Last week I had the opportunity to visit Hartford Infants School. It’s hugely important to spend time visiting the schools across the constituency to understand the situation across local education.
I spoke to Vicky McGregor (SENCo Hartford Infant and Preschool) in detail about the SEN challenges that the school faces and went on to meet with the parents of two children who illustrated the problems we desperately need to overcome.
Speaking to Vicky and Clare Heald, Chief Executive CAM Academy Trust) it was alarming to hear the slow progress of EHCP approval from Cambridgeshire County Council. Like many schools Hartford have pupils whose applications are now well past the statutory timeframe, in some instances by years. I’ve repeatedly asked the Council for a meeting regarding their appalling EHCP approval rate, but I am yet to be granted one.
I also had the opportunity to tour the school and see the teaching environment and the work being done as to how the challenges are overcome.
My thanks to Rae Lee (Headteacher of both schools) Charlotte Deaves (SENCo Hartford Junior School), Clare and Vicky for taking the time to meet with me.
