NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

NOVEMBER 2025

It is clear that the current SEND system is not working. 

Too many families and their children struggle to get the support they need, despite the best efforts of our schools and colleges who are themselves suffering the consequences of years of underinvestment.

As a former volunteer youth worker, teacher, and council leader, I have long been passionate about doing everything in my power to help children get the best start in life regardless of their background or additional needs. 

This is a priority for the Labour government too. We recognise that things need to change. The recently published Curriculum and Assessment Review is a start, and Ministers will shortly be publishing a White Paper setting out proposals to improve our Schools and SEND provision.

I want to make sure the voices of families in St Helens North are heard at those highest levels and help to shape any forthcoming changes. 

The feedback I have received from dozens of parents, carers, advocates, teachers, headteachers and SENDCOs have informed this report, which has been presented to Ministers in the Department for Education.

I hope it is also informative for families in St Helens North and all those with an interest in improving outcomes for children.

We need to reform the system to make sure that no child is left behind, and I hope the views of families and schools in St Helens North will help to inform and influence the change we need.

Thank you to all those who shared their personal experiences, and thank you to all our schools for everything they do.

David 

MAY 2026

The government published its long-awaited reform proposals earlier this year and you can read them here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/every-child-achieving-and-thriving

The proposals were open for consultation until 18th May, and I spoke with many local families and schools to hear their views and submit my own response to Ministers. You can read it below.

Thank you again to all those who have contacted me and taken the time to share comments, questions and suggestions for how we can make sure every child gets an appropriate education and the best possible support.

If you require support with this issue or have views you would like to share, please do continue to get in touch with me: david.baines.mp@parliament.uk

Best wishes,

David