Policy work General election 2024: our manifesto for making the SEND system work General election 2024: our manifesto for making the SEND system work All children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have a legal right to an education that meets their individual needs. But too many children and young people with SEND do not receive the support they need because the law is routinely not applied. We believe there is a real opportunity to change this situation, but it requires decisive action from the next government. This isn’t about empty promises or warm words – we need a change in attitudes to the law to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are entitled to. Families should not have to fight or overcome enormous barriers to secure educational provision for their children. Over the coming weeks, your involvement can help us urge the next government to tackle the SEND crisis. Explore our key areas of focus that are essential to resolving the SEND crisis, and learn how you can support this cause by contacting your local candidates. Read our manifesto The next government must prioritise making the SEND system work. Our manifesto outlines the four areas of focus that we consider key to achieving this. You can read our manifesto in an accessible online format or download it as PDF. Read manifesto online Download manifesto Contact your local candidates If you would like to write to your local candidates about SEND, there is a draft letter below to give you some ideas about what you might say. You can find out who your local candidates are by entering your postcode in this online tool. "I am reaching out to you as a local voter in [insert constituency] who strongly believes that there should be a greater political focus on supporting children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The system for supporting children and young people with SEND is in crisis, affecting numerous families within our community. Children and young people’s rights and entitlements are clearly enshrined in the existing SEND legal framework, but too many children and young people with SEND do not currently receive the special educational provision and wider support they need because the law is widely disregarded. This widespread non-compliance with the law has long-term negative consequences for children and young people’s education and overall well-being. If immediate political action is not taken, many children will continue to be deprived of the support they are legally entitled to. This not only impacts their education but also affects their future opportunities and quality of life. The current lack of accountability allows local authorities to ignore their statutory responsibilities without facing any repercussions, leaving families to navigate a challenging and often adversarial system. The existing SEND framework has the potential to transform the provision and support that children and young people with SEND receive, if it is fully implemented. We need leaders who will uphold and enforce the law to ensure every child receives the education and support they need. As a voter in your constituency, I urge you to prioritise this critical issue. I would appreciate an outline of your perspective on addressing the SEND crisis, as well as making it a central issue in your campaign and, if elected, in your work as our Member of Parliament. For further information, I recommend reading IPSEA's manifesto or contacting their team at [email protected]. Your position on this matter will greatly influence my voting decision in the upcoming election. I look forward to your response and hope to see a strong commitment to supporting children and young people with SEND on your platform." Manage Cookie Preferences