Yeovil Schools Deserve Fair Share of New SEND Funding, Says Adam Dance MP
Adam Dance, Yeovil’s Liberal Democrat MP, is urging the Government to ensure that schools in Yeovil and South Somerset receive their fair share of newly announced funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Education Secretary recently revealed plans for an additional £740 million to enhance SEND provision in mainstream schools. This funding is designed to increase capacity for students with special needs, alleviating pressure on overstretched special schools.
However, details of how this funding will be distributed have yet to be announced. Adam Dance is pressing for transparency and fairness to ensure that local schools receive the resources they need to provide high-quality support for SEND students.
Years of underfunding have left many families in South Somerset battling to secure appropriate support for their children. Local schools, despite their best efforts, are struggling to meet increasing demands for complex SEND provision.
Adam Dance MP commented:
“Too many families in Yeovil are stuck in a system that simply doesn’t work for them. Children with special educational needs deserve to access high-quality education close to home, but years of neglect have left our schools overstretched and under-resourced.
“The Government’s funding announcement is a step in the right direction, but it won’t solve the root problems of our broken SEND system. Families and schools in Yeovil and South Somerset need urgent support to ensure every child gets the education they deserve.”
Adam also echoed his party’s call for a National Body for SEND to provide a more consistent and effective approach to supporting young people with the highest needs.
He added:
“While the new funding is welcome, it’s vital that schools in Yeovil and South Somerset get their fair share. This is about giving every child the opportunity to thrive and supporting the incredible work of local schools that are doing everything they can under challenging circumstances.”