This week, Newlife Charity Director Rachel Perrin joined a Labour Party Conference fringe panel hosted by the Education Policy Institute, Dingley’s Promise, Sense and Newlife, alongside attendees including Minister for Early Education, Paul Waugh MP.
The event brought together leaders from government, charities and education to discuss how better investment in early-years support for children with SEND can improve outcomes for children, families and public services.
Drawing on the experiences of families supported by Newlife, Rachel highlighted the impact that delays in accessing essential equipment can have on disabled children.
“Too many children can’t access education and early years provision because they lack the equipment they need. Children’s needs cannot be met in education if they cannot get through the school gates in the first place.”
Rachel Perrin, Newlife Charity director
The discussion focused on the importance of early intervention, prevention and joined-up support, reinforcing the need for stronger links between education, health and equipment provision so families receive help before reaching crisis point.
Key recommendations:
- Earlier access to specialist support without waiting for diagnosis.
- Protecting families’ rights to education, health and social care support.
- Greater investment in SEND expertise and workforce training.
- Better coordination between education, health and social care services.
- Sufficient funding to enable genuinely inclusive early years provision.
This was a great opportunity to bring families’ experiences directly into national policy discussions and directly to the Minister. Newlife will continue to champion the practical changes families tell us they need, helping ensure disabled children receive the right support at the right time.”