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Julian Smith fights for SEND training and autism support in Commons

Tuesday, 24 February 2026 at 08:35

Julian Smith

The MP for Skipton and Ripon, Julian Smith, has called for statutory training requirements for school staff.

This is part of reforms to support children with special educational needs and disabilities, known as SEND.

During a ministerial statement on Every Child Achieving and Thriving, Mr Smith welcomed elements of the Government’s current SEND consultation but asked the Education Secretary to clarify whether proposed staff training would be placed on a statutory footing.

He also sought confirmation that autism, including specific profiles such as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), would be central to any new training requirements for education staff.

Responding in the Commons, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged a significant rise in need relating to autism.

She confirmed that a new requirement would be set out in the SEND Code of Practice to ensure all education settings provide training on SEND and inclusion.

The Government says this expectation will apply across early years settings, schools and colleges, and will be supported by investment to help deliver the changes.

Speaking after the exchange, Mr Smith said:

“Children with SEND, particularly those with autism, need teachers and staff who are fully equipped with the knowledge and understanding to support them.

"Training must be consistent, comprehensive and embedded across the system.

"I will continue to press for clarity and accountability to ensure no child is left behind.”

Mr Smith has previously campaigned for improvements to SEND provision and autism support, both locally in North Yorkshire and nationally.

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