Gregory Stafford, The new MP for Farnham & Bordon, has written to the Secretary of State for Education about significant concerns about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
He has asked the Secretary of State for Education to clarify three main points: school places, the SEND review, and the impact of incoming VAT charges on independent schools.
I am also speaking to Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council to make local representations for my constituents.
Here’s his letter. WW can’t help wondering if Mr Stafford had an opportunity to chat with Farnham’s former MP—now MP for Godalming & Ash? At the recent general election hustings, Jeremy Hunt was frequently asked about the chaos and fight parents experience seeking SEN places.
Voters told Mr Hunt of their concerns – and his response was:
“The reason the demand for SEN places is now so high is in part due to parents being far more aware than they once were.”
This is ridiculous opportunism on Greg Stafford’s part. His Party had 14 years to sort this extremely serious issue out and yet he expects the new Secretary of State to have the answers within 14 days. Jeremy Hunt’s response exemplifies the dismissive attitude that in reality the Tories hold, but now they’re not in power they are desperately using it as a stick to beat the new government.
I wonder if he has ever read the SCC SEND committee and cabinet notes on this.
No.
The situation is more dire than he could ever imagine.
But of course, he has to read the HCC ones as well.
A constituency in two Countie is ridiculous. This is a perfect example.
When the child is assessed; then there is the small matter of there being no money to pay for the transport to a specialist school. Because SCC went and spent money they haven’t got on CONNECT.
A child in Farnham, Surrey may have to go to a specialist school In Hampshire. Work that one out, with two budgets constrained and breaking under the stress of years of Conservative cuts.
Any Conservative MP in Hants and Surrey is going to wish they had lost at the GE. The flak is coming their way.
MeaninglessMud
The root cause of most problems are the lack of resources caused by UK governments continuously spending more than this nation earns.