Education Spotlight

We understand how important it is for parents to feel confident about their child’s education and future school. Our goal is to work closely with families and education professionals to find the best environment where each child can thrive. We want to use this page to keep you informed with discussions, conversations, meetings etc that we have with SEND teams and Education Authorities.

Every voice matters and we are committed to hearing your views and concerns. We will do everything we can to ensure they are shared and considered. 

Monday 17th March 2025 

Stephen Morgan, Early Years Education Minister, and Pam Cox MP attended a morning session at Stepping Stones Play and Learn Group. Founded in 1991, Stepping Stones is an inclusive group that supports children with additional needs alongside mainstream children, as well as their parents and families.

Mr. Morgan and Ms. Cox spoke with parents and staff about the challenges related to the shortage of Special Educational Needs school placements, funding, and experience required to meet the needs of children in mainstream settings.

The discussion included the issues faced by parents when diagnosis and SEN support from the Local Authority are delayed, and the resulting impact on finding the appropriate setting for a September start, with some children remaining in nursery until a school place is available.

Both were interested in how children interact, learn together, and support each other.

Staff explained that the environment benefits both children with additional needs and mainstream children, teaching skills that are valuable into adulthood.

The visit provided an opportunity to share how inclusion works in the nursery and to discuss the challenges faced by families.