West Suffolk MP's disability screening bill takes first step forward
Matt Hancock wants neurodivergent children diagnosed as early as their first year in education
A Suffolk MP’s bill for widespread disability screening in primary schools has taken its first step.
Matt Hancock, who represents the West Suffolk constituency as an Independent, stood in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon (23rd April) to present a bill aiming to ensure screening for several conditions in primary school.
If put into law, the bill could see neurodivergent children diagnosed as early as their first year in education.
He said: “I stand here in this Parliament to represent all those who need a different type of support because their brains work differently.
“Society now recognises neurodiversity more than it ever had — the bill is one important step to get everyone the education they deserve.”
The former Health Secretary's appearance in the Commons marked the first reading of the bill, a formality which takes place without a debate.
During his speech, he said his proposals, which would also see teacher training strengthened, had been informed by his own experience in hiding his dyslexia, adding: "It’s only if you measure these things and find out how each individual child’s brain works that you can then best get the tailored support.
“If people don’t know that they have such a condition they will not be empowered to do what’s necessary to make the most of these extra skills.”
Although Mr Hancock acknowledged many might be discouraged about the price tag associated with the initial spending to put these measures in place, he argued there would be significant long-term savings in both the justice and health systems.
The bill is set to have its second reading, when its principles will be debated, on June 21.