Carlisle MP, Julie Minns, is inviting constituents to share their views and experiences of navigating the SEND system at a community meeting to be held in the city.

The event on Saturday, September 13, is part of a series of ‘Community Matters’ listening events that Ms Minns has held on a range of topics, including local bus services.

Julie Minns MP said: “I am keen to hear first-hand from parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

“I am particularly concerned about the number of specialist school places we have in the constituency, and this meeting gives local people the opportunity to share their views and help me to build a picture of the current situation that I can then share with ministers.”

Since her election in July 2024, residents have regularly been in touch to ask for help on this issue, and in her regular visits to schools Ms Minns has heard from school staff who are finding it increasingly challenging to provide inclusive education for all the children in their care.

This meeting will be an opportunity for parents to share their experience ahead of the white paper on SEND due to be published by the Government this autumn.

Alongside the Carlisle MP, Elaine Lynch the Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Development from Cumberland Council, will also be in attendance. 

Residents who would like to attend are invited to register online here

They can also request a place by emailing julie.minns.casework@parliament.uk or by phoning 01228 479441.

They should include their name, full postal address and contact details.

The event will take place in Carlisle on Saturday, September 13, with further details will be confirmed to attendees ahead of the meeting.