Across England, many children are not receiving the appropriate education and support they need to meet their Special Educational Needs (SEN). This is an issue affecting countless families every single day. Every child deserves an education that reflects their individual needs, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential.

At present, the system is not consistently delivering this. Many schools are under-resourced or not adequately equipped, and educators often do not have sufficient training or specialist support to meet the requirements of SEN students. As a result, too many children are not being provided with properly tailored and personalised educational approaches that reflect their abilities, challenges, and potential.

According to the Department for Education, in 2022 over 1.4 million pupils in England were identified as having SEN. That represents approximately 16.3% of the student population. These figures reflect a significant proportion of children whose educational needs may not be fully met within the current system. This is not only a matter of statistics, but of long-term outcomes, opportunity, and equality.

There is a clear need for increased investment in SEN provision within schools. This includes greater funding, improved access to specialist staff, and more consistent training for teachers to ensure they are equipped to support a wide range of needs. Schools should also be supported and expected to implement effective, individualised learning plans that recognise each child’s strengths and requirements.

In addition, there must be changes to legislation to ensure that local authorities are consistently meeting their legal responsibilities and statutory deadlines. Too often, delays in assessments, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and the delivery of agreed support leave children without the help they are entitled to for far too long. Stronger enforcement, clearer accountability measures, and meaningful consequences for repeated failure are needed to ensure local authorities are properly fulfilling their duties to meet children’s needs.

My local MP and I have formally raised these concerns directly with the Department for Education to highlight the urgent need for reform and greater accountability within the SEN system. However, wider public support is essential to encourage meaningful national action.

Improving SEN education would not only enhance outcomes for children and young people, but also contribute to a more inclusive education system and a fairer society overall.

Please consider signing this petition to encourage the government to take meaningful and immediate action to strengthen SEN provision, improve accountability, and ensure every child receives the support and education they deserve across England.