Committee publication · Correspondence · 11 November 2025
Letter to Joanna Parry National Officer Education and Children’s Services, UNISON on Solving the SEND Crisis Report dated 11.11.25
From: Education Committee
Inquiry: Solving the SEND Crisis
Summary
Chair Helen Hayes responds to UNISON's concerns about the Education Committee's Solving the SEND Crisis report, specifically addressing a highlighted example of education staff being trained to provide tracheostomy care. Hayes clarifies the report's intent, emphasises recognised safeguards, and commits to involving the Health and Social Care Committee in oversight of healthcare delegation in schools.
Key findings
- UNISON raised concerns about an example in the report involving education staff being upskilled to provide tracheostomy care
- The Committee acknowledged the rarity of such cases and recognised the need for safeguards when healthcare delegation occurs
- The report recommends DfE and DHSC issue statutory guidance clarifying healthcare responsibility delegation within schools and multi-academy trusts
- Proposed guidance should be co-developed with education unions and establish clear accountability lines, minimum training requirements, and safeguards for healthcare interventions in schools
- The Committee will refer this issue to the Health and Social Care Committee for consideration in future work
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Helen Hayes MP, Joanna Parry, UNISON, Department for Education, Department of Health and Social Care, Education Committee, Health and Social Care Committee
Notable line
“… the Committee will draw this issue to the attention of the Health and Social Care Committee in writing, for their consideration should they undertake any future work in this area.”
Key Quotes
“The Committee also recognised the rarity of such cases and the need for safeguards when they occur.”
“The report recommends that the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care provide greater clarity, through statutory guidance, on the delegation of healthcare responsibilities within schools and multi-academy trusts.”
“… this guidance should be developed in collaboration with stakeholders, including education unions, to establish clear lines of accountability between education and health services, set minimum training requirements for school staff, and ensure safeguards for the consistent and safe delivery of healthcare interventions in educational settings.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗