Access to education for students with FND

That this House notes with deep concern reports that pupils with Functional Neurological Disorder and similar complex health conditions are missing out on large parts of their education because they are not receiving consistent, suitable and accessible educational provision; recognises that children who are able and eager to learn may nevertheless be unable to attend school regularly in person because of disabling symptoms; is concerned that, where appropriate provision is not put in place, pupils can be effectively informally excluded from education without the safeguards that accompany formal exclusion; further recognises the distress caused to families when suitable provision is not made and parents are left to fill the gap in their child’s education; also recognises the urgent need to improve inclusion for children whose health needs prevent them from attending school in person; calls on the Government to ensure that schools and local authorities meet their duties to provide suitable education for children unable to attend school because of health needs; further calls for clearer guidance, better training and stronger accountability so that pupils with Functional Neurological Disorder and similar conditions receive reasonable adjustments, remote or alternative provision where needed, and proper SEND support; and urges Ministers to ensure that no child is left without meaningful access to education because their medical condition is poorly understood.