Tom Gordon MP speaks out for SEND children in Parliament

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough banged
the drum for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) this
week, as David Lammy opened the floor for scrutiny on the Youth Justice Reform
and Delivery Plan.

The MP questioned the Secretary of State for Justice on the “exclusion to offending
pipeline” which links children who often have SEND to higher rates of youth offences
and cycles of re-offending.

Mr Gordon asked what tangible steps were being taken between the Ministry of
Justice and Department for Education to get this right.

The Minister responded in turn, raising the government’s work to end attendance
and support issues in Pupil Referral Units, calling it a ‘pipeline into crime’.

Tom said:
“My inbox is full of messages from parents of SEND children. Speaking to industry
experts, it’s a real concern of teachers. They want to help young people onto the
right path, but they seldom have the tools they need to provide the right support.

We need joined up thinking that recognises education links to youth justice and
reoffending links to higher public spending.”