'It’s too much for them to cope with' - MP raises travel issues for children with SEND in Parliament

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan said children with high levels of need within her constituency are enduring 'exhausting' four-hour round trips to school each day due to what she claims is a lack of specialist school provision.

Speaking in Parliament, Mrs Morgan highlighted the impact that long travel times are having on vulnerable children and their families, particularly in light of the financial crisis facing local councils including Shropshire.

The MP said she has raised issues with special educational needs provision in rural counties like Shropshire with Ministers in the Labour Government, and has raised an "appalling case" of a child missing a year’s education due to a lack of local space.

She has again pushed for action from the Government.

The Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire asked in Parliament: "A severe shortage of specialist provision and a council in dire financial straits is leaving children with severe levels of need in my constituency making four hour trips, round trips to school to get to school and back every day.

"It's too much for many of them to cope with.

"Could the Secretary of State outline what steps she's taking and working with local government to reduce these journey times for children who simply can't cope with them?"

Minister for Education Catherine McKinnell replied: "The Honourable Lady raises a really important point. No child should struggle to get to school because of a lack of transport, but also no child should have to travel great distances if there can be a place in their local mainstream school that is inclusive and appropriate. 

"And, that is what we are determined to deliver for all children, to relieve both, make sure they get the best opportunities, but also for their families too."