WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols has welcomed the rollout of early SEND support through the government’s new Best Start Family Hubs.
Following the announcement of Best Start Family Hubs earlier in the year which will provide practical parenting support, from April, every Hub will include a dedicated SEND practitioner. This will offer clear guidance for families, earlier developmental checks for children, and rapid access to specialist support.
Speech and language groups, health visitors, parenting support and SEND advice will be brought together under one roof, creating a single, accessible point of help for parents.
Seven in ten of the new hubs will open in the communities hit hardest by past cuts – ensuring families who were left behind for years are finally put first.
This investment forms an important part of Labour’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity, rebuild public services, and ensure that every child is given the best possible start in life.
More widely, Labour is committed to creating a reformed SEND system that will stand the test of time.
Ms Nichols said: “For too long, families of children with SEND have been left to struggle alone as successive Tory governments ignored their needs. That ends now.
“Many constituents have written to me over the years who have had difficulty accessing the support they need to help their child flourish.
“I am proud that this Labour government is taking real action to give our children the support they deserve – because every child, no matter what their circumstances, should have the best possible start in life.”
Labour’s Education Secretary Bridget Philipson said: “Giving every child the best start in life means revitalising family support so that parents can rely on it once again.
“Nowhere is that support more important than for families of children with SEND, where early, expert help can make all the difference not only for parents, but for children’s life chances.
“And now, local councils will need to work with us to put Best Start Family Hubs in the heart of communities, in service of the families who need them most, and on the frontline of our battle to break the link between background and success.”
