There are many barriers facing neurodiverse children and young people in accessing the support they desperately need.

These include fragmented support pathways, poor communication between service providers, insufficient training, a lack of school funding to support children, the risks associated with transitions between services, chronic underfunding, and, in some cases, demographic factors that exacerbate these challenges.

In Leigh and Atherton, 16.5% of pupils receive SEN support.

This is higher than both the regional average of 14.0% and the national average of 13.6%.

Yet, despite these higher-than-average numbers, these figures do not paint the full picture.

I hear time and time again from my constituents about the significant struggles facing neurodivergent children, young people, and their families.

These include long waiting times, difficulty accessing services due to shortages, and the prevalent issue of both misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis.

I am concerned that the current state of the system is unsustainable as the pressures continue to mount, threatening the much-needed support children with SEN rely on.

We need a more streamlined process that better identifies and addresses the unique needs of every child.

Nationally, the government recently announced a £740 million investment in the creation of new specialist places in mainstream schools.

The new funding will be used to adapt classrooms to be more accessible for children with SEND, and to create specialist facilities that can deliver more intensive support in keeping with pupils’ needs.

This is welcome, alongside other measures that the government is prioritising, such as the introduction of curriculum changes designed to make learning more inclusive.

These changes are crucial as they aim to shift the focus from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more flexible, strengths-based curriculum.

Kellie Williams, the local authority’s SEND service manager, also attended, who outlined the council’s seven-year plan and the commitment from more than a dozen schools in the borough to host specialist SEND units on site.

From September, there will be an expansion of SEND provision in the borough, with 32 additional places being made available at Oakfield High School and College.

There are also plans to increase the intake at Rowan Tree Primary School once they relocate to a new site in Leigh.

The Wigan Parent Carer Forum, alongside exceptional local Community Interest Companies (CICs) like MySENsibility, are invaluable in helping children and families in my constituency access support, navigate a complex system, and create a space for them to connect with other families and share their experiences.

If we prioritise SEN support in primary and nursery settings, we can ensure that children receive the right support from the outset, before they transition to their next stage of education.

This, of course, requires investment in mainstream schools directed at SEN-specific training across all educational environments.

I am committed to creating an education system that ensures SEN children, staff, and families feel comfortable and well-supported.

I believe much-needed investment and attention in this area would significantly reduce suspensions and exclusions associated with unmet needs.

Ultimately, we cannot afford to overlook children with SEN.

They deserve the opportunity to thrive, just like every other child.

If you are a constituent in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at jo.platt.mp@parliament.uk.

The Wigan Parent Carer Forum can also be contacted at admin@wiganpcf.org.uk / 01942 939668.

Note: This article was originally published on the Leigh Journal website, on Friday 16 May, 2025.