FEEDBACK given by fed-up Barnsley parents who claimed their children’s special educational needs were not being met has helped shape a ‘landmark’ reform which will provide more training to teachers.

Backed by £200m, new courses available to all teaching staff will deepen knowledge of how to adapt their teaching to meet a wide range of needs in Barnsley’s classrooms, including visual impairments and speech and language needs, according to the town’s MPs.

Teachers will learn about the things that can transform how children access education, such as using assistive technology - like speech to text dictation tools - and building awareness of additional needs amongst all pupils.

Underpinning the training will be a new expectation set out in the SEND Code of Practice, confirming that all staff in every nursery, school and college should receive training on SEND and inclusion.

Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock, who is a former teacher, said: “SEND is one of the issues that people contact me about the most.

“I know that, from the emails I receive and conversations I have with local people, there is a consensus that the SEND system needs to change.

“By creating specialist places and upskilling teachers, Labour is making sure need is identified earlier, help comes more quickly and parents don’t have to fight tooth and nail for the support they deserve.

“Crucially, this move shows Labour is listening - to experts, to parents and to MPs - as we transform the ‘lose, lose, lose’ system the Tories left behind into one where every child can achieve and thrive.”

This week’s announcement is set to build on Labour’s investment to deliver more inclusive spaces in mainstream schools and forms a ‘central pillar’ for SEND reform, supporting those educating children from their earliest years, through to age 25.

The new training offer will help restore parents’ confidence that their children will be supported throughout every stage of their education, according to Ms Peacock.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson MP, added: “Every child, wherever they live and whatever their needs, should have the opportunity to go to a local school where they can achieve and thrive.

“That’s why we’re equipping staff across every stage of their education with more training on SEND and inclusion than ever before - helping to deliver our vision of a truly inclusive education system.

“This is a key part of our mission to reform the SEND system so that schools can take children from forgotten to included and give parents the confidence that the right support will be there at every stage of their child’s education.”

About 3,000 education, health and care plans (EHCPs) are in place in Barnsley, which aims to offer tailored support centred around an individual child’s own specific needs.

It’s hoped the investment will provide better outcomes for those in receipt of EHCPs following years of campaigning by disgruntled parents and carers in the town.

Ms Peacock told the Chronicle: “This money could be used to adapt classrooms for those with accessibility requirements, or create specialist facilities within mainstream schools to meet pupils’ needs, for example.

“Labour will prioritise improving opportunity for children with SEND.

“I know this will be important news for many families in Barnsley.”