MP witnesses 'challenges' at Plymouth special school where 'wheelchairs can't pass'

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A Plymouth MP has witnessed the challenges faced at a local school that caters for children and young adults with complex needs. Newly elected MP for Plymouth Moor View, Fred Thomas, has put SEND provision in Plymouth on the political agenda in Westminster, speaking in a Parliamentary debate about the 'huge challenges' inherited from the last government.

In the debate, Fred welcomed Plymouth City Council's new plan to increase specialist school places for children as an important step forward in delivering for children with special needs and disabilities.

Fred discussed his first visit as an MP, to Mill Ford school in Ernesettle, which specialises in supporting children and young adults with complex needs.

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He praised the “incredible staff” at Mill Ford and raised the challenges they face, including that “the corridors are so narrow that two wheelchairs cannot be wheeled past each other.”

Speaking in the Westminster Hall debate, Fred asked the Minister to commit to working with him to help expand capacity at Plymouth Moor View’s Special Schools.

The debate concluded with the Minister for School Standards, Catherine McKinnell MP, promising that the new Government are “absolutely committed” to tackling the crisis in SEND provision. The Minister said, “We are listening; we are committed; we want to work across the sector and with everyone here in order to turn this around”.

Making his speech in Parliament, Fred Thomas MP, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Moor View, said: "We know that there is no quick fix for the crisis in SEND. Special educational needs are complex and wide-ranging, so they require complex and wide-ranging solutions.

"We need to listen carefully to education professionals, support staff and especially those with lived experience of SEND as we move forward. I am proud that I ran for Parliament on a manifesto that pledged to take a community-wide approach to special educational needs, improving inclusivity in mainstream schools as well as ensuring that special schools are fit for purpose.”