Many constituents have contacted me about reform of the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system, and the role of educational psychologists within it. I pay tribute to our hardworking educational psychologists for the invaluable contributions they make to the lives of children and young people with SEND.

Children and young people with SEND deserve the right support to succeed in education and as they move into adult life but it is clear that too many families and schools are struggling to secure the provision they need. That being the case, I support the Education Secretary’s commitment to investing £21 million from this year for the training of 400 more educational psychologists. I also support the Chancellor’s decision to increase funding for schools by £2.3 billion in 2025, £1 billion of which will go towards supporting the SEND system. This increase is an important step towards realising the Government’s ambition to reform England’s SEND provision, improve outcomes and well-being and return the system to financial sustainability.

I recognise the difficulties parents face in securing support for their children through the lengthy EHCP process. That is why I welcome the Government’s commitment to ensuring EHCP applications are processed promptly, enabling eligible children and young people to benefit from support that meets their needs.

In addition, I am encouraged by the Government’s pledge to improve data sharing, facilitating the identification of SEND earlier in our children’s education.

As you may be aware, the Department for Education is undertaking a curriculum and assessment review. One of the aims of the review is to make sure that the curriculum reflects the issues and diversities of our society so that all children and young people are represented. I know that Ministers want to see a curriculum that balances flexibility and inclusivity along with ambition and excellence.

Best wishes

Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland