Alberto and Dr Luke Evans (MP for Hinckley and Bosworth) have jointly written to the Reform Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Cllr Harrison, requesting urgent clarification and assurances regarding proposed changes to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support for children aged 0-4.
Both MPs received a significant volume of correspondence from worried parents, families, and constituents across Leicestershire expressing deep anxiety about the Council's proposal to stop commissioning specialist SEND nursery places for this age group. These changes could potentially lead to the closure of specialist provision at key sites, including: Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery School, Wigston Menphys Nursery School, Oasis Retreat and Lift Beacon.
The MPs were not formally notified of the proposals by the Council, despite the far-reaching implications for vulnerable young children and their families. In their letter, Mr Costa and Dr Evans highlight the following key questions and concerns on behalf of constituents:
- The reasons for the proposed changes, including whether they are driven by financial considerations or evidence of improved educational outcomes (with a request for any supporting evidence to be shared).
- The decision-making process, timeline, and how stakeholders - such as parents, families, and providers - will be properly consulted and kept informed.
- Steps the Council is taking to address legitimate concerns from families and to mitigate potential negative impacts, particularly if the changes result in the closure of specialist nurseries.
- Whether this represents a broader shift in SEND provision across all age groups, including potential future changes for primary and secondary school-aged children.
The letter includes an appendix featuring a recent public statement from the Governors of Menphys Nursery Schools, which states: "We are devastated and deeply concerned by proposals that would change how pre-school children with special educational needs are supported in Leicestershire, ultimately leading to the closure of our specialist SEND nursery schools.
“These schools exist because some of the youngest and most vulnerable children cannot thrive in mainstream early-years settings, even with significant adaptations. They need highly specialised environments, expert staff, and carefully designed support — and that is exactly what specialist SEND nurseries provide. The quality and impact of this provision are recognised by Ofsted and consistently affirmed by parents and professionals. Early specialist intervention makes a profound difference to children’s development, well-being, and long-term outcomes.”
The MP's letter echoes the widespread concerns raised by families, who have first-hand experience of the critical role of early, specialist intervention for children with complex needs.
The consultation opened on 12th January 2026 and runs until 22nd February 2026. More details and the opportunity to respond can be found on the Council's website:
Alberto Costa MP and Dr Luke Evans MP have urged all affected families and stakeholders to participate in this formal consultation process to ensure their voices are heard.
Alberto Costa MP said: "The volume of correspondence from worried parents and families in South Leicestershire and across the county makes clear how important specialist early years SEND provision is.
“We need transparent answers from the Reform-led County Council on why these changes are proposed, what evidence supports them, and how vulnerable children and families will be protected if specialist nurseries are at risk of closing. Early specialist support can transform lives, and we will continue pressing for clarity and safeguards."
Dr Luke Evans MP said: "As MPs, we are working together to raise these concerns directly and ensure proper consultation takes place. I encourage everyone with views to respond to the ongoing consultation as a priority.
“The Reform-led County Council need to bring parents and families with them when making changes, but the fact that so many in our community are raising similar questions means the Council leadership need to get a grip and clearly explain what exactly is changing, and the reasons why.”
