Commenting on a new Education Committee report calling for root and branch reform of SEND support in mainstream schools, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"MPs have shown an understanding that the SEND crisis needs drastic solutions which are not cheap. The forthcoming Education White Paper must reflect this and provide radical but essential solutions in its proposals.
"Families as well as teachers and leaders will welcome the recognition that mainstream schools need additional resources to meet SEND need.
"Any 'root and branch' change to the system has to come from government. It must be more than just increased teacher and support staff CPD. The sector needs a firm commitment to a more understanding and inclusive behaviour and attendance model. We also need reform of the curriculum, assessment and accountability that has inclusion at its core.
"The NEU has long campaigned for improvements on child poverty and specifically the removal of the two-child benefit cap. This reminder to government to continue its focus on tackling poverty as part of the inclusion agenda must be taken seriously.
"Teachers and support staff stand ready alongside pupils and their families to work with the government on getting SEND provision right and building a more inclusive education system so that every child can thrive."