An MP has called for Eastleigh schools to receive a fair share of new SEND funding.

Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, Liz Jarvis, has urged the Government to allocate the necessary resources to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

This follows the Education Secretary's announcement of extra funding for mainstream schools to enhance SEND provision.

The plan aims to create more SEND places in mainstream schools, easing the pressure on special schools struggling with overwhelming demand.

However, with the allocation of the £740 million yet to be decided, Ms Jarvis is keen to ensure Eastleigh schools are not overlooked.

She said: "Every day I hear from more families who are desperate to see change in a SEND system that is failing our children.

"Their stories are heartbreaking."

According to Ms Jarvis, years of neglect under the previous Conservative Government have left many Eastleigh families struggling to secure the necessary support for their children.

She praised the efforts of cash-strapped schools doing their best to provide complex SEND support but said too many vulnerable children in Eastleigh are being failed.

Ms Jarvis has called on the Education Secretary to ensure schools receive a fair share of the new funding and has advocated for a rescue plan for SEND provision in Eastleigh and nationwide.

She said: "Making sure children with special needs and disabilities can access the schools they need in their community is crucial.

"Our schools must see a fair slice of the new SEND funding package, so that students in Eastleigh can all receive the education they deserve in a setting that supports them."

However, she warned that while the Education Secretary’s plan will alleviate pressure, it will not resolve the crisis at its root.

She added: "That’s why the Liberal Democrats are calling for a National Body for SEND - making sure that young people with the highest needs can receive the education they need."