Schools Minister visits Minerva Primary Academy

Wednesday 3 December 2025

Schools Minister visits Minerva Primary Academy

Schools Minister Georgia Gould visited Minerva Primary Academy (MPA) this week for a face-to-face meeting with academy staff and colleagues from across the region to hear their views on the Department for Education’s planned reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.

During the visit, Ms Gould listened to insights from practitioners on proposals to introduce a new national framework for the support available to pupils with SEND. These discussions will help shape the government’s longer-term reform plans.

The DfE has announced new plans to host regional and online engagement events designed to ‘put parents’ experiences at the heart of SEND reform’. The programme will gather public views on a range of ideas put forward by experts and think tanks, including:

  • The creation of a national framework for SEND support across all settings
  • Written records of support for every child
  • Access to independent advocacy for families

The new consultation activity comes after the government’s decision to delay publication of the Schools White Paper – expected to outline its vision for the future SEND system – until 2026.

Engagement events will explore five key themes of early intervention, local provision, fairness, effective practice and collaboration.

Ms Gould said: “For too long, families have felt unheard and left to battle a system that simply doesn’t deliver for their children.

“We’re committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity for children with SEND, which is why we’re putting lived experience at the heart of our reforms and creating a direct line to parents across the nation.

“We want this to be the biggest national conversation on SEND in a generation, and I urge parents, teachers and all those with views to participate and help us deliver lasting reform.”

A spokesperson for the Cabot Learning Federation said: “We were pleased to welcome the Schools Minister to Minerva Primary Academy and to share the experiences of our staff, pupils and families.

“Ensuring every child receives the support they need is central to our mission, and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to a national discussion that puts children’s needs and parental voices first.”