Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill outlines her work in pushing for changes to SEND provision in Suffolk following open letter

Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill has responded to concerns voiced in an open letter about educational provision for children with special needs and disabilities in Suffolk.

The letter, by a teacher called Jason who wished not to be identified, called on Mrs Churchill to speak out for children with SEND in the county.

It said the current education system failed to support some of the children with SEND in Suffolk, specifically those children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, and asked the MP to raise his concerns in Parliament ‘on the behalf of the many families in your constituency whose children deserve better’.

In a comment in response, provided to SuffolkNews, Mrs Churchill said: “I am grateful for the chance that Jason has given me to outline the work I’ve done in this area.

“Families have often come to me in acute distress, and I’ve met with them in a private setting to discuss and help resolve their concerns.

“I have consistently given attention to this matter since I was elected in 2015, regularly meeting and talking with local stakeholders such as headteachers, SENCO leads, Suffolk County Council cabinet members, Suffolk County Council officers as well as every single minister and regional schools commissioner.

“I have also lobbied for alternative provision and a new school to be delivered more quickly for SEND students, most recently last month, having a meeting with Baroness Barron, the minister currently responsible for this area, and the headteacher involved.

“I continue to push hard for changes to SEND at the highest levels. Ensuring that every child receives the provision they deserve is one of my highest priorities.

“If Jason would like to get in touch with me privately then I would be happy to directly discuss his concerns with him.”