Derbyshire County Council’s new Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, Cllr Simon Mabbott, says rebuilding trust and improving communication with families, schools and teachers will be at the heart of his work over the coming year.
Speaking exclusively to Ilkeston News, the Ilkeston South and Kirk Hallam councillor acknowledged that Derbyshire’s education system, like much of the country, is under huge pressure, with funding struggling to keep pace with local needs.
“Government funding isn’t matching the changing needs of our communities,” he said. “My job is to try and ensure nobody in Derbyshire gets left behind. We are one Derbyshire.”
Rebuilding confidence in SEND
Mabbott admits that Derbyshire’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services were “in a pretty poor place” when the new council administration took over in May. But he insists there is now a clear plan in motion to turn things around.
“We inherited a system that needed major improvement, and it takes time to turn it around – it’s like turning an oil tanker,” he explained. “We’re eight months into an 18-month improvement plan and we’re beginning to see green shoots.”
For him, better communication is the most practical first step toward rebuilding confidence in the system.
“Families tell me the process can feel long, stressful and inconsistent. Communication is key. If you’re waiting in for a parcel, you’d rather be told it’s not coming today than wait all day not knowing – it’s the same principle. People just need honest, regular updates.”
Tackling the ‘over-diagnosis’ debate
Recent debates about the rising number of children being diagnosed with SEND have caused concern among parents, but Mabbott is clear on where he stands.
“It’s not my place to question diagnoses,” he said. “It’s my job to make sure the children who need support get the support they need. The problem is that while the number of children requiring help has grown, the funding from central government hasn’t.”
He also recognises that some critics question his professional background, having come into the role without a direct career in education. But he believes experience isn’t the only measure of capability.
“I’ve been Cabinet Support for SEND for the past three months, which has given me valuable insight into the responsibilities of the role,” he explained. “I work closely with a team of highly experienced professionals across the council, as well as partners in health and education. My role is to make sure their expertise translates into real improvements for families.”
Mabbott says he brings strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, as well as a collaborative approach. He’s also supported by Cllr Paul Maginnis, who has extensive experience in SEND and EHCP work – something Mabbott describes as “a real asset” to Derbyshire’s efforts.
Priorities for schools and young people
Asked about wider education challenges, from post-Covid learning gaps to teacher recruitment, Mabbott says his focus will again come back to dialogue.
“The more I can hear directly from headteachers and classroom staff, the better my understanding – and the stronger my case when feeding back to the DCC team to find solutions,” he said.
He’s also frustrated by ongoing government delays to the long-awaited SEND White Paper, which sets national direction and funding. “We’re waiting for the Government to issue the White Paper, which has once again been delayed,” he said. “That delay brings yet more uncertainty and financial pressure. One of my first letters was to the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, expressing how disappointed Derbyshire families are with yet another delay.”
Beyond the paperwork, though, his passion lies in giving young people hope and practical routes into the future – especially through apprenticeships.
“One thing that really stood out for me in the portfolio was apprenticeships,” he said. “There are so many young people who learn best by doing, and this route is massively underused. If I can help open up those opportunities, that’s a box ticked.”
He recalled a powerful moment from a recent SEND improvement meeting:
“A young man said to us, ‘I don’t want a taxi to school, I want to learn how to use the bus – just like everybody else.’ That really stuck with me. For many young people, it’s about giving them the tools and confidence to be independent.”
An open door and a personal mission
Mabbott says he’s already opened dialogue with schools in his own constituency and wants that to continue across the county. “My door is open. Working together is the answer,” he said.
His motivation for taking on the role is deeply personal.
“I struggled in education myself, largely because of learning difficulties that went undiagnosed and misunderstood,” he reflected. “As a young person, I used humour and sometimes disruption as a way to express myself – it was a distraction from the fact I was finding learning difficult.
“Over the years, I’ve come to understand that I can learn – I just learn differently. That experience taught me that not everyone fits the same mould, and that with patience, understanding and the right support, those differences can become real strengths.”
It’s a perspective that fuels his determination to make Derbyshire’s education system more inclusive, more consistent and – above all – more compassionate.
“I want young people who are struggling, just as I did, to know that they have someone in their corner,” he said. “Someone who believes they can achieve great things when given the right help and belief.”
Now comes the test
Mabbott’s message is clear and hopeful, but Derbyshire families will be watching closely to see if the promises translate into change. Communication, trust and transparency are words that have been used many times before – now the challenge is to deliver them in practice. For parents, teachers and young people across Ilkeston and Derbyshire, the next year will show whether this new approach truly takes root.