Freeman calls for better SEND support for rural schools
10 March 2025
George Freeman calls on the Government to ensure better SEND support for small rural schools.
SEND support in our local schools
How we take care of, and educate, some of our most vulnerable people is a measure of us as a society. EVERYONE has the right to a good education.
That’s why, throughout my time as the MP for Mid Norfolk, I have paid particularly attention to SEND provision in our part of the world – both in mainstream education as well as in more specialised schools like Chapel Green School at Old Buckenham and Fred Nicholson School in Dereham.
I have consistently lobbied ministers and officials for greater funding for our rural schools. I also helped Chapel Green School move from their old, cramped, unfit for purpose site in Attleborough and into their brand new, state-of-the-art facility at Old Buckenham, and I am now supporting Jane Hayman and the wonderful team at Fred Nicholson School in Dereham as they look to find a long term solution to their deteriorating current site – whether that be a new school being built on the existing site or a move to a brand new, state-of-the-art facility of their own nearby.
Details on all this work can be found in the webstories below.
To stay up to date with all of work in this area, please do check regularly back here.
SEND Support in our Local Schools - Latest News
Highlighting the need for more investment in SEND provision in rural areas
9 October 2024
I spoke yesterday in a Westminster Hall debate on SEND provision in the East of England, highlighting the impact of the recent surge in demand which is overwhelming schools in mid-Norfolk and the need for the funding formula to properly account for rural costs.
George Freeman highlights high demand for SEND provision and need to account for rural costs
8 October 2024
George Freeman speaks in a debate on SEND provision in the East of England, highlighting the impact of the recent surge in demand which is overwhelming schools in mid-Norfolk and the need for the funding formula to properly account for rural costs.
George Freeman highlights the need for a more integrated approach to supporting the Early Years, Mental Health & Social Care needs of children
9 September 2024
George Freeman calls on the Government to support early years education in the Budget, in particular he highlights the need to better integrate mental health support, learning difficulty support and social care support into just one network of support.
