As the MP for Yeovil, I’ve met too many families in South Somerset who feel that their child’s learning needs have been overlooked or misunderstood, writes Adam Dance.
Often, these are children with undiagnosed conditions like dyslexia or ADHD, who just need the right tools and understanding to unlock their potential, and as someone who is diagnosed with both ADHD and dyslexia, I personally understand the importance of having the right support.
That’s why I raised a question in Parliament this month about what the government is doing to support assistive technology in primary schools – not just in Yeovil, but across Somerset and England.
Assistive tech includes everything from reading software to digital tools that support focus and memory.
For children who struggle with traditional learning approaches, it can open doors that would otherwise remain closed.
The reply from Minister of State for School Standards, Catherine McKinnell MP, confirmed some welcome developments: from September, new teachers will receive training in using assistive tech, and research is under way to understand how schools, councils, and health teams can better work together to meet pupils' needs.
Locally, 27 schools in Somerset are set to receive fibre internet upgrades, helping ensure they can take full advantage of what technology has to offer.
But let’s be clear: these are first steps, not the full journey.
We still lack consistent national support for children with additional needs.
As I’ve raised before in Parliament, the government does not even collect data on how many children are diagnosed with dyslexia or ADHD, let alone how they’re supported.
That’s not acceptable.
We cannot improve what we do not measure.
I’ve long campaigned for a national SEND strategy that includes proper funding, mandatory neurodiversity training for teachers, and fair access to specialist support.
Assistive tech must be part of that picture – not as a gimmick, but as a standard tool that helps all children learn in the way that works best for them.
In places like Chard and Ilminster, we know how stretched school budgets are.
Rural communities too often miss out when decisions are made centrally.
I will continue pushing in Parliament to make sure schools across South Somerset get the tools, training, and investment they need.
Every child deserves the chance to succeed.
And that means giving every school the tools to help them do so.
Share