Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of pathways for children with autism and severe learning disabilities to access specialist safety equipment where this is required to prevent self-injury or other serious harm.

This government recognises the importance of specialist safety equipment in meeting the needs of children and young people, including in mainstream settings. We are investing at least £3.7 billion in high needs capital funding between 2025/2026 and 2029/2030, to support local authorities to provide suitable places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. This includes investment in the physical environment, such as purchasing specialist safety equipment to support children and young people with autism and severe learning disabilities.

Our new, dedicated inclusive education estates guidance supports the sector in improving the inclusivity and accessibility of the estate in schools, colleges, and nurseries. It recognises that well-chosen furniture and equipment can assist children and young people to regulate, focus and safely participate in learning. The guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inclusive-education-estates.