Jess Brown-Fuller MP invites Education Secretary to view Chichester University’s innovative SEND teacher training programme

Jess Brown-Fuller MP has invited the Education Secretary to visit Chichester University following the government’s publication of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) White Paper. 

Speaking in the Commons this week, Jess highlighted the University’s innovative teacher training programme, which embeds inclusivity at the root of every module rather than treating it as an add-on. 

Jess’ invitation to the Education Secretary follows the recent publication of the SEND White Paper, which outlines proposals to expand teacher training and create a bank of experts for schools to draw upon, to ensure teachers can meet the needs of every child in their classroom. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L0k4NvsyIY

Jess Brown-Fuller raises concerns about teacher retention with the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, and highlights the University of Chichester’s inclusive teacher training programme.

In the House of Commons, Jess Brown-Fuller said: 

“The government’s White Paper talks about having an “expert teacher” in every room. That is certainly a problem in the profession, with one in three teachers leaving after five years of service. 

“Chichester University has created a teacher training programme that embeds inclusivity at the root of every module rather than teaching it as a separate module. Will the Secretary of State join me in Chichester to talk to the faculty leading that programme so that every child in this country can benefit from that sort of teaching?” 

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson responded that she is “certainly interested” in hearing more about the University’s approach and that the government is “committed to continuing to review standards in initial teacher training”. 

Jess previously visited the University in January 2026 to discuss the challenges facing children with SEND and to learn how the University is preparing teachers to create inclusive learning environments for all children. 

Jess Brown-Fuller's follow-up letter to the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson.

In a follow-up letter to the Education Secretary, Jess wrote:

“Reform of our broken special educational needs and disabilities system is long overdue.  

“Many schools in my constituency have reported being overstretched and under-resourced, leaving them unable to provide the meaningful SEND provision that parents and children are so desperately calling out for.  

“It is therefore vital that [the government’s] measures genuinely strengthen the system and deliver the sustained, practical support that schools require to meet the needs of every child.”