MP Danny Beales Visits Park View Students
Students at Park View, part of Orchard Hill College in Hillingdon, welcomed Danny Beales for a visit.
Meeting with learners on the Workstart programme, the session quickly turned into an open discussion about current issues in Hillingdon. Students asked direct questions about jobs, independence, and what happens next after education.
Current Issues
A key topic was employment. Students were keen to understand what opportunities exist locally, particularly around the proposed youth jobs and careers centre in Uxbridge. Danny spoke about plans to connect young people with training and real job opportunities through local businesses, alongside government-backed incentives to encourage employers to hire.
The conversation went wider than jobs. Students raised very practical issues many of them faced daily: access to public transport. Despite buses having space for more than one wheelchair, they are often only allowed on one at a time. Danny acknowledged the concern and committed to raising this directly with Transport for London to better understand why and, hopefully, push for change.
One of the biggest questions of the session was about what comes next after college.
Students asked what support looks like once they turn 25. Danny spoke about the role of adult social care, but the discussion highlighted a bigger issue – the gap many young people with SEND face when moving out of education.
There was recognition that the system doesn’t always join up. Danny shared that the government is reviewing the EHCP system, with a focus on earlier support and improving pathways beyond 18 and 25.
Making the community work for everyone
Accessibility in the local area was another priority. Students asked how pavements and public spaces could be made safer for wheelchair users.
Danny welcomed the idea of working with the council on an accessibility audit – giving students a chance to directly influence changes in their community.
There was also discussion around plans to reopen a local garden centre as a dedicated SEND hub, creating more opportunities, spaces, and support for young people. Danny is exploring this further with local charities.
The visit ended on a high, with students receiving an open invitation to visit Parliament – an opportunity to continue the conversation and see how decisions are made at the heart of government.
