On 16th July, Skipton and Ripon MP, Julian Smith called on the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, to commit to introducing mandatory autism and neurodiversity training for all teachers and school staff
This follows the upcoming Special Educational Needs (SEN) Bill.
You can watch the full video of Smith's question and Starmer's response:
Today at #PMQs I urged @Keir_Starmer to include mandatory autism and neurodiversity training for all teachers in the upcoming SEN Bill.
— Julian Smith (@JulianSmithUK) July 16, 2025
Understanding the needs of autistic children is essential to fixing our SEND system. #SEND #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity @Autism… pic.twitter.com/Gb8GV9LCFc
Speaking in the House of Commons, Julian said:
“A much better understanding of the particular needs of autistic and neurodiverse children is vital to expand capacity in mainstream education for SEN pupils”
”Can I urge him, as he looks at this bill over the summer, to introduce mandatory training for all teachers and all staff on autism and neurodiversity?”
In response, Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the failures of the current system faced by children with special educational needs and committed to working with MPs across the House of Commons to deliver reform.
This intervention is the latest in Julian’s long-standing campaign to improve support for autistic children and their families.
He has previously raised the issue with both the Secretary of State for Education and through his work on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

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