Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to page 22 of her Department's consultation paper entitled SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First, CP1509. how will the voices of (a) children, (b) young people and (c) parents be strengthened within local partnership arrangements.

The department will strengthen the voices of children, young people, and parent carers making it easier for them to access clear advice and practical support from government, both locally and nationally.

This includes involving them in local area plans and in holding services to account so that they better meet the need of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The department will strengthen the framework within which parent carer forums operate with consistent standards and training. We will also increase funding to local parent carer forums to enhance their peer support, and have further influence in local SEND systems, working with local partnership boards, Integrated Care Board and Best Start Family Hubs.