Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller says parents must be at the heart of efforts to improve support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
She was speaking during a Commons debate on a petition signed by more than 200 people in her constituency.
The debate, attended by over 70 MPs, heard repeated concerns about the struggles families face in securing the right school places.
After the debate Jess said:
“The crisis in SEND provision is still to be addressed by the Government, with us waiting to see the Government’s White Paper on the issue, but I was pleased to hear of the interactions with advocacy groups in the build-up to its publication.
Neurodivergence is not a weakness or flaw, with the right support it can be a superpower. But so many children across the county and in West Sussex have been let down by an adversarial system that pits parents against teachers.
I am pleased that West Sussex County Council has taken steps to start addressing the disgraceful wait times for EHCPs we saw a few years ago, but there is clearly still much work to be done. I will continue to hold the council and the Government to account until children with special needs are getting the support they deserve.”
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