A PARLIAMENTARY reception hosted by Hereford MP Jesse Norman has been held in the House of Commons in aid of the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC).

The college joined up with Cheltenham-based National Star College (NSC) to organise the reception attended by a number of prominent MPs and peers.

Guests included former secretary of state for education and RNC student David Blunkett MP and the shadow minister for education Sharon Hodgson MP.

The event coincides with the college’s wider political campaign to highlight key concerns regarding special educational needs (SEN) legislation currently passing through Parliament, and the funding reforms being introduced by the Education Funding Agency.

The next stage for the SEN legislation will be second reading which takes place on Monday.

Sheila Tallon, principal of RNC, said: “The opportunity for students and staff to connect with so many influential people from the world of politics, local government and special education was invaluable as part of our drive to ensure all young people, regardless of disability, are given equal opportunity to achieve and succeed in life.

“We welcome support at all levels and would particularly ask those with direct influence on the Children and Families Bill to work together to ensure the legislation is fully scrutinised and fit for purpose, offering the best possible outcomes for young people and giving them the best chance of a successful and independent future.”

Mr Norman added: "The Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford is a national centre of excellence in the care and support of blind and partially sighted people, and it was an honour to host a reception at the Commons for them."