MP Alison Hume column: 'It hurts my heart to see areas affected by moors fires'

It hurts my heart to drive through the areas affected by the Fylingdales wildfire, so black and charred, with just peeks of green now showing through.

That’s why I was pleased to step-in and accelerate repair work to fences destroyed by the blaze, after being contacted by farmers on the moors who were unable to graze sheep because they hadn’t been re-erected. Despite having a huge impact on their livelihoods, little progress was being made.

Some of those affected told me about their predicament during an event I organised in Hawsker. I invited Forestry England to meet them, so my constituents could explain the difficulties they were facing. I’m pleased to report that the fences are set to begin being reinstalled this month.

When you first asked me to become your MP, I pledged to be Scarborough and Whitby’s voice in Westminster, not the other way around. It’s a mantra I remind myself of every single day. So, as the government unveiled its landmark SEND reforms, I conducted two surveys of my own; one for parents and families, the other for educators. Thank you to everyone who completed them, via my website www.alison.hume.com.

After collating your evidence, some common themes emerged. Educators highlighted rising SEND needs, staff shortages and delayed specialist support which overwhelms them and leaves pupils’ needs unmet.

Families reported long diagnostic waits, children left ‘in between’ provisions and a shortage of local SEND places, with Whitby a particular pressure point. Many praised schools and teachers for their dedication and support in challenging circumstances.

I passed on the data collected to the relevant ministers, ensuring people in Scarborough and Whitby can help shape decision-making.

I will be holding public meetings for parents to feed back on the Schools White Paper – check my website for details on how to join.

As the proud mother of a disabled young adult, who despite huge challenges, is making his own way slowly through higher education, I bear the scars from my quarter century in the SEND jungle.

Speaking up for families and children in the SEND community is what inspired me to enter politics, and it’s why getting the reforms right is truly personal. We must ensure all our children are supported to be the best versions of themselves, whatever their background or ability. If we get the reforms right, it will be a lasting legacy of this government. Get it wrong, and we won’t be forgiven.