26/06/07 - Swindon SEN Network gives Evidence to Commons Select Committee

After their meeting at Wroughton Parish Hall on 12th June, Swindon Special Educational Needs Network has submitted its written evidence to the House of Commons Education and Skills Select Committee.  The Committee is currently conducting an investigation into the role of Local Education Authorities as both the funders of special education and the assessors of eligibility for special education.

Swindon SEN Network co-ordinator and South Swindon Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Robert Buckland said: "The evidence was the product of debate and discussion amongst Network members.  It reflects real concern about the difficult position in which dedicated and professional educational psychologists can be put in the statementing process.  I believe that the assessment system needs to be far more transparent for the good of parents, teachers and children."

"The process of preparing a statement of special educational needs is traumatic and often very difficult for parents and those involved with the child.  There must be no question marks over the integrity of the system and of the professional independence of those involved.  I hope that the Committee asks the Government to look again at the current system."

A full text of the evidence is published on Robert's blog at www.robertbuckland.co.uk