MP's pledge to get better education for autistic pupils

On October 18 at Westminster, Huw Merriman attended the launch of Ambitious about Autism’s new report, ‘when will we learn?’. He signed a four-point pledge to improve the education system for young people with autism so they don’t miss out at school.

The report looks at the impact of the education system when it fails children and young people with autism and their families.

Many families are struggling to get the right support for their children and young people who, as a result, are not receiving the education they are entitled to.

MPs were asked to pledge their support to:

• Ensure that the educational needs of children with autism are assessed promptly after diagnosis.

• The needs of children with autism are met by having the right mix of services and support.

• Ensure everyone working in schools receives training to support children with autism so schools can offer them the very best education.

• Ensure the rights of children with autism are respected by preventing illegal exclusions and supporting school governors to fulfil their legal responsibility to children with autism.

Huw Merriman MP said: “Children and young people with autism should get the education they are entitled to, without their families having to struggle.

“I’m supporting Ambitious about Autism’s ‘when will we learn?’ campaign and I’m signing the pledge because I believe that all children deserve access to an education that helps them make the best of themselves and their futures.”

A full copy of the ‘when will we learn?’ report and details of how to support the campaign can be found www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/whenwillwelearn.

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