This week, Andrew Western, MP for Stretford and Urmston, attended the National Autistic Society’s ‘Let Every Child Learn’ event at Portcullis House.

During the event, Andrew heard about the struggles faced by autistic children and young people in schools. He also learnt more about the charity’s recent Education Report.

The report revealed that there are more than 200,000 autistic pupils in England, but only a quarter (26%) feel happy at school. Three in four parents or carers of autistic children (74%) also said their child’s school place didn’t not meet their needs.

During the ‘Let Every Child Learn’ event, Andrew Western heard from students about their experiences at school, viewed artwork by the National Autistic Society’s campaigners and heard about what the Government can do to make sure all autistic children receive a quality education.

There were speeches by the Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society – Caroline Stevens, the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Autism – Sir Robert Buckland MP and the Director of the Cullum Family Trust – Peter Cullum. The National Autistic Society’s Celebrity Ambassador – Carrie Grant, and the charity’s Young Ambassador – Max, also spoke.

Andrew Western said: “It was great to attend the ‘Let Every Child Learn’ event in Parliament and to hear from people that are experts in this field. Every child deserves an excellent education, so it’s worrying that so many parents and carers don’t feel that their child’s needs are being met at school.”

Click here to read the National Autistic Society’s Education Report 2023.