Southampton is leading the country in the way services are provided for youngsters with special needs and disabilities.

A delegation from the city was invited to speak to MPs and other guests at a special fact-finding session at the House of Lords.

Southampton is one of the first places in the country chosen to start delivering reforms proposed by the Government aimed at improving services for disabled and special educational needs (SEN) children.

The city was nominated by the Department for Education and Council for Disabled Children to attend the All Party Parliamentary Group for children to share its expertise and experience, which will help shape legislation being written up.

Southampton’s children’s services boss, Cllr Sarah Bogle said: “Southampton is leading the way nationally on innovative approaches to supporting young people with special educational needs. “We need to treat every child as an individual and make sure our services meet their often complex needs.”