Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Rachel Blake and Darren Paffey

Monday 19th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Blake (Cities of London and Westminster) (Lab/Co-op)]

1. What steps she is taking to ensure that families of children with SEND have early access to support.

[Darren Paffey (Southampton Itchen) (Lab)]

7. What steps she is taking to ensure that families of children with SEND have early access to support.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)]

In December, I announced at least £3 billion in high needs capital, which will support local authorities to deliver high-quality places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. However, while places are necessary, alone they are not enough. We know that high-quality teaching is essential to achieving the best outcomes for all pupils and students. That is why I am delighted that we are investing £200 million over the course of this Parliament to deliver more SEND training than ever before, to upskill staff in every school, college and nursery and ensure that more children and young people receive the right support at the earliest opportunity.