Exeter family’s education struggle raised in Parliament

An Exeter family’s struggle with Devon’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services has been highlighted in Parliament.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions, Exeter’s Labour MP Steve Race described the county’s SEND system as “failing”, citing widespread difficulties faced by families trying to secure the right support for their children.

Mr Race welcomed the government’s £1.7 billion investment in SEND services but sought an update on reforms to improve provision. He raised the case of an Exeter family unable to access support for their daughter after major surgery.

Previously excelling academically, she now requires additional support but is missing out on an education due to the disarray within Devon County Council’s SEND system.

In response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that SEND advisors have been deployed to assist the council and that the government is working closely with local partners to deliver an accelerated progress plan.

He outlined a series of government commitments to improve SEND services in Devon and across the country, including:

• Training 400 additional educational psychologists

• Speeding up the Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) process

• Enhancing data sharing to enable earlier diagnoses

After the debate, Mr Race said:

“I hear from so many parents in Exeter who are struggling to navigate Conservative-led Devon County Council’s failing Send system.

“Many are facing unreasonably long waits for assessments and education, health and care plans, while those who do manage to get a plan agreed then find themselves stuck without the support they need.

“All children and young people deserve the right support to ensure they get the best start in life. It is clear, however, that too many families and schools aren’t able to secure the provision they need.

“Under the previous Conservative government, funding failed to keep pace with rising demand for Send services. I am very grateful to the prime minister for his assurances this week and I welcome the steps the government has already taken to improve the system for children, families and those who support them.”

The state of SEND services in Devon has been a growing concern, with parents and schools reporting lengthy delays, inconsistent support, and limited resources. Many children remain without access to the education and care they require.

For more information or to report concerns about SEND services, visit Devon County Council’s SEND page