THE Labour councillor for Radstock has said the SEND system (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) is failing children and families at every turn.

The autumn budget portrayed a SEND system that is in dire need of reform. Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Labour and Co-Operative Party councillor for Radstock Lesley Mansell agreed, stating that up until now outcomes for young people have been “nowhere near good enough”.

The government announced this month a £3-billion investment to increase access for 50,000 children across the country to local, specialist SEND education in the mainstream.

Government also confirmed it is going to deliver 10,000 places at special free schools. B&NES is now advised that two specialist schools can go ahead on the Culverhay site, Green Ways Academy and Sulis Academy — representing more than 100 school places for SEND children will be created in with funding confirmed by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Cllr Mansell, Radstock said: “I have been contacted by a number of parents in the ward who are struggling to ensure their children get the education that is tailored to their needs. I am really pleased the government is also recognising the need to review the process in conjunction with families, teachers and experts to change this for the better.

“For far too long, children with SEND have been overlooked, leaving families to battle for the support they are entitled to and for a school place that truly meets their child’s needs. Many pupils are still forced to travel outside the area to access the right education.

“The current system, which doesn’t provide the right educational support for our children, is tough for children, their families and for local council budgets. This government funding, and plans to make education inclusive for all, will bring improvements for everyone.”