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Stephen has welcomed new plans to reform the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) system in England.
The reforms aim to improve outcomes for SEND children across the country by addressing rising demand, delays for families, and growing financial pressures across the system. They include: the introduction of a clearer tiered model of support, with new Individual Support Plans (ISPs) delivered within schools; strengthened national inclusion standards; and improved access to specialist professionals such as educational psychologists and therapists.
Speaking about this announcement, Stephen said: “SEND is a major issue for many families in East Ham. These reforms are aimed at levelling the playing field, with stronger inclusion in mainstream schools providing SEND children with the crucial tailored support they need to succeed.
“I want to collaborate with other MPs, local families, and schools to understand how best East Ham can benefit from this plan. I encourage parents, carers, and educators to review the plan and share their views to help ensure the system delivers timely, high-quality support for every child who needs it.”
The latest announcement from the Government pledges up to £4bn of additional investment, including £1.6bn directly to schools, and £1.8bn for specialist support capacity. Government spending on SEND across this Parliament is expected to rise, with full implementation of the plan expected from 2029.