Freddie van Mierlo MP visits specialist SEND school to hear concerns over Government reforms

Chilworth House Upper School recently welcomed Freddie van Mierlo to meet pupils, parents and staff and hear first-hand about the life-changing impact specialist SEND education can have on young people.

During the visit, Freddie spoke with families, teachers and pupils about their experiences at the school and the difference specialist support has made to children who previously struggled to thrive in mainstream settings.

Parents described the transformational effect the school had had on their children’s confidence, wellbeing, behaviour and educational progress. Staff explained how highly personalised support, small class sizes and specialist therapeutic provision help pupils engage positively with learning and prepare for adulthood. (witherslackgroup.co.uk)

The visit comes as the Government considers major reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. Parents raised concerns that proposed changes could reduce their ability to challenge decisions through tribunals and could place greater pressure on children to attend mainstream settings that may not be appropriate for their needs.

Freddie stressed that while SEND reform is needed, it must focus on improving support for children and families rather than restricting access to specialist provision.

Freddie van Mierlo MP said:

“What struck me most during my visit was hearing directly from parents, teachers and young people about the extraordinary difference specialist education has made to their lives.

“Many of these pupils were struggling before finding the right setting. At Chilworth House they are gaining confidence, engaging with education and developing the skills they need to live happy, independent and successful lives.

“There is no doubt that the SEND system needs reform. Too many families face long waits, battles for support and a system that often feels stacked against them.

“But reform must not mean reducing parental rights or forcing more children into unsuitable placements. The lesson from schools like Chilworth House is that we need more high-quality specialist provision where it is needed, not less.

“As the Government brings forward its SEND reforms, I am listening carefully to the families, teachers and young people who live with these challenges every day so that I can properly hold ministers to account and ensure their voices are heard in Parliament.”

Chilworth House Upper School supports pupils with a range of complex educational, communication and behavioural needs through highly personalised education and therapeutic support. (witherslackgroup.co.uk)

Freddie said he would continue engaging with families, schools and SEND organisations across Henley and Thame as the Government develops its reform proposals.

View a film of the visit here: youtu.be/6EhBq3ePZNg