Commenting as MPs prepare to debate a 125,000 signature e-petition in Westminster Hall urging the government to retain the legal right to assessment and support for children with special educational needs, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“The special educational needs system is broken and is not working for anyone – children, families, schools or local authorities.

“It is positive that the government recognises the need for change, and it is vital that the voices of all those party to the system - especially parents and children and young people - are heard, and that they have confidence whatever reforms are proposed will deliver the joined up, multi-agency support children deserve.

“Any changes will require resources and support to be better matched to children’s needs. The best way for the government to reduce demand for statutory support down the line will be to invest significantly in ensuring children’s needs are consistently identified as early as possible, and that the right support is then put in place both in school and in the community.”