Keir Starmer’s SEND funding promise to Nuneaton parents

Labor leader Keir Starmer has pledged funding to parents of SEND children in Nuneaton and Warwickshire. He said that if he becomes the next prime minister, he will change the way seats are funded.

Following are the concerns raised about school places, especially specialist ones. Speaking during a visit to the region, he also said there would be a change in the way the government held local authorities to account on the issue, saying he could make the promise “because I know the frustrations of so many parents”.

He added: “Obviously today we’re launching our plans for nurseries, 20,000 new nurseries, 100,000 places and based in schools, and that’s really been so well received by parents.”

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Speaking about his visit to Nursery Hill Primary School in Nuneaton, he added: “One of the parents said this morning how good it would be. She actually has an older child with special educational needs and therefore has them all in one place. it is of great use to her.

“But on the issue of local authorities, we need to work with local authorities on this provision, and that means changing the way budgets are allocated and working with them, of course, on this really serious issue.”

He made the commitment when answering questions from national and regional media. It came after a Central News reporter asked if he could make a promise to SEND parents about funding places after hearing stories of how some had been left “devastated” by the process.

A similar question was asked by a BBC political reporter for Coventry and Warwickshire who spoke about a ten-year-old boy in Warwickshire who has ADHD, autism and anxiety. The youngster has been offered a place at the mainstream school, but his parents say it is not suitable for him, so he is currently not attending school.

The Labor leader replied: “It’s really important that we support all children with special educational needs and it’s a real frustration and a cause for concern for parents, obviously. So we’re going to work with the schools and make sure there’s a better plan. .

“But it is important that those early years are also provided for and that is why we are launching our plan for nurseries. This is very important for children before they reach reception age to get the skills they need. Because, as you will know, in my view, too many children arrive at reception without the skills they need to start learning quickly.

“It’s also a release for parents and carers who can get back into the workforce. It’s essential and really important to our economy.”

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