SEE EVERY NEED
From early-intervention to wrap-around care, and from EHCPs to reasonable adjustments, I want what parents across Southend West and Leigh want: a SEND system that works for all and isn't about getting the luck of the draw.
See Every Need is about routing local voices into national policy as the SEND system is reformed and brought back from the brink, but it's also about helping young people and their families today as they navigate a very difficult path through to getting what that young person needs to thrive.
What is See Every Need?
Everyone knows that the Government inherited a broken SEND system when it entered into office in July 2024. I have witnessed first-hand how the system is entirely unsuitable for the SEND landscape, for the families and children it should be supporting and protecting, and for holding itself and other stakeholders to account when things do not go the way they should.
See Every Need is designed to amplify the voices of those in Southend West and Leigh and help be a part of the solution.
Inform Policy Changes
I want local voices to be at the heart of policymaking in Westminster. Only then can change and reform actually work for people who need it.
Improve Outcomes
The SEND system is holding local children back right now. My team and I are here to help young people and their families through this.
Work With Stakeholders
I'm working with parents, schools, charities, community groups, the Council, and experts on getting better resources for all.
Phase One Completed!
After a fantastic discussion event in Summer, and further submissions from parents and stakeholders alike, I met with the Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould MP, to submit my See Every Need Report to the Department for Education.
Including a wide variety of suggestions, experiences, and honest and frank assessments, this report will form part of the decision-making process as the Government look to reform the SEND system.
You can read the report, and the letter from the Minister in reply, here!
Phase Two Completed!
The first See Every Need report had received great feedback from the Department for Education, and so when we were asked to contribute once again to the process of SEND reform, I knew we had to make sure it was done with as many different voices around the table as possible.
That's why in January 2026 I held a workshop with local parents of young people with SEND, and representatives from the Southend SEND Independent Forum, SEND the Right Message, and the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board where we discussed what material and tangible improvements to the SEND system looks like. This then formed the basis of the 2026 See Every Need Workshop Report.
I'm delighted that this was submitted to the Secretary of State and she considered it as part of her wider SEND reform proposals - you can read the report and her response by clicking the links here!
UPDATE: Schools White Paper Published!
In February 2026, the Government published its Schools White Paper entitled "Every Child Achieving and Thriving"!
I'm encouraged that a large amount of the suggestions and proposals put forward by See Every Need contributors from Southend West and Leigh has been echoed in the final White Paper, and I have no doubt that these contributions were considered during the policy process.
What Parents Need To Know About Changes To The SEND System
Changes to the SEND system will naturally bring questions and anxieties for families, parents, and carers.
Click below for some more details on the FAQs around the White Paper, provided by the Department for Education's Education Hub!
SEND Reform: Open Consultation On Government Proposals
The Government are consulting on proposals to reform the SEND system, aim to improve help and support for children and young people with SEND from 0 to 25 years old.
The Government would like to hear from everyone who has an interest in the reforms, so click below to take part!
Phase Three Completed!
With the first two See Every Need reports being compiled before the Schools White Paper was published, it was great to be given the opportunity to collaborate once again with local residents who had previously contributed for a third time to dig deeper into the proposals.
March 2026's See Every Need Discussion Forum centred on what the proposed SEND reforms get right, what they don't quite address yet, and what tweaks need to be made, as I was joined by local parents and representatives from the ICB, Southend SEND Independent Forum, SEND The Right Message, and The St Christopher School.
With some very useful and insightful suggestions and feedback, this then formed the basis of the 2026 See Every Need Discussion Forum Report.
This has now been submitted to the Secretary of State and Minister for School Standards - click here to read it for yourself!
See Every Need is for anyone who wants to be a part of improving the SEND system.
If you are struggling with the SEND system as a parent or young person, or you're a community stakeholder wanting to offer help or advice, please do reach out to me.