Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to introduce testing for neurodiversity in educational settings for students aged 16 and above.

Improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream settings is a key part of the government’s ambition to ensure that all children and young people receive the support they need to achieve and thrive, in the most appropriate setting.

The department has recently announced a new £200 million landmark teacher training programme which will support the workforce in identifying and supporting the individual needs of learners.

By 2028, we will have invested up to £15 million to build the evidence base for the National Inclusion Standards. This will include a digital library of high-quality identification tools and provision across the 0-25 system covering all layers of support and making clear what provision should be available in every setting.

The special educational needs and disabilities Code of Practice sets out expectations for supporting neurodiverse learners, and places strong emphasis on inclusive practice.

It remains the case that providers have responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for all their disabled students.