One of the privileges of this job is visiting local schools.

I wanted to use this column to reflect on a recent trip to Southfield school and the wider experience of families who have children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Southfield is a specialist primary in Hatfield for approximately 80 pupils with additional needs. Like every child, pupils with SEND need love, support and an education which gives them the very best chance to thrive.

In the time I spent on site, it was so evident this is a school with dedicated teachers, happy pupils and a high performing leadership team.

The sad reality is that for many parents, their experience could not be more different. Finding an appropriate school for their children feels impossible.

Last year the Ofsted judgement on SEND provision at Hertfordshire County Council was damning.

It said: "There are systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities."

I’ve met twice with the Leader of the County Council since my election and they recognise the need for urgent change.

Work has begun, but the Ofsted judgement chimes with stories I have heard from people all across Welwyn Hatfield. People spend months or even years pushing the system to get the support and care their children deserve, at huge personal and financial cost to their families.

It’s a fight can take many forms: securing an education, health and care plan in the first place, finding an appropriate school, or even fighting for recognition from the council that their child has additional needs at all.

I participated in a parliamentary debate on SEND last week, in which the Minister for School Standards concluded by summarising her determination to act.

“We recognise that the system needs to improve, we recognise the hardship that many families are facing, and we are determined that that will change”.

As your local MP, I’ll do all I can to make sure we learn from success stories like Southfield, listen to parents and work together to fix this system.