A new plan to overhaul the UK’s struggling special educational needs system has gained support from Adam Dance, the MP for Yeovil and South Somerset. At the Liberal Democrat’s Spring Conference in Harrogate, Dance passionately endorsed the party’s call for sweeping reforms to improve inclusion and eliminate delays in SEND provisions.
The proposed reforms include mandatory SEND training for educators, the expedited establishment of state-funded special needs schools, and the prioritization of rural areas like Somerset, where families often struggle with limited access to appropriate education services.
Drawing from his personal experiences with dyslexia and ADHD, Dance emphasized the need for better support structures to help children reach their full potential and avoid the sense of isolation and frustration that he encountered as a student.
READ MORE: Rising Cyber Apprentices Take Charge of Critical IT Project
READ MORE: Bus and Van Collision Causes Road Closure Near Bristol Airport
Citing the challenges faced by parents in his constituency, Dance highlighted the adversarial nature of the current system, where families often find themselves locked in prolonged struggles to secure suitable assistance for their children. He also emphasized the pressing need to address the crisis in SEND provision, particularly in rural communities.
Adam Dance stated, “The Conservative Government neglected our education system and caused an absolute crisis in special needs provision - failing children, parents and teachers, and stretching council budgets beyond their limits. Now we need to see real, urgent action from Labour. Families deserve far better – which is why we’ve launched our new calls to fix the crisis this weekend. The Liberal Democrats will continue to carry the torch for children let down by government after government.”