West Surrey Conservatives

17/06/2026

Introducing Toby Byfield Conservative candidate for Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council and Haslemere Town Council all election to be held on July 7th 2026

17/06/2026

03/06/2026

This afternoon, I met with Mari and Jasper from the National Association of Special Schools (NASS), the membership organisation representing special schools across England and Wales, to discuss the future of SEND reform.

What I heard was deeply concerning.

Education is the greatest opportunity we have, but the reality is not everyone can easily access these opportunities. SEND reforms offer the hope this will be addressed, but that can only be achieved if Government really listen to those affected and involved.

Despite repeated attempts by NASS to engage directly with the Education Secretary and her ministerial team, and share their views, concerns, and proposals regarding the Government’s plans for SEND reforms, they have yet to receive any response.

These are the leaders and professionals working every day with children and young people with the most complex special educational needs. They understand the challenges facing families, schools and local authorities better than most. Yet their voices are being ignored by this Government.

Children with SEND deserve better, their families deserve better and special schools deserve to be heard.

I will be raising this matter directly with the Minister and will continue to press the Government to engage with the relevant stakeholders.

03/06/2026

It was a pleasure to attend the Farnborough Airport Community Environmental Fund Celebration Event this evening.

The event highlighted the fantastic impact this funding is having across our neighbouring communities, with over £72,000 awarded this year to projects that improve wellbeing and support the natural environment.

We heard inspiring presentations from funded organisations including Clone’s and Sophie’s Special Ears Fund, Brightening the Life of Deaf Children, local youth clubs and Bloom Space, as well as Headlands Men’s Shed. Each project is making a real difference.

A well organised and enjoyable evening, and a great opportunity to learn more about how the fund supports community initiatives and how groups can apply in the future.

Thank you to Sophie Rogers, Climate Change Officer at Rushmoor Borough Council, for organising such a valuable event.

Parts of Ash are open to apply for this funding provided it meets the criteria. https://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/community-parks-and-leisure/grants-for-community-organisations/farnborough-airport-community-environmental-fund-grants/

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Another valuable visit to the Ridgeway School to meet parents and staff and hear first-hand how the SEND system is working in practice.

The messages was clear - and familiar. Gaps in support, delays in diagnosis, limited post-16 provision, and families struggling to access respite care.

I’m grateful to Headteacher Tom Byrne for hosting this meeting, as well as for his wider work as Chair of the Farnham Schools Confederation. Its response to the consultation reflects what I’ve been hearing locally - backing the ambition, but real concern about delivery, clarity and funding.

My work continues to be shaped by conversations like this. I’ll keep pushing for a system that genuinely supports families and gives schools the tools to deliver.