Down Syndrome kids like my nephew need support to reach their potential – no parent should have to fight for that

I HAVE seen how complex and stressful navigating the special educational needs system can be for a parent.

I’ve watched my brother and sister-in-law battle the system to ensure my nephew, Joseph, who has Down syndrome, gets the support he needs.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan with her nephew Joseph

Ms Keegan says she’s watched her brother and sister-in law battle the system to get support for Joseph

No parent should have to fight for that, which is why I am working to make sure as a Government we provide the right support at the right time.

There is so much potential that can be unleashed with the right support. Just look at Mar Galcerán, Spain’s first parliamentarian with Down syndrome, or Ellie Goldstein, the British model.

Or Tommy Jessop, the British actor who starred in a primetime drama, and Paula Sage, the Scottish special Olympics netball player.

I’m so proud to see so many role models from the Down syndrome community succeeding in all walks of life and inspiring the next generation.

One of the proudest moments in my ministerial career was supporting the Down Syndrome Act through Parliament.

The new law is already ensuring we meet that ambition for children with Down syndrome and over time it will help to improve the life outcomes and opportunities for those young people.

Today we are building on that work, by recognising Down syndrome in the school census.

By properly understanding the number of students with Down syndrome, we can guide future policy making, helping to achieve a truly inclusive experience for all.

This is not about just providing a seat in the classroom, it’s about creating an environment where every child across the country, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.

Recognising Down syndrome in the school census is not just a statistical formality, it is the stepping stone on a road paved with a better understanding of the educational experience of children.

This data will help us implement changes and improve the system, creating a space where every child is supported, encouraged, and celebrated.

And where we can help deliver an education that helps set every child up for a happy and productive adulthood, that truly recognises the potential of those of different abilities.

Government is reforming the special educational needs system to make it more supportive for parents and their children.

We’ve introduced our long-term strategy to reform the system and our investment in the high needs budget will have risen by over 60 per cent since 2019-20, to over £10.5 billion in 2024-25. 

I want every parent to feel that their child is being supported to reach their full potential, whether that is at school, at home, or when making the transition to independent living or entering the workplace.

That’s why our transformative Short Breaks programme has been extended to reach even more parts of the country, and why we’re introducing the Supported Internships pilot, to help young people transition from education into employment seamlessly. 

We’ve seen how truly amazing people with Down syndrome are and I commend the tireless work of those Down syndrome organisations who do so much to support families and rightly press us to help improve the lived experience of those with the condition.

And I admire the Sun’s Give It Back campaign which gives a voice to many parents who too often feel left without one. 

I want parents to know, that we’re listening, and taking action, so that every child no matter their ability, has the opportunity and the skills to create a happy and healthy adult life. 

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