A MULTI-million-pound boost to make sure children with special educational needs and disabilities reach their potential has been welcomed by a North Hampshire MP. 

Ranil Jayawardena, MP for North East Hampshire, has welcomed the news that the county will benefit from more than £26m in government funding to make sure children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) receive an education that meets their needs.

Mr Jayawardena said: “I want every child in my constituency to have the opportunity to reach their potential, so it is vital that children with SEND and AP get the support and resources they need.

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“Having spoken up for education since my election, I am pleased to see that the Government is committing over £26m in Hampshire to secure the education that meets the needs of children with SEND, as the Government sticks to the plan to deliver on their promise of a brighter future for this generation and the next.”

The Government is investing a record annual £850m in councils, to create new places for young people with SEND and AP in mainstream and special schools.

This will provide specialist support for children with autism, learning difficulties, mobility difficulties, and more to meet their extra needs.

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Since coming into office, the Government has opened 108 new special schools, with a further 92 on the way, so every child can access the right support at the right time, and benefit from a full education.

This marks a tripling in previous levels of investment, with a £2.6 billion package from 2022 to 2025.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “We are taking another step to ensure our education system provides all children with the very best start in life.  

“We are making sure no parent has to battle to get the right type of school to meet their needs, and improving the school estate so all children are taught in the best classrooms for generations to come.”