Hitchin MP demands Government listen to local SEND families

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

THURSDAY 28^th AUGUST 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, has called on the Government to put the concerns of local children and families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at the heart of their reform agenda, following packed meetings in Arlesey and Hitchin this week.

Strathern hosted two packed discussion forums of parents and carers at Arlesey Village Hall in the morning and at Highover School in Hitchin later on Tuesday August 26th, to hear first-hand the challenges families face in securing the support their children need.

Parents spoke of a lack of early support, long delays in assessments, a lack of focus on inclusive practices in schools, and the financial and emotional strain caused by a system many feel is stacked against them.

Following the meetings, Strathern will be writing to the Education Secretary and to both Central Bedfordshire Council and Hertfordshire County Council to press for urgent improvements to local SEND services and to share parents’ testimony.

Strathern has been fighting for a better deal for SEND families since he entered parliament, speaking repeatedly on this issue in Westminster and supporting countless families to secure Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and specialist placements. He has also met with local headteachers and SENCOs to understand the pressures schools face, and set up a forum of MPs and Herts Council to make and track progress on SEND issues.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“SEND families across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire are being let down by a system that too often makes them fight for the basics.

“I heard moving and powerful testimonies from parents who simply want their children to get the support they are entitled to. The Government must act to deliver a system that is fair, timely, and puts children first.

“It’s clear the problems are systemic, but the human cost is being felt right here in our communities.

“I’ll keep standing up for SEND families in Beds and Herts until we see the changes they deserve, and I’ll be making sure the Education Secretary and our councils cannot ignore what I’ve heard today.”

Notes for Editors

You can see a post from Strathern about the events here

You can find images from the events attached.