16 July 2012
Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, today attended the launch in Parliament of a new report into the reform of the Special Educational Needs system for children with autism. This comes following research in which 84% of respondents said teachers are not given enough training to support children with autism effectively.
The report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism (APPGA) proposes that:
Welcoming the report, Children's Minister Sarah Teather MP said:
"I welcome the APPG for Autism's report. It is based on a serious inquiry, which involved young people and their parents and took evidence from a wide range of people, in keeping with the spirit of our special educational needs and disability reforms.
"I am considering all aspects of the report and welcome the ongoing contribution of individuals, parents and organisations from the sector.
"I am pleased to say that action on some of its key recommendations is already being taken".
The launch was attended by MPs, Peers and educational professionals as well as parents of children with autism. Josie Ryan and Jacob Denness, two young people with autism, spoke at the event about their experience.
Josie Ryan, Youth Patron of Ambitious About Autism said:
"I know what it feels like to be the invisible one in a mainstream school surrounded by teachers who have no idea. I also know what it feels like to have a teacher who points out everything I can do and what I am good at rather than what I can't do. Now that I have got the help that I need, I want to get as many, if not all, young people who need support in education the help they need so they can achieve what they want to."
Jacob Denness, Young Campaigner for the National Autistic Society said:
"MPs need to be pushy for people with autism in their constituency. We have taken the first steps to helping every child and person with autism and it's up to you to push for more."
Peter Aldous said: "This report offers essential recommendations to the Government on getting the system right for children and young people with autism. I hope the Government implement it fully in their reforms to the special educational needs system. Currently, too many families have to fight to have their children's needs met at school and beyond. The changes must ensure that more children and young adults with autism in Waveney have access to the most appropriate education and post-16 support for their needs, which sets them up for the rest of their lives."
For a copy of the report please contact appga@nas.org.uk
The report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism (APPGA) proposes that:
- Every school has a lead teacher for autism
- All children and young people with autism and special educational needs (SEN) have an action plan (including those without Statements or the proposed Education, Health and Care Plans)
- There is meaningful support for all young people with autism and SEN up to 25 years, including those not in further education
Welcoming the report, Children's Minister Sarah Teather MP said:
"I welcome the APPG for Autism's report. It is based on a serious inquiry, which involved young people and their parents and took evidence from a wide range of people, in keeping with the spirit of our special educational needs and disability reforms.
"I am considering all aspects of the report and welcome the ongoing contribution of individuals, parents and organisations from the sector.
"I am pleased to say that action on some of its key recommendations is already being taken".
The launch was attended by MPs, Peers and educational professionals as well as parents of children with autism. Josie Ryan and Jacob Denness, two young people with autism, spoke at the event about their experience.
Josie Ryan, Youth Patron of Ambitious About Autism said:
"I know what it feels like to be the invisible one in a mainstream school surrounded by teachers who have no idea. I also know what it feels like to have a teacher who points out everything I can do and what I am good at rather than what I can't do. Now that I have got the help that I need, I want to get as many, if not all, young people who need support in education the help they need so they can achieve what they want to."
Jacob Denness, Young Campaigner for the National Autistic Society said:
"MPs need to be pushy for people with autism in their constituency. We have taken the first steps to helping every child and person with autism and it's up to you to push for more."
Peter Aldous said: "This report offers essential recommendations to the Government on getting the system right for children and young people with autism. I hope the Government implement it fully in their reforms to the special educational needs system. Currently, too many families have to fight to have their children's needs met at school and beyond. The changes must ensure that more children and young adults with autism in Waveney have access to the most appropriate education and post-16 support for their needs, which sets them up for the rest of their lives."
For a copy of the report please contact appga@nas.org.uk
