Oxfordshire’s Conservative MPs have sent a joint letter to the minister for children, families and wellbeing requesting a meeting to discuss issues with SEND provision in the county.

The letter, signed by Victoria Prentis, David Johnston, Robert Courts and John Howell, has called for a meeting with Government minister Claire Coutinho to discuss issues Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision in Oxfordshire.

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The letter states the Tory MPs are “concerned” by Oxfordshire County Council’s increased caseload  in relation to SEND delivery and the issue has featured prominently in constituent correspondence.  

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While the MPs say they have raised the issue with the county council, they describe the process as “glacial” and add there is a lack of communication between different authorities in Oxfordshire.

They add many parents have had to go to tribunals to get the support they need for their children. However, several have then faced further difficulties following a tribunal ruling.

Mrs Prentis, MP for North Oxfordshire, said: “My parliamentary colleagues and I have become increasingly concerned by the number of cases we have all seen relating to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision in Oxfordshire over recent months.

“Given how important the issue is, we have sent a joint letter to the Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, requesting a meeting to discuss the issues our constituents are facing and how we can improve local provision.”

Oxfordshire County Council has been approached for comment.

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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