Minister hears of Suffolk MPs' concerns over SEND provision

The debate was arranged by Lowestoft Labour MP Jess Asato with support from her Ipswich colleague Jack Abbott.

Mr Abbott said: "In Suffolk, we have seen the same cycle over and over again. A damning report – we have seen multiple versions now – then the same warm words, the now totally hollow promises of change. Yet little change ever comes. The lived experiences of families across our county have not improved. In many cases, they have worsened.

"Five years ago, after yet another damning report on SEND provision in Suffolk, our local newspaper, the East Anglian Daily Times, carried a hauntingly memorable front page. Faces of children and families from across Suffolk, so badly let down by a failed system, was accompanied by the headline: ‘We must be heard’."

The front page of the EADT highlighting the SEND crisis. (Image: Newquest)

He said that call had been ignored - and another damning report on SEND in Suffolk was published earlier this year.

West Suffolk Conservative MP Nick Timothy said there was good provision helping some children in the county - and said the council was making significant changes in the wake of this year's report.

But Mr Abbott reminded him this had been the third report in 10 years highlighting serious concerns in the county.

Catherine McKinnell (Image: JESSICA TAYLOR/House of Commons)

Minister for School Standards Catherine McKinnell said children with special needs across East Anglia had been let down by the system.

She said: “The system is creaking at the seams following years of neglect, and without action would only deteriorate further, given the growing number of families needing support which is why we are determined to grip the issue once and for all.

“We will work as quickly as possible to ensure there is more effective early identification and support to give every child the best start in life, including by providing new online training to early educators.”