Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has welcomed news that funding has been approved for a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school in Quorn, Loughborough following repeated calls for improved provision in Leicestershire.
As Bosworth’s representative, the GP turned MP has been calling on Government to provide improved services for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities as “day in and day out we hear cases, across Leicestershire, where parents have to struggle and fight to get SEND support for their children.”
Funding for the 90-place school comes after Leicestershire County Council said it had seen a 54% increase in requests for an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) since 2019, compared to the national average of 38%. When open, the school will have pupils from Key Stages 2-4 on its roll but will also support pupils into post-16 progression.
Earlier this year the Government published plans to change the SEND and alternative provision system, bringing forward changes to to the process which will make it easier and less combative, as well as further capital spending, which has already provided funding for the school in Quorn.
Leicestershire MPs and County Council representatives recently met with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to discuss problems with funding. Following this meeting, Dr Evans spoke in the House of Commons to raise three core areas of concerns for his constituents, the first of which was SEND provision.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “I know how hard parents are having to fight to secure spaces in Special Educational Needs schools in our County. My heart goes out to all the parents struggling to be heard and I know funding for the Special Free School in Quorn will be welcome news.
“As demand for SEN and alternative provision is rising, I’m pleased the council is reviewing it’s strategy for SEND and inclusion.
“While these are positive green shoots and show that we’re heading in the right direction, more needs to be done to ensure children and their parents receive the support they deserve.”
