Tom Gordon and Lib Dems Outline Five Key Principles for SEND Reform Amid Fears 5,486 Children Could Lose Vital Support

Local Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon has urged the Government to safeguard the 5,486 children in North Yorkshire potentially affected by proposed changes to the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) system. His comments came as the Liberal Democrats presented five core tests for SEND reform during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, 9 July.

Recent data has highlighted that 2,445 children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in North Yorkshire are currently enrolled in mainstream schools. These pupils are considered especially vulnerable to losing access to assessments and support, amid speculation over the Labour’s potential policy shifts.

Since being elected in July last year, Tom Gordon has been contacted by many constituents regarding SEND provision, with issues ranging from delays in securing EHCPs to difficulties in accessing specialist school placements.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey and the party’s Education Spokesperson, Munira Wilson, have written to Labour leader Keir Starmer, setting out five guiding principles for SEND reform. They have also extended an offer to collaborate on a cross-party basis to ensure that future reforms effectively meet the needs of children with SEND and their families.

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said:

“For too long, families in Harrogate, Knaresborough, and across North Yorkshire have had to fight uphill battles to secure the support their children deserve. Despite their efforts, outcomes remain poor, while local councils are grappling with unsustainable deficits.

“Reform is essential, but I’m deeply concerned that the Government’s current direction could strip away crucial support from many families in our region. We must not allow children’s rights to be eroded.

“It’s vital we get this right. Our five principles provide a clear framework to ensure future reforms truly support and protect children and their families.”

ENDS

The Liberal Democrats’ five principles and priorities for SEND reform are as follows:

1.           Putting children and families first

Children’s rights to SEND assessment and support must be maintained and the voices of children and young people with SEND and of their families and carers must be at the centre of the reform process.

2.           Boosting specialist capacity and improving mainstream provision

Capacity in state special provision must be increased, alongside improvements to inclusive mainstream provision, with investment in both new school buildings and staff training.

3.           Supporting local government

Local authorities must be supported better to fund SEND services, including through:

a.           The extension of the profit cap in children’s social care to private SEND provision, where many of the same private equity backed companies are active, and 

b.           National government funding to support any child whose assessed needs exceed a specific cost.

4.           Early identification and shorter waiting lists

Early identification and intervention must be improved, with waiting times for diagnosis, support and therapies cut.

5.           Fair funding

The SEND funding system must properly incentivise schools both to accept SEND pupils and to train their staff in best practice for integrated teaching and pastoral care.