Chris Heaton-Harris – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Education

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Heaton-Harris on 2014-06-10.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to support children with special educational needs.

Mr Edward Timpson

The Children and Families Act – to be implemented from September – introduces the most fundamental reform to the system for SEN and disability for 30 years, placing children and families at the heart of a more integrated system focused on improving outcomes for children and young people.

Families will be more involved in decision making and there will be greater clarity about local services provided in each area.

We’re providing substantial funding to local areas to deliver the reforms. Last week we announced a further £45.2m – on top of the £70m already provided this year – for implementing the reforms.

We are also providing £30m over two years to provide independent supporters to families.