Early diagnosis of special educational needs

Motion Text

That this House believes that early diagnosis of special educational needs must be a priority for the Government, as a delay in diagnosis is associated with a multitude of negative consequences in later life, as well as an indirect increased financial burden to families and loss of life chances to the individual; notes that early intervention is known to improve a child's long-term outcomes; further notes that, as children undertake a baseline assessment when they enter school, that would be the most appropriate time to assess special educational and disability needs; and urges the Government to ensure early special educational needs diagnosis is a priority.