Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has welcomed commitments in the Government’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) consultation but pressed the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, to go further by putting staff training on a statutory footing and ensuring autism is at the centre of reforms.
During a ministerial statement on Every Child Achieving and Thriving, Julian highlighted concerns that much of the proposed SEND training is not currently set on a statutory basis and sought clarity on the Government’s intentions.
He also asked the Secretary of State to confirm that autism, including specific profiles such as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), would be central to new training requirements for education staff.
In response, the Education Secretary acknowledged the significant rise in need around autism and confirmed that a new requirement will be set out in the SEND Code of Practice to ensure all settings provide training on SEND and inclusion. The Government will embed this expectation across early years settings, schools and colleges, backed by investment to support delivery.
Commenting, Julian said, “Children with SEND, particularly those with autism, need teachers and staff who are fully equipped with the knowledge and understanding to support them. Training must be consistent, comprehensive and embedded across the system. I will continue to press for clarity and accountability to ensure no child is left behind.”
Julian has been campaigning for improved SEND provision and greater support for children with autism from across North Yorkshire and across the UK.
You can watch a video of Julian's questions and the Minster's response here.
