A Northumberland County councillor has warned that children and parents "are at breaking point" regarding the lack of special education needs and disabilities (SEND) provision in the area.

Councillor Angie Scott, chair of Prudhoe Town Council, spoke about the issues facing families in Northumberland with children who have additional needs after Hexham MP Joe Morris raised a question in Parliament.

Last week Joe Morris told the Prime Minister about children in the area having to travel more than 30 miles for access to special education provision. 

READ MORE: Hexham MP Joe Morris questions Keir Starmer on SEND provision

Cllr Scott said: "At last, someone is listening. I have campaigned for over a decade for a fairer deal for children with SEND and their parents to right the wrong of a failing system.

"In response to this the Prime Minister has criticised the record of the previous government on funding for children with special educational needs."

Funding for the education of children with additional needs in Northumberland will fall short by more than £6 million next year.

Officials at Northumberland County Council blamed the unprecedented growth in the number of children with additional needs for the budget shortfall. The number of children with education and healthcare plans (EHCPs) has risen by more than 100 per cent since 2017.

READ MORE: Council reveals £6 million shortfall for children with additional needs

Cllr Scott said: "In Northumberland, children have no choice but to travel an unfair distance to get to special educational schools to enable them to thrive. They are exhausted before school starts and the travel causes unnecessary stress.

"Our young people also find it hard to make friends and access community groups, I believe this is because they don’t attend local schools and don’t build relationships in their own local areas. This causes social isolation and inequality. 

"Children from Prudhoe and surrounding areas who need help are not being diagnosed and acknowledged as in need of help. Children who have been diagnosed are not being appropriately supported.

"The provision is not appropriate for many with casualties of the system falling through the gap.

"Numerous national reviews and reports were commissioned and reported the looming crisis but little action was taken.

"Our children and their parents cannot wait any longer as they are at breaking point."