Education Minister visits Peter Pan Centre to hear SEND concerns

On Wednesday I welcomed the Education Minister with responsibility for SEND, Georgia Gould OBE MP, to the Peter Pan Centre for Children with Special Needs.

The Centre is an excellent model of best practice, supporting children through their early years right here in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The dedication and expertise of the staff is second to none, and it was important that the Minister saw first-hand the difference that high-quality early support can make.

During the visit, the Minister heard the powerful stories of parents and teachers I’ve worked with since my election – listening to their experiences of being failed by the broken SEND system in Staffordshire, and the change they want to see ahead of the upcoming publication of the Schools White Paper.

These were honest, at times difficult, conversations. Families spoke about delays, gaps in support and the strain that navigating the system places on them. Their message was clear – the system must change.

As the White Paper is published and the Government’s plans come forward, I will continue to work with parents and teachers – and with the Minister – to ensure that the voices of families here in Newcastle-under-Lyme are heard and that we build a system that works for them.