Nick Babb

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Foreigner

Cold As Ice

Listen Live Podcasts

Julian Smith fights for SEND training and autism support in Commons

Tuesday, 24 February 2026 08:35

Julian Smith

The MP for Skipton and Ripon, Julian Smith, has called for statutory training requirements for school staff.

This is part of reforms to support children with special educational needs and disabilities, known as SEND.

During a ministerial statement on Every Child Achieving and Thriving, Mr Smith welcomed elements of the Government’s current SEND consultation but asked the Education Secretary to clarify whether proposed staff training would be placed on a statutory footing.

He also sought confirmation that autism, including specific profiles such as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), would be central to any new training requirements for education staff.

Responding in the Commons, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged a significant rise in need relating to autism.

She confirmed that a new requirement would be set out in the SEND Code of Practice to ensure all education settings provide training on SEND and inclusion.

The Government says this expectation will apply across early years settings, schools and colleges, and will be supported by investment to help deliver the changes.

Speaking after the exchange, Mr Smith said:

“Children with SEND, particularly those with autism, need teachers and staff who are fully equipped with the knowledge and understanding to support them.

"Training must be consistent, comprehensive and embedded across the system.

"I will continue to press for clarity and accountability to ensure no child is left behind.”

Mr Smith has previously campaigned for improvements to SEND provision and autism support, both locally in North Yorkshire and nationally.

More from Local news

Skipton BID asks traders to join Yorkshire Day 2026

Skipton BID is calling on local traders to join the Yorkshire Day celebrations in the town this year.
New Litter Awards to recognise local environmental heroes

The new Thomas Black Local Litter Awards aim to recognise volunteers, groups and businesses improving our local environment and celebrate efforts in litter clearing, conservation and community engagement.
Local runners take on the London Marathon to support Children’s Charity

Two dedicated fundraisers, Joe Gaughan and Simon Horsfall, are preparing to take on the iconic London Marathon this year in support of Skipton based, The Principle Trust Children’s Charity.
Council plans to introduce 50p charge for public toilets

Plans to introduce a 50p charge for using some public toilets across North Yorkshire are set to be considered by councillors later this month.
North Yorkshire Council launches legal action over road repair funding decision

North Yorkshire Council has begun legal action against York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (CA) over a decision which council chiefs say will mean a £20m loss in funding for road repairs.
Candidates announced for Ilkley/Addingham and Airedale wards at Bradford local elections

Voters will head to the polls in May for a major shake-up of local democracy, with every Bradford Council seat being contested in an 'all-out' election.
Care home's Plank Against Cancer challenge

This April, staff and friends of The Raikes Residential Home in Silsden are coming together to take on a simple, but powerful challenge, a 2-minute plank every day, for the entire month.
New cake shop opens in Skipton

A brand new cake shop opened in Skipton at the beginning of this month.
BID celebrates Skipton’s recent national recognition

Skipton BID is celebrating Skipton as a must-visit destination following recent national recognition.
Rotary announce 'Eco Day' at Town Hall

Skipton Rotary announced the arrival of an 'Eco Day' at the Skipton Town Hall.
Burglars enter property on Skipton High Street

North Yorkshire Police are investigating a burglary that happened last Sunday.
Changes to Skipton Bus Station to take place next place

Services in Skipton will be affected next week due to improvement works at the town’s bus station.
The Stock Room in Skipton announces closure

The Stock Room on Pembroke Street Skipton.
Veteran comedian Jimmy Cricket to perform in Silsden

"Come'ere There's More", Jimmy Cricket headlines Silsden Town Hall, supported by his daughter Katie Mulgrew, and resident comic, Howard Walker.
Skipton charity receives Easter egg donation to brighten children's holidays

The Principle Trust Children’s Charity is delighted to announce a series of generous Easter egg donations from local businesses, helping to bring joy to children supported by the charity this Easter.
North Yorkshire Police to roll out facial recognition technology

North Yorkshire Police has announced it's planning to implement Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology within York and North Yorkshire.
Doctors strikes will 'particularly impact Airedale A&E' bosses say

Strike action by resident doctors will disrupt services at Airedale Hospital from 7am on Tuesday 7 April until 7am on Monday 13 April 2026.
Northern trains expected to 'run normally' this Easter, passengers told

Northern says the majority of its services will run as normal over the Easter bank holiday, while reminding customers to plan ahead and check before travelling.
Changes to Craven bus services over Easter

Bus services in the Craven District will be amended over Easter weekend, and increased DalesBus services into and around the Yorkshire Dales National Park will restart for the summer season.
Skipton Tree Top Climbing Centre opens for last ever season

Raven Tree Top Adventure in Skipton announced they were open for their season.