Daniel Francis MP hosts roundtable to hear views of local families on SEND reform

Daniel Francis, Labour MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, hosted a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Community Roundtable, bringing together local families to share their experiences and ideas for reforming the SEND system.  

The event is part of the Labour government’s wider engagement on transforming SEND provision, with a renewed focus on ensuring children’s needs are met within their local schools. Currently, the system is failing too many children. In 2023, just 20% of SEND pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and maths at the end of primary school. These outcomes reflect a system in crisis, one that is harming children’s life chances. Daniel Francis MP said: 

“This isn’t just policy for me, it’s personal. As a parent of a child with SEND, I know the realities of this system. I know the frustration, the exhaustion, and the heartbreak that so many families go through. That’s why I’m determined to be a voice for parents in Parliament, to make sure their experiences shape the reforms we so desperately need. The current system is not serving our children.”  

He continued “I believe we need an education system that embraces inclusion from the outset, not one that tries to retrofit SEND children into environments that don’t support them.”  

During the roundtable, parents and carers from across Bexleyheath and Crayford shared powerful stories and practical insights about what a reformed SEND system could look like. Daniel is committed to bringing together contributions from the roundtable and presenting them to Bridget Phillipson MP, Labour’s Secretary of State for Education, ensuring that local voices are heard as ministers look to shape national policy. 

The Labour Government has already taken decisive steps, including a £740 million investment last year to make classrooms more accessible and to expand specialist facilities within mainstream schools. A newly announced “Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group” will also bring together charities, campaigners, experts, and academics to improve support for neurodivergent children and promote best practice across the sector.

Daniel Francis added: “Children with SEND have been let down for far too long, which is why I welcome the Government’s commitment to reform, and I’m proud that this Labour Government is finally tackling the SEND crisis head on.”  

 If you are a parent, carer or professional with direct experience of the SEND system and you would like to share your experience please contact my office on [email protected] to participate in our SEND survey.