Properly-funded special needs support could help pupils at risk of exclusion. Almost half of school pupils excluded have identified Special Educational Needs, according to a review of school exclusion published yesterday.

From speaking to parents, teachers, pupils and school staff, it is clear that schools in Bristol need more money to help them support these students.

In his response, the Secretary of State admitted things have been “very difficult” for schools. He went on to argue that per-pupil funding has remained constant, which is misleading. If you factor in higher costs and inflation, school spending per pupil fell by 8% in real terms between 2009–10 and 2017–18, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. As a result, special needs support has been cut across the country.

I will continue to challenge the government on this. These funding cuts are failing the students, parents and hard-working teachers.

Watch the intervention.

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