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Claire Young demands answers from PM on SEND prosecutions
18 Jun 2025
Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young has written to the Prime Minister to demand answers about what steps he will take to end the scandal of parents of children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) being prosecuted for absence when schools cannot meet their needs.
At present, parents can face fines or even prison time if their child is out of school for extended periods – even if this is a result of insufficient support to meet their learning needs.
Liberal Democrat MP Claire Young asked the Prime Minister about the issue at last week’s Prime Minister’s Questions, asking him to support an amendment in the House of Lords that she has worked on, which would act as an emergency brake to stop parents facing prosecution.
In his response the Prime Minister recognised that children with SEND face ‘complex barriers’ to learning but did not agree to support the amendment and ignored Ms Young’s request for a meeting to discuss the situation.
Claire Young MP said:
“Last week I shone a spotlight on the cruel way parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are being treated. Since I asked my question, I have been overwhelmed with people getting in touch to tell their stories.
“This is a huge issue, which has affected parents right across the country. That’s why it was deeply disappointing that the Prime Minister had nothing more to say than lukewarm sentiment that lacked any clear commitment. He also failed to agree to meet with me to discuss it.
“For too long this issue has been swept under the carpet and the voices of those affected have gone unheard. I am determined to change that and ensure that we have an education system that supports learning, rather than policing classroom time.
“That’s why I have written to the Prime Minister to follow up and demand answers. He must make clear whether he is willing to back the Amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill – which would stop parents of children with SEND being prosecuted – and if not why.
“I hope that he will agree to meet with me, so I can impress upon him the need for change and highlight the real impact this is having. I won’t rest until something is done about this important issue.”
A copy of Ms Young’s letter to Keir Starmer is available below.