MARK Jenkinson MP has welcomed a Government investment of over £6.7million to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Cumbria.
More than £3.2million will be spent across Cumberland, with an additional £3.4million for Westmorland and Furness Council.
The investment means that children with SEND and alternative provision (AP) across the county – and across the country as a whole – will receive an education that meets their needs in the best possible environment for the years to come.
The Conservative Government is investing a record annual £850 million in councils to create new places for young people with SEND and AP in mainstream and special schools.
It will provide specialist support for children with autism, learning difficulties, mobility difficulties, and more to meet their extra needs.
Since coming into office, this Conservative Government has opened 108 new special schools, with a further 92 on the way, so every child can access the right support at the right time, and benefit from a world -class education.
This marks a tripling in previous levels of investment with this £2.6 billion package covering the period from 2022 to 2025.
Overall, this continuing investment has delivered 60,000 more special needs places since 2010 to ensure no parent has to fight for the right support for their children.
Mark Jenkinson said: “I want every child within my constituency to have the same opportunity to meet their potential, so it is vital that children with SEND and AP get the support and resources they need.
“I am, therefore pleased to see that the Conservative Government is investing a total of more than £6.7million across Cumbria. This includes £3,284,661 for Cumberland, and £3, 415, 889 for Westmorland and Furness.
“This will help deliver the education that meets the needs of children with SEND, as the Conservative Government sticks to the plan to deliver on their promise of a brighter future for this generation and the next.”
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan added: “Today we are taking another step to ensure our education system provides all children with the very best start in life.
“We are making sure no parent has to battle to get the right type of school to meet their needs, and improving the school estate so all children are taught in the best classrooms for generations to come.”
