Lambeth is a leading local authority when it comes to ensuring children with special educational needs can thrive in mainstream education, an approach which has been proven to be of benefit to them and their families and that has been praised by the government.
Cllr Claire Holland, the Leader of Lambeth Council, joined Schools Minister Georgia Gould at Allen Edwards Primary School in Stockwell on Wednesday morning for the funding announcement that benefits Lambeth, and council’s across the country.
Cllr Holland said: “Lambeth is leading the way on providing inclusive education in mainstream settings and we were very pleased to welcome the minister to Allen Edwards this morning to see how that work is making a difference to local children and their families.
“This funding announcement for more special educational needs places at our schools is really welcome and demonstrates the constructive work that the Government are doing on this agenda.
“By creating more resources in mainstream schools we can help children who need support stay with their friendship groups and stay local to where they live. This is part of our approach to ensure the right support is there for every child that needs it.”
Lambeth Council has invested more than £10million over recent years in resources for mainstream schools and supported special schools to increase places by making best use of available educational sites.
Cllr Ben Kind, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “In Lambeth we remain fully committed to ensuring all forms of provision are available, including special schools and mainstream settings, because we want what works best for our children, our families and delivers the best community outcomes.
“I also want to thank all the schools and partners we are working with as they are playing a crucial role helping us build a more inclusive borough, where every child has the chance to thrive.”
Georgia Gould MP, the Minister for School Standards, said: “This week’s visit to Allen Edwards Primary showed the real difference that high-quality specialist provision within mainstream settings can make for pupils with SEND.
“Thanks to the vision of the school and the investment from Lambeth Council, this is making a real difference to local families today.
“Yesterday, we announced £860m of funding across England, including £3.5 million for Lambeth, to provide the same support for young people in schools across the country.”
