22 August 2025
Thank you to all the parents who joined our first in-person SEND roundtable in August. Your experiences and insights were incredibly powerful — and essential as we work to shape Labour’s upcoming Schools White Paper, which will focus on inclusion, support, and giving every child the best start in life.
Following that session, I’m inviting parents and carers in Coventry North West to join me for a virtual roundtable discussion on Tuesday 23 September from 11am to 12.30pm, and one later from 5-7.30pm. I know that attending in-person events can be challenging for some families, which is why these online sessions have been designed to be more accessible.
These conversations are part of my ongoing work to ensure that your voices are heard — not just in Coventry, but in Parliament. I’ve spoken with many parents about the difficulties they face navigating the SEND system: delays in securing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), inconsistent support across schools, and the emotional toll of having to fight for basic provisions. These stories are not isolated — they reflect a system under strain.
Currently, over 1.7 million pupils in England have identified special educational needs, with around 500,000 supported through EHCPs. Labour’s upcoming Schools White Paper — expected this autumn — will aim to reform SEND provision, focusing on early intervention, better training for staff, and more inclusive mainstream education. It’s vital that these reforms are shaped by the lived experiences of families, educators, and carers.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed so far. Your insights are helping to build a more responsive and compassionate education system. If you’d like to attend the virtual session, please RSVP using the short form below. A Teams link will be sent to all registered participants ahead of the event.
If you happen to be looking for more information or support related to neurodiversity or neurodevelopmental needs – you can find local resources here.
