Government launches 'public reading' of the Children and Families Bill

18 February 2013

Take action!! Tell MPs working on the Bill how they can make it work better for disabled children and young people

The House of Commons has launched a new web forum enabling members of the public to comment on the Children and Families Bill, including reforms to the system of support for disabled children and young people: http://www.parliament.uk/business/bills-and-legislation/public-reading/children-and-families-bill/special-educational-needs/ . This opportunity will be available until Tuesday 26^th February.

The Children and Families Bill will improve integrated support for disabled children and young people, but only if they have an identified special educational need. A Committee of MPs will shortly be tasked with looking at the Bill in detail to consider whether any changes should be made to it before it becomes law. A summary of comments left on the web forum will be made available to MPs on the Committee so that they can take them into account when considering the Bill.

The public reading will close on 26^th February to allow time for comments to be collated and made available to MPs on the Bill Committee as it begins its work. This is an excellent opportunity for members of the public to directly influence MPs.

The Every Disabled Child Matters campaign (EDCM) is urging children and young people with special educational needs, disabilities and health conditions, their families and those who campaign with them, to use this opportunity to actively influence the Bill. EDCM has created a briefing for supporters on the Bill and what we would like MPs to ask the Government to do to strengthen the Bill.

Take Action!! Tell MPs working on the Bill how they can make it work better for disabled children and young people