Families across West Cumbria have told me, time and again, that the system meant to support children with special educational needs and disabilities simply isn’t working as it should. Long waits, complex processes, and a constant battle to secure the right support have left too many parents feeling exhausted and unheard.
That’s why the Government is acting, with real investment and reform, to build a SEND system that works for families here in West Cumbria.
Last week, I was pleased to help secure a new package of support through the “Experts at Hand” programme, which will provide nearly £2 million to Cumberland Council to bring specialist expertise directly into our local schools. This is part of a £429 million national investment next year, and a wider £1.8 billion commitment over three years to transform how support is delivered.
What does that mean in practice? It means schools having direct access to educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists – the professionals families often wait months, even years to see. It means earlier help for children, without the need for lengthy assessments or bureaucratic hurdles. It means getting support in place quickly, locally, and without a fight.
This builds on the £4.2 million capital investment I helped to secure last month for Cumberland to create more specialist places and improve facilities in mainstream schools for children with SEND. That funding will help ensure more children can attend a school close to home, learning alongside their peers while being in an environment that meets their needs.
But investment alone isn’t enough. We also need to fix the system itself. That’s why the Government’s SEND White Paper – still out for consultation – sets out a clear plan to restore confidence, put inclusion at the heart of education, and ensure support is delivered earlier and more consistently across the country.
Crucially, these reforms are being shaped by the people who know the system best.
Last week, I again brought together parents from across West Cumbria, supported by BEE Unique and Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland, to hear directly about their experiences. Their honesty was powerful. They spoke about the challenges they’ve faced, but also about what good support looks like – and how transformative it can be when it’s done right.
As Minister for Children and Families, I’ve worked closely with colleagues across government to ensure that voices like theirs are not just heard, but acted upon. That has been central to shaping our reforms.
We are determined to build a system where every child can thrive – where support comes early, where schools are equipped to meet a wide range of needs, and where parents no longer have to fight for the help their children deserve.
There is still more to do. But with this investment, and these reforms, we are taking an important step forward for children and families across West Cumbria.
Josh MacAlister MP 