Jess Brown-Fuller Speaks Out About SEND Under-Resourcing

On Monday 13 April, Jess Brown-Fuller spoke in Parliament about the issue of under-resourcing for SEND provision. Citing a council overwhelmed to the point of stopping calls, she urged far greater support for parents forced to navigate the system.

Highlighting a situation at West Sussex County Council, Jess described how she heard reports from frustrated parents that the department had placed an answerphone message for those contacting with SEND-related inquires, as it was too ‘overwhelmed’ to take parents calls - a stark illustration of the pressures facing local services.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd03P06zPbU

Jess drew attention to the imbalance faced by families, noting that while systems may pause under strain, parents cannot. Many families, she said, describe navigating SEND provision as a “fight”, and one they must continue regardless of delays or barriers.

She also highlighted the ‘untapped potential’ of parents who are giving up work to provide care for their children who have no education provision, often leaving careers in education and health themselves. 

The debate came ahead of new legislation on SEND reform, as the government’s announcement of  reform plans has described proposals as a “radical expansion” of rights for children with SEND. The recently released 2026 Schools White Paper outlines proposed changes aimed at ensuring both schools and young people receive the support they need and deserve.

Speaking afterwards, Jess said:

“Parents are being left to battle a system that is clearly overstretched. While services can close their lines when they are overwhelmed, families don’t have that option - they have to show up for their children every single day and my experience talking to families locally is they do just that. 

We need to do far more to support them and ensure they can access the help they need.”