Call For Urgent Action For Funding Children With Special Educational Needs

MP Ruth Cadbury says number of children needing support in the borough has doubled in five years

The number of children in Hounslow borough requiring additional educational support has doubled in the past five years, according to Ruth Cadbury.

The MP for Brentford & Isleworth has warned the Government that the education of children with special education needs and disabilities is severely compromised due to a shortfall in funding from the Government.

Whilst Hounslow Council have invested an additional £95 million to provide additional school spaces, they needed £6m more in revenue support next year to ensure they can provide the specialist teaching and support that children with EHCP’s (Education and Health Plans) need.

Ruth, joined by neighbouring MP Seema Malhotra MP, has written to Education Secretary Damian Hinds, calling for an urgent review into SEND funding, to ensure that Hounslow can continue to provide high quality education, and support for children with SEND.

She also raised the issue directly in the House of Commons on Monday, asking Education Minister Nadhim Zahawi, if he would meet with both Ruth and Seema to discuss the need for an urgent review- the Minister agreed to the meeting.

Speaking after her question, Ruth said,
‘‘I warned the Government in my budget speech last year that the cuts to our schools are having a serious impact, especially on the children who most need additional help and support to get the most out of education. I hope when I meet the Minister for Children and Families, he will not only listen to the problems we face, but also act to give our schools the funding they need

June 26, 2019