Since the last election, I have continued to advocate for a more inclusive and responsive education system that meets the needs of every child, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). My work in this area has focused on improving teacher training, ensuring early intervention, and promoting neurodiversity awareness across public services.
In the Chamber, I have repeatedly highlighted the challenges faced by autistic children, particularly those with profiles such as pathological demand avoidance (PDA), in accessing education. I have urged Ministers to ensure that measures aimed at improving school attendance do not inadvertently penalise families who are already doing everything they can to support their children. I have stressed that clearer, firmer rules around registration and attendance, while well-intentioned, can cause additional trauma for autistic pupils and risk increasing school refusal.
I have called for the Government to consult closely with SEND charities, including Ambitious about Autism, to ensure that new policies, such as the register of children not in school, are implemented with sensitivity and informed by detailed data on children’s primary needs. I have also warned against the risk of families being unfairly fined or judged due to a lack of understanding of autism in schools and local authorities.
Alongside my contributions in the Chamber, I have submitted a series of written parliamentary questions to the Secretary of State for Education. These have included calls for clarity on whether the Government intends to continue the reforms set out in the SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, and what steps are being taken to improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools. I have also asked what measures are in place to ensure that Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) applications are processed promptly, and what assessment has been made of the effectiveness and fairness of the current funding allocation system for SEND provision. Additionally, I have raised concerns about the financial pressures on local authorities and asked what support is being provided to help them manage rising SEND-related costs.
My advocacy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to thrive in an environment that recognises and celebrates their unique strengths. I will continue to push for a system that is not only inclusive in principle, but effective in practice.
You can see more of Julian's questions in the Chamber here and written questions here.