Local MP, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE, has once again championed the rights of autistic children and their families by calling for mandatory autism training for teachers during Education Questions in the House of Commons on Monday, 16 June.
Building on his previous work—including his intervention during the debate on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill— Julian urged the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, to ensure that all new teachers receive training to better understand and support neurodivergent pupils.
"One of the best ways to support autistic children in schools is for teachers to go through mandatory training and to understand better the challenges that neurodiverse pupils face" Julian told the House.
Julian continued, "May I ask the Secretary of State how the Neurodivergent Task Force is progressing and whether the government will bring in mandatory training for new teachers?"
In response, the Secretary of State confirmed that from September, new entrants to the teaching profession will receive enhanced training around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). She also acknowledged the importance of supporting existing school staff and committed to outlining further steps in an upcoming white paper.
You can watch Julian's question and the Secretary of State's response here.
