Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, has demanded a radical overhaul of the support available to children and adults with special educational needs and disability (SEND).

His call in Parliament on Monday has been backed by local mum, Tatjana Bodman, who has formed a support and advocacy group - called the Somerset SEND Army - alongside several parents in the county.

Mr Amos was speaking in a debate in Westminster Hall which was held after an e-petition – entitled ‘Children with SEND: Assessments and support’ – amassed 120,000 signatures.

He said it was a privilege to speak on behalf of the 204 people in the Taunton and Wellington constituency who signed the petition and all the other families who are deeply concerned.

“It is not abstract for me, because of the support my wife gives to many families who have children with special needs, including in our own home.

“From my experiences with my own children and from my surgeries, I know the regular trials, the pain, and the often extreme, debilitating stress that families go through trying to get a basic, decent education for their children.

“Parents are driven to the very edge by a system they have had to battle through every step of the way. It should not be like this.

“Let me tell the House about Luke, a bright, motivated young man. Luke loves school and has high hopes for his career, but he needs help to get there.

“His parents now have to provide two-to-one transport support just to get him to and from school.”

Mr Amos said that situation had resulted in serious issues while travelling.

“His parents are working, paying taxes and, in short, doing everything that society asks of them, as well as caring for Luke with extraordinary dedication all the time when he is not at school.

“But how are they supposed to work and hold down jobs while being denied the transport that they need for Luke?

“Every day that his education, health and care plan fails to be delivered takes him a step closer to full residential care, at hugely greater human and financial cost to everyone involved.

“As the 122,000 signatures on today’s petition show, too many families are forced into crisis before help arrives. Many fear that the Government’s forthcoming reforms will make things even harder.”

Mr Amos said that Somerset Council recognised the system was not working and was working hard to turn around the position.

He added: “The system is not good enough, and it is failing our families.

“Government funding has to be part of the change, but families in Taunton and Wellington and elsewhere are worried that change will threaten the future of children’s education.

“Their right to assessment and support must be maintained and there must be enhanced investment in both special provision and mainstream special educational needs provision.”

After the debate, Tatjana Bodman – on behalf of Luke and her family – said: “I’m deeply grateful to Gideon for raising Luke’s story in Parliament.

“For too long, families like ours have been left fighting alone for the most basic support our children need to stay safe, learn, and thrive.

“Gideon’s voice gives hope to countless SEND families across Somerset — hope that the system can change, and that our children will finally be seen, heard, and supported.”