SEND in Crisis

Written by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP, Labour MP for Suffolk Central

Since I was elected in July 2024, I’ve been blown away by the scale of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) crisis, here in Suffolk Coastal. I know that the experiences of my own constituents are not unique – they are reflected across Suffolk and far beyond.

We know that Suffolk is one of the worst performing areas for SEND provision nationally. The Ofsted and CQC Inspection Report on Suffolk SEND services published last year found that there are widespread “systemic failings”, raising “significant concerns” about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND in Suffolk. Eight years prior, in 2016 the first Ofsted and CQC inspection similarly raised systemic failings and significant concerns – yet the lessons were not learnt, and thousands more children, young people and families have been let down, when they should have been supported. This report brings together the results of my recent survey of 97 families from across Suffolk Coastal, and builds on the many conversations, casework, and Freedom of Information requests that I’ve put to the Council over the past few months.

This report and its findings are intended to help give a voice to the many parents who have been let down by the system, and to highlight the challenges that too many children, young people and families have faced – and continue to face – in trying to get their needs met across education, health and care services. These are things they both deserve and are entitled to and tangible improvements must happen now. This report does not mark the end of that fight but gives recognition to those that have to fight on, and hopes to give a wider voice to their struggles. It should not and does not have to be this way and families in Suffolk Coastal deserve better.’