Richard held constituency roundtables and launched a SEND survey to ensure that island voices are heard as the government looks to transform the SEND system.
Supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has been one of the key issues raised by constituents to Richard Quigley. On the Isle of Wight, where many families rely on tailored support and inclusive education, ensuring that SEND services are accessible, effective, and responsive is absolutely vital.
In September, Richard launched a new SEND survey, inviting constituents to share their experiences and views. Whether it’s access to assessments, support in schools, or transitions into adulthood, he emphasised that every voice matters, and that this survey is a key step in making sure those voices are heard.
To deepen his understanding and ensure families are directly shaping local priorities, Richard has also been holding a series of SEND roundtables with parents and carers across the Island. These sessions have provided a safe space for families to speak candidly about their experiences, what’s working, what isn’t, and where change is most urgently needed. Their insights are already informing Richard’s ongoing work with local authorities and ministers to push for improvements in SEND provision.
Richard commented on this work:
“As we move forward, I’ll continue working with parents, educators, and local authorities to ensure that SEND services reflect the needs of our community,” he said. “Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and together, we can make that a reality.”
