Adam Dance MP: SEND support in Somerset is a broken promise

For families across South Somerset, this is yet another broken promise.

Parents have been waiting years for a system that actually works, and every delay means more children missing out on the support they need.

Here in our part of Somerset, teachers and parents tell me the same thing over and over again — the system is stretched to breaking point.

Schools are struggling to get Education, Health and Care Plans processed in time, councils are overwhelmed, and families are left exhausted from constantly fighting for their children’s rights.

SEND is not a niche issue.

In almost every classroom, there are children with additional needs — from dyslexia and ADHD to autism and sensory processing difficulties.

Yet too often, their challenges go unnoticed until it’s too late.

As someone with severe dyslexia, I know exactly how that feels.

I was lucky enough to have the right support, but I know many others are not so fortunate.

That’s why I introduced a Bill in Parliament earlier this year calling for universal screening in primary schools and better training for teachers so no child’s needs go unseen.

These reforms are simple, achievable, and long overdue.

But they require a government that cares enough to act.

Delaying this White Paper sends the wrong message to every family who has had to battle the system just to get their child the support they deserve.

It says that SEND is not a priority — and that’s simply unacceptable.

Here in South Somerset, I will keep fighting for change.

We need a fair, properly funded education system that works for all children, not just some.

Every child deserves the chance to succeed, to feel confident in their abilities, and to be supported in their own way.

The Government may be content to delay, but I am not.

For the children sitting in classrooms right now, the time for action is now — not next year.