Northumberland Labour Calling for specialist Hubs to be accessible

In it’s manifesto Northumberland Labour committed to investment in specialist hubs to support young people and their families who need them. Making sure that provision is available to families across Northumberland to avoid costly out of County placements and additional stresses on families.

During recent weeks as schools break up for summer the Leader Scott Dickinson confirmed the intention to continue this work if a Labour administration is installed following the next elections.

In hearing this positive news Cllr Angie Scott one of the Shadow Cabinet members for Children’s Services has been welcoming of the news and vocal on the need for such action to be taken.

Cllr Scott said: “The purpose of the hubs is to provide opportunity for children with complex SEND to be included in a mainstream environment alongside their peers. Therefore the ‘hubs’ are adapted classrooms within the school buildings.

The ethos of the hubs is for the children who attend them, to be included within mainstream activities as far as possible. How much time a child spends in the ‘hub’ as opposed to a mainstream class will be dependent upon the child’s needs and their response to inclusion opportunities.”

Cllr Dickinson Leader of the Group supported Cllr Scott’s comments by saying: “The Labour Party started change on SEND services back in 2015 recognising the need of the young people and their families. We have always advocated for better SEND services that prevent long displacing travel and prevent young people from opportunities to flourish in their own communities. The current arrangements do not support young people’s needs nor the families themselves.”

National and local research shows the impact of these types of Hubs in other areas of the Country have a lasting positive impact on the children and their families. The Council is urged to do more and recognise the need for these priorities alongside investment in Schools in Northumberland and its urged to think holistically about communities and families.