Jeffrey Ennis

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LOCAL MP HOLDS RECEPTION FOR NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY

Local MP Jeff Ennis, recently hosted a reception in Parliament to promote the launch of the National Autistic Society’s first ever education document entitled “Make School Make Sense”.  The reception was attended by well over 300 guests including over 70 MPs from all parties.

Jeff said “Autism is a complex disability that is widely misunderstood.  Too often children and young people with Autism are placed in inappropriate schools with teaching staff that do not have relevant training in the disability and in an environment that does not meet their needs.

The NAS Make School Make Sense campaign highlights these challenges and is calling on the Government at a national and local level to ensure that the education system works for children and young people with Autism.

Jeff who has also tabled an Early Day Motion on the issue said “I am asking all my Parliamentary colleagues to consider doing 5 things to promote the campaign.

Firstly, sign my Early Day Motion.

Second, write to the Minister, Alan Johnson, in the Education Department.

Third,  speak to the local media

Four,  visit a local group, any NAS Branch or School

And lastly meet their local authority to discuss provision for children with Autism.

One of the main speakers at the reception was the President of the NAS, Jayne Asher, who said “I would urge all MPs to support our campaign to raise the awareness of autistic children in our education system and in particular would ask all MPs to sign Jeff’s Early Day Motion”.