Parents, school staff and Send professionals attended the event in Dagenham earlier this month
Dagenham and Rainham MP Margaret Mullane has hosted a second ’roundtable’ event to hear views from local residents on proposed government reforms to special educational needs and disabilites (Send).
Last Friday (17th) local parents, school staff and Send professionals from across Mullane’s constituency attended the event at Dagenham and Redbridge FC’s Victoria Road ground to provide feedback on the recent government white paper on proposed Send reforms.
Mullane said afterwards: “Following my first roundtable back in 2025, I fed the views, concerns, and recommendations of my constituents into the government ahead of the white paper.
“I’m pleased to say that much of what parents and professionals suggested was included, such as investing £200m in training.
“There is no one-size-fits-all in Send provision, which is why I held a second roundtable to get feedback on the government’s proposals for reform. As with last time I will make sure the needs of families in Dagenham and Rainham are heard at the highest levels of government.”
Some of the thoughts aired focused on expanding alternative provisions and creating pathways for life after education, Send training, mental health support, the tribunal structure for education health and care plans (EHCPs), and the retention of professionals such as educational psychologists and therapists.
Mullane added: “This is such a complex area, and it is so important to the lives of many children and their parents. Making changes to improve the system must be handled with care, putting the voices of parents at the heart of the process. That’s why I have been determined in Dagenham and Rainham to listen to and discuss the subject openly.
“I have met with the secretary of state for education and the schools minister in recent months and will be compiling a letter to both with details of the discussion held last week.”
