Throughout 2008 Sharon worked on the Special Educational Needs (Information) Act, which was designed to improve the information about outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs.

Sharon firmly believes that it is only through better information about the provision for children with SEN that campaigners and parents can be equipped with the tools that they need to fight for a better future. The Bill received Royal Assent at the end of 2008 and Sharon is now working with the Department of Children Schools and Families (DCSF) to agree on a plan for implementing the provisions of the Bill. The new powers to be exercised by the Secretary of State are to collect and publish more information but there remains plenty of work to be done in finalising just how these powers will be used.

Sharon has also been enquiring of Ministers how often - children who are referred to educational psychologists - are tested for food allergies. It is very important that children are not unnecessarily tagged with the 'naughty label' when in fact, it is a simple food-related problem causing discomfort and a lack of congestion. Sadly the answers which came back were far from helpful and can be seen here.

Sharon spoke during the debate on the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill. She was keen to ensure that children with special educational needs would be covered by the Bill and that they would have opportunities to carry out apprenticeships. Sharon hopes that better training for teachers and better provision for young people will in turn help children with a special educational needs.

Sharon said during the debate, “I am committed to trying to raise awareness in our schools of the extra challenges faced by pupils with special educational needs and medical conditions… It is great to see that so much attention has been paid to ensuring that the changes in the Bill will benefit all children and young people. It builds on DCSF’s agenda for supporting children with special educational needs and will complement the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme, the children’s plan, the eminent Bercow review, the Lamb inquiry, the Rose review and the forthcoming Ofsted review.”

For a full copy of the speech, click here.

Sharon gave her full support to Dyslexia Action's Partnership for Literacy scheme, hosting and speaking at a reception in Parliament to celebrate the success of the project. It has been running in several schools across the country, including Farne primary school in Newcastle. The scheme provides excellent support for staff and pupils with dyslexia, enabling them to grow in self-confidence and reading ability. The scheme has been praised by teachers, parents and MPs and has provided pupils with excellent progress so far. Secretary of State, Ed Balls, was also in attendance to offer his support.

For more information about the event, click here.

Dyslexia Action website

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Sharon Hodgson MP
House of Commons,
London SW1A 0AA

E-mail: hodgsons@parliament.uk

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