Pippa Heylings MP calls for action on SEND crisis as she leads adjournment debate in Commons

An adjournment debate in the House of Commons on special educational needs and disability (SEND) in schools was secured and led by Pippa Heylings, the Liberal Democrat MP for South Cambridgeshire.

In the debate last Thursday evening (12 October), Ms Heylings urged the government to take action on what she argues is a SEND crisis.

Her party is calling for proper funding and a National Body for SEND following research that showed there are 200,000 children in England struggling to get an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

As reported last week, Ms Heylings visited Bassingbourn Community Primary School earlier this month to see 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.

Ms Heylings spoke in the debate of the challenges many families face in securing statutory support while waiting for formal diagnoses, which can take months or even years.

She 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.

“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 party is calling on the government to act immediately 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; and
- Provide mental health professionals in all schools, primary and secondary.

Mr Heylings added: “Without action we will continue to fail our most vulnerable children by not providing timely interventions that could transform their lives.”

The minister responding called the remarks “incredibly eloquent”.