MATTHEW Patrick MP told the School Standards Minister and MPs that SEND provision was failing parents in Wirral.

The Wirral West MP criticised the broken system that parents have to struggle against to get the right support for their children as part of a debate on SEND provision. He said that families in Wirral are feeling let down by the appalling processes that are supposed to help them.

The debate, which took place in Westminster Hall, was attended by Catherine McKinnell, the Minister of State for School Standards. During the debate, she said: “I want to reassure you that this government is absolutely committed to tackling [issues accessing SEND support]. It is absolutely key to breaking down the barriers to opportunity, to give every child the best start in life.”

Mr Patrick talked about the awful statistics that show almost 98% of parents who challenge decisions about the support offered to their child with SEND needs are successful in their appeal. He said this demonstrates failure – and that this shows the system is getting things badly wrong and failing parents.

Following the debate, he said: “Parents have told me of the awful experience they have had trying to get the right support for their children. This is not good enough. Too often parents have to fight tooth and nail to try to get what their children need – and, tragically, in many cases, children are left without that crucial support.

“Things have to change. I welcome the government’s commitment to improving standards in both mainstream and specialist schools, and will do all I can to help deliver this change.”