Abena hosts Minister for School Standards and local headteachers to hear views on Labour’s plans for SEND reform
This Tuesday, Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, hosted a roundtable with the Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould MP, alongside local headteachers and education leaders to discuss the Labour Government’s plans to reform support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The discussion brought together over 20 representatives from mainstream and special schools, trusts and colleges across the constituency, alongside Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO of Elevare Civic Education Group. The event was held at London South East Colleges’ Greenwich Campus in Plumstead.
The roundtable focused on how the government’s proposed reforms can improve outcomes for children with SEND, drawing on the frontline experience of local education leaders. Attendees shared insights into the challenges facing schools, including workforce pressures, funding, and ensuring effective support for children both with and without Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Participants emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between mainstream and specialist settings, as well as improving pathways into post-16 education and training.
The discussion forms part of ongoing engagement by the local MP, Abena Oppong-Asare, and Government to ensure local voices help shape the government’s approach to SEND reform.
The Labour Government’s plans aim to place inclusion at the heart of the education system and ensure every child can access the support they need. Proposed reforms include introducing tailored support plans for every child who needs additional help, and expanding teacher training to better support children with SEND, backed by £200 million investment.
The reforms come as the current SEND system continues to struggle to meet demand. Children with SEND are twice as likely to be persistently absent from school, while only 46% of EHCPs were completed within the 20-week target in 2025.
Closing the discussion, Local MP Abena Oppong-Asare highlighted her plans to feed into the ongoing SEND consultation using feedback gathered from the local education leaders present, as well as her wider engagement with parents, carers, SEND providers, and local authorities.
Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead said:
“I know from speaking to parents, carers and schools across my constituency that support for children with SEND is a top priority. That’s why I’m delighted that this Labour government is tackling the SEND crisis head on.
“It was a pleasure to host the Schools Minister as we welcomed over 20 representatives from mainstream and special schools, trusts and colleges from across Erith and Thamesmead, to come together to share their experiences and help shape a more inclusive education system.
“These reforms must ensure that children with SEND get the right support earlier, when and where they need it, without parents having to fight to get the better education – and the results – their kids deserve.
“I’m committed to working with local education providers and local parents to feed into this consultation to ensure we build a system that works for all.”
School Standards Minister Georgia Gould MP said:
“We’ve promised to put parents, young people, teachers and practitioners at the heart of building a new SEND system.
“That’s why sessions like this are so important and a huge thank you to Abena and London South East Colleges for facilitating. It was great to learn from those around the table about best practice in supporting children with SEND in early years, schools and colleges.
“This is once in a generation opportunity to transform the SEND system so please do share your thoughts through our consultation so we can collectively build a system that enables every child with SEND to achieve and thrive.”
Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Royal Borough of Greenwich said:
“I’m really grateful to Abena Oppong-Asare MP for bringing us together for this week’s SEND roundtable discussion with Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould MP.
“It was a genuinely valuable conversation with education partners from across Erith and Thamesmead.”
Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO of Elevare Civic Education Group (incorporating London South East Colleges and London South East Academies Trust) said:
“We were delighted to host this event, which provided a valuable opportunity to bring frontline experience directly into the SEND reform conversation. Those of us working across schools and colleges offer vital insight into how we can build a more inclusive system for all learners.
“Sharing this expertise with policymakers is essential to ensuring children and young people remain at the heart of decision-making – which is very much our shared aim and responsibility.
“We are grateful to the Schools Minister and to our local MP, Abena Oppong-Asare, for hosting this week’s event, and to all the attendees for their meaningful contributions. We look forward to continuing this work together, as strong local and national collaboration will be key to delivering sustainable improvements.”
Photos from Event:
