Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions Ministers in her Department have had with local authorities on special educational needs provision in their areas; and if she will make a statement.

In recent months I have discussed special educational needs provision, and in particular the implementation of the Children and Families Act 2014, with Directors of Children’s Services, Chief Executive and Lead Members from a number of local authorities.

On 10 July I spoke to the annual conference of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services about reforms to the special educational needs system.

In addition, on 8 April I wrote to all local authorities about implementing the SEND reforms. A copy of my letter was published online:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-send-reform-letters