This week, Labour announced major reforms to support for children with special educational needed and disabilities (SEND) – backed by £4 billion of investment. And the announcement was made right here in North West Cambridgeshire – in Orton – proving that the government recognises families in our area need support.
So many parents have been in touch since I was elected to tell me about personal experiences with this issue. People want clarity, timely support, and a system that works without a fight.
Too often, that hasn’t been the experience. Families describe long waits for assessments, confusing processes, and schools trying to do their best without the specialist backing they need.
Labour’s reforms will ensure specialist SEND support is available in every school and community, with a stronger focus on early intervention and properly resourced mainstream provision. The aim is straightforward: children should not have to wait years for a formal diagnosis before receiving help.
Schools will be supported to build specialist expertise in-house, with improved access to therapists and other professionals. Clearer national standards and stronger accountability for local areas are intended to reduce the postcode lottery that too many families have experienced.
Alongside this, there will be an expansion of inclusive provision and clearer expectations that mainstream schools are equipped and supported to meet additionalneeds wherever possible. Alongside that, we’re investing to create 60,000 specialist places to make sure there’s suitable provision for every child.
The context is stark. Over 1.6 million pupils in England are now identified as having SEND, the highest level on record. At the same time, local authority SEND deficits have climbed into the billions nationally, placing enormous strain on council budgets and creating uncertainty for families.
Standing still is not an option.
Crucially, the reforms are designed to strengthen inclusion while maintaining the legal protections families rely on. Parents need confidence that their child’s rights remain secure, and that support will be delivered consistently, not just promised.
Here in North West Cambridgeshire, I know how much this matters. I’ve spoken to parents who feel exhausted navigating assessments and appeals. I’ve met teachers who are deeply committed to inclusion but need the right backing to deliver it. And I’ve seen how transformative the right support can be when it is put in place early.
This £4 billion commitment represents a serious, long-term step towards building a SEND system that works better – earlier help, clearer pathways, and stronger local support rooted in schools and communities.
Every child deserves the chance to thrive. Reforming SEND properly is part of making that a reality.
With serious investment and a clear plan to strengthen support in every school and community, these reforms are about fixing the foundations of a system relied on by so many in our region.
They will mean earlier help, fewer battles for parents and carers and stronger backing for schools – delivering the practical differences children and families deserve.