Political Opinion: Hemel Hempstead MP David Taylor’s SEND Consultation has now been published in a new report
David Taylor MP’s Consultation on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Hemel Hempstead has now been analysed and published in a new report setting out key findings, key themes and key messages from the constituency to be taken directly to Ministers in the Department for Education and Hertfordshire County Council.
In November 2025, David Taylor MP launched a survey to hear directly from parents, carers, and educators about the challenges of securing the right support for children with SEND. The results of that survey have now been published into a new report: Giving all children the start they deserve: SEND services in Hemel Hempstead, available here: https://shorturl.at/qOiJO
The survey was completed by 119 people across Hemel Hempstead, around 90% of which described themselves as a parent, carer, or young person with SEND. Respondents were connected to 108 different schools or settings, including both mainstream and specialist schools, reflecting the widespread nature of SEND challenges across the area.
Respondents shared their views on the process to receiving an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for their child, their biggest challenges, changes they would like to see, and the message they want David Taylor MP to take to the Department for Education.
Key survey statistics
- Only 52 percent said their child has an EHCP
- Among those who have received an EHCP, 80 percent waited more than a year
- Among those with an EHCP, 53 percent said the plan does not fully meet their child’s needs, while 47 percent said it does
- More than half of respondents rated their support at 1 or 2 out of 5, with only 13 percent feeling very well supported
Main challenges respondents are facing in the SEND system
- EHCP process: frustrations with long delays and missed deadlines
- Schools and services under pressure: with children on reduced timetables for long periods, specialist placements being scarce and oversubscribed, and overstretched staff who do not always have the time or training to meet complex needs
- A system that is hard to navigate: parents are met with confusing processes and inconsistent information, with families being passed between schools and services
- Missing services and support: lack of suitable specialist school places, limited access to therapies and mental health support and lack of respite
- Feeling blamed rather than supported: many feel that they are not listened to, and treated like problems rather than partners
Key messages respondents are calling for include: faster and fairer assessments, more specialist places, adequate funding for rising need, better trained and better supported staff, and clearer communication and a more human approach.
In the coming weeks, David Taylor MP will be taking the findings of the report and the constituency’s messages directly to Ministers in the Department for Education and officials in Hertfordshire County Council. Families will be kept updated on the progress of this campaign.
In addition, David Taylor MP will convene a meeting in Hemel Hempstead to bring together parents, carers, schools, specialist providers and local organisations to discuss the findings and agree key priorities for action.