Mayor welcomes ‘generational reforms’ to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Mayor Caroline Woodley welcomes the Government’s publication of the SEND White Paper
Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, said:
“I welcome the Government’s publication of the SEND White Paper. These generational reforms are the first proper focus on SEND provision in decades.
“The Government’s £4 billion investment in SEND will help ensure children in Hackney can access additional support in mainstream education, provide further access to a local bank of specialists, support mandatory training for school workforces, and dedicated SEND outreach via our Children and Family Hubs.
“I was particularly pleased to see the 2030 ‘Triple Lock’, demonstrating a phased approach to transition. This policy detail shows a Government that has listened to, and engaged with, parents, carers, pupils and sector stakeholders and recognised the anxiety faced by so many when navigating the SEND system.
“The focus on the adverse impact of poverty and inequality on students with SEND is also welcome, recognising the intersectionality of this issue. The changes announced will, in time, ensure that all children – regardless of background – benefit from tailored SEND support.
“In Hackney we have led the way on SEND provision – creating 149 additional resource provision places since 2022, approving 78 more over the next two years, and with an additional 102 places now in scope – and putting inclusion at the centre of our Education Strategy. Which is why I was pleased to see earlier announcements include a £3.7 billion commitment to SEND provision and have engaged closely with Government Ministers during this process.
"I look forward to future consultation as we continue to work in collaboration to navigate these changes.”