Gregory met with a cross-party group today, including Members of Parliament and the Leader of Surrey County Council, to discuss Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The meeting provided an opportunity to look ahead to the Government’s forthcoming white paper and the future of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). With demand for support rising sharply, many families continue to face significant challenges in accessing the help they need.
Surrey currently spends around £350 million each year on children’s services, with more than 17,500 children supported by EHCPs. However, uncertainty around future national funding and the impact of the forthcoming Fair Funding Review are placing the system under further strain. Alongside these pressures, capital funding for three new SEND schools in the county remains unclear.
Following the discussion, Greg said:
“It was a full and frank conversation which left no one in doubt about the significant improvements needed locally and the massive challenge nationally. As Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on SEND, I know how vital these decisions are for families, schools and children in our community.
I pushed for clarity on capital funding for three new SEND schools in Surrey, building on the Safety Valve agreement. With Labour in power, we need to hold their feet to the fire and make sure they deliver.
There was clear consensus on the importance of early intervention and backing family hubs. Not only do they transform lives, they make long-term economic sense - nearly two-thirds of Surrey’s adult social care budget goes to working-age adults with learning disabilities. Early help works. It’s time the funding caught up.”
