staff.
Jones said: “For far too long, our broken system has forced children and families in Wokingham to fight long battles to get the support they need.
“Outcomes for those children haven’t improved while council deficits have ballooned, leaving many on the brink.
“Change is needed, but I am very concerned that the government’s approach will take support away from many families in our area. We cannot see children’s rights rolled back.
“We must get this right. Our five principles set out what should underpin future reform to protect children and families.”
