More children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) on the Isle of Wight will be supported to thrive in their local nursery, school or college, as the government unveils the most ambitious and comprehensive SEND training offer ever seen in England’s education system.
Informed by feedback from parents through the national conversation on SEND – including a recent discussion between Isle of Wight West Labour MP, Richard Quigley, and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson – the government is acting to ensure teachers have the skills and confidence they need to support pupils with additional needs.
SEND training has been too inconsistent
Parents and educators consistently highlighted that SEND training has been too inconsistent, with almost half of primary and secondary teachers saying that additional training would improve their confidence in supporting pupils with SEND.
That is why Richard Quigley MP has warmly welcomed the government’s reforms, which aim to give families confidence that their child can achieve and thrive in their local school, no matter where they live.
The new training programme
Through the new training programme, staff will learn practical, evidence-based approaches that transform access to education – including the use of assistive technology such as speech-to-text tools, and strategies to build understanding and inclusion among all pupils.
The programme will be underpinned by a new expectation in the SEND Code of Practice, making clear that all staff in every nursery, school and college should receive training in SEND and inclusion, ensuring nationwide coverage.
This national investment sits alongside £4 million in dedicated funding to create additional SEND places on the Isle of Wight, strengthening local provision and capacity.
Quigley: Shows government is listening from the ground up
Richard Quigley MP said,
“During my extensive discussions with teachers working in the SEND system, one of the most common concerns was not a lack of willingness to help, but feeling ill-equipped to meet the challenges of SEN. This investment shows that the government is listening from the ground up.
“When I spoke to the Education Secretary last week, I made it clear that while the £4 million in SEND funding for the Island was very welcome, it needed to be complemented by stronger training support.
“I am delighted that this announcement delivers exactly that.”
Phillipson: Helping to deliver our vision of a truly inclusive education system
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said,
“Every child, wherever they live and whatever their needs, should have the opportunity to go to a local school where they can achieve and thrive.
“That’s why we’re equipping staff across every stage of education with more training on SEND and inclusion than ever before – helping to deliver our vision of a truly inclusive education system.
“This is a key part of our mission to reform the SEND system so that schools can take children from forgotten to included and give parents the confidence that the right support will be there at every stage of their child’s education.”
The Schools White Paper will be published early this year, setting out the government’s full plans to reform the SEND system.
News shared by the office of Richard Quigley MP. Ed
