Families Attend SEND Event at Telford’s Exotic Zoo with Shaun Davies MP

Local parents, carers and children attended a special SEND community event hosted by Shaun Davies, Member of Parliament for Telford, at Telford’s Exotic Zoo on Friday afternoon.

The event brought together families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside local partners and support services, providing an opportunity for open discussion, shared experiences and direct engagement with their local MP.

Following the discussions, families were given free access to the Zoo thanks to a partnership with Exotic Zoo, a venue well regarded for its inclusive approach and specialist SEND sessions.

The event followed a SEND roundtable hosted by Shaun at the end of 2025 at PODs, which brought together Telford & Wrekin Council, CVS and local parent voices which highlighted concerns around education provision, support services and system clarity. Issues raised at that session included long waiting times, funding pressures and access to appropriate provision in Telford.

Shaun’s latest event at the Exotic Zoo forms part of ongoing engagement linked to the Government’s plans to reform the SEND system. Feedback gathered from Telford families will be shared directly with the Education Secretary in March to help inform national reform.

One Telford parent who shared their experiences with their MP said: “We came to see Shaun in regards to the application for my son, and it was agreed that the system is flawed and needs to be changed. Shaun has already voiced this to parliament which I’m really happy to hear.”

Shaun Davies MP said: “The strong demand for this session shows just how much changing the current SEND system matters to families in Telford. Today was about bringing people together to have open, honest conversations about what’s working and what isn’t. From speaking to parents and carers, it’s clear the system needs fixing and it needs proper funding. I’ve seen the huge difference the right support can make to a child’s life, and every child deserves that chance. For too long, families have been let down by a system that isn’t working properly, and that has to change.”

“There will be more opportunities for families to engage, and I would encourage anyone who needs support to get in touch with my office.”

Scott Adams of Exotic Zoo added: “Working with SEND groups is close to our hearts at Exotic Zoo, so we were proud to host this important community event and support local families.”

Jayne Stevens, Strategic Lead at PODs Parent Carer Forum, said: “PODs were delighted to host Shaun’s SEND roundtable last year, and we’re pleased to see this follow-up event for local SEND families. It provided a valuable opportunity for families to share their experiences, offer feedback and contribute ideas to strengthen education, health and social care support in our community.”