Adam Dance calls for UK SEND services to be protected

Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has backed calls for SEND services to be classified as critical national infrastructure to prevent offshore private equity firms from profiting from support intended for vulnerable children.

The proposal comes as the government publishes its SEND white paper.

Mr Dance said: “It is wrong that while parents in Yeovil are fighting for assessments and basic support, some private equity-backed providers are making excessive profits from the system.

“Children with SEND are not a business opportunity.

“Public money should go into classrooms, specialist staff, and therapies, not into offshore companies.

“That is why I support classifying SEND services as critical national infrastructure.

“It would give the government the power to step in where takeovers are not in the public interest and make sure children come first.”

If accepted, the proposal would give the government greater powers to review and block takeovers of SEND providers that are not in the best interests of children.

The cost of private SEND provision has risen sharply in recent years, placing significant financial pressure on councils in Somerset and across the country.

Nationally, high-needs spending has exceeded available funding by hundreds of millions of pounds each year, leading to large SEND deficits for many authorities.

Mr Dance said: “We must also tackle profiteering.

“Capping excessive profits and strengthening oversight are essential if we are serious about rebuilding trust and making sure funding reaches the children who need it.”

He has also used parliamentary written questions to press ministers on early identification and dyslexia screening, following concerns raised in a report by the British Dyslexia Association.

He said: “The SEND system is failing too many families.

“Reform must put children first, protect legal rights, invest in early identification, and expand specialist capacity.”

Mr Dance said he will continue working with families, schools and Somerset Council to push for reforms that ensure the SEND system is fair, transparent and delivers better outcomes for children.