Local Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden has said the Government must ensure that the 9,848 children in Devon are protected by the Government’s reforms to the SEND system, as the party set out its five tests at PMQs on Wednesday (9 July).

Analysis of the latest available data reveals that 4,226 Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) pupils in Devon are in mainstream schools, and are at particular risk of losing their rights to assessment and support under Labour’s rumoured plans.

As a member of the Education Select Committee, Caroline regularly questions industry leaders and policymakers about educational reform. Two weeks ago, when the Schools Minister appeared before the Committee, Caroline raised the inequality of the national funding formula for schools and high needs children.

Under the formula currently, a child who receives a high needs funding block gets £1,245 in support, while in Camden, that same child would receive £3,565. After rigorous questioning, the Schools Minister confirmed the Government is exploring ways to address this inequality.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey and Education Spokesperson Munira Wilson have written to Keir Starmer setting out five principles for SEND reform, and offering to work on a cross-party basis to ensure the reforms deliver for children with SEND and their families.

The five principles include maintaining the right to SEND assessments for children, boosting special school capacity, improving early identification and cutting waiting lists. The Liberal Democrats are also calling for more support for local authorities to provide SEND services and better training for school staff.

Caroline Voaden said: “For too long, our broken SEND system has forced children and families in Devon and across the country to fight long battles to get the support they need. Outcomes for those children haven’t improved while council deficits have ballooned, leaving many on the brink.

“We must absolutely get this reform right. Our five principles set out what should underpin these changes to ensure children and families are protected.”