A group of cross-party Hertfordshire MPs have signed a joint, open letter to Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) underlining their concerns about Special Educational Need (SEND) provision in the county.

An Oftsed report in 2023 highlighted the "dire" state of local provision in Hertfordshire.

In their letter, MPs acknowledged that progress has been made by the council, but said far more still needs to be done.

The group have requested quarterly meetings between all Hertfordshire MPs and HCC to monitor progress and challenge the authority to ensure it is doing all it can to improve provision for young people with additional needs.

Last month, Hitchin MP Alistair Strathern chaired a Westminster Hall debate on the state of SEND provision in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

Alistair Strathern leading the SEND debate at Westminster Hall earlier this year.MP Strathern leading the SEND debate at Westminster Hall earlier this year. (Image: Submitted) Several of the signatories to the letter contributed to the debate, where they were able to share their constituents’ challenging experiences of community services with the Minister for School Standards, Catherine McKinnell.

The letter, organised by Alistair Strathern MP’s office, was signed by the Hitchin MP, Andrew Lewin MP (Welwyn Hatfield), Chris Hinchliff MP (North East Hertfordshire), Daisy Cooper MP (St Albans), David Taylor MP (Hemel Hempstead), Josh Dean MP (Hertford and Stortford), Kevin Bonavia MP, (Stevenage), Matt Turmaine MP (Watford) and Victoria Collins MP (Harpenden and Berkhamsted).

The MPs' letter also responds to one HCC, the NHS and schools jointly penned to them on October 8, at https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/news/news-archive/support-send-reform-letter

Daisy Cooper has also been involved in the Herts SEND debate.St Albans MP, Daisy Cooper, has also been involved in the Herts SEND debate. (Image: Submitted) In response to the new letter, a Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson said: “We welcome the opportunity to build on our ongoing engagement with all Hertfordshire MPs on SEND provision and continue to urge them to support County Council, NHS and school leaders’ calls for national policy reform and additional funding.

The spokesperson ensured that SEND support was a "shared priority" and enhancing partnership working is a "key element" of the SEND Local Area Partnership's improvement plan.

MP Strathern believes that provision is still unacceptable at a "national level" and is "heartbroken" this is reflected in Hertfordshire.

“I am thankful for all the cross-party MPs who signed our letter and have joined our effort," he added.

"I have spoken to young people and their families across our constituencies who have been let down by the state of SEND provision in Hertfordshire, and we are resolute in our commitment to pushing for improvement.

“We look forward to working with Herts County Council to make real progress.”

HCC also hope to discuss the issue involving MPs in the coming weeks.