Somerset families joined together outside County Hall in Taunton on Friday. They were objecting to what they claimed was a disastrous Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service. SEND Sanctuary UK, who coordinated the fun day, welcomed more than 50 SEND families – parents and children alike – to the event. This extraordinary turnout gave voice to the frustrations of over 35,000 families represented by the virtual organization.
Tatjana, a local parent and organizer of the Somerset gathering, expressed her frustration with the SEND service, stating that it has left families feeling exhausted and unsupported. She emphasized the emotional toll on parents, saying, “We are barely standing. I’m just about keeping my job. I’m mentally exhausted. It’s very tough but I’m never going to give up fighting for my son.”
The protesters had a lot of heart-felt stories to share about Somerset’s SEND service. They feel it is failing to deliver the basic assistance their kids require. The timing of the protest coincided with anticipation surrounding the Labour government’s impending SEND reforms, expected to be released this autumn.
Aimee Bradley, the Founder of The SEND Sanctuary UK, addressed the crowd, urging local councils and decision-makers to recognize the human cost of an underfunded system. She stated, “It is time for every council and every decision maker to recognise the human cost of an underfunded and broken system.”
Councillor Heather Shearer, the Lib Dem Lead member for children, families and education on new Somerset Council, was at the protest. She noted her remorse to the families present. She recognized the difficult situations they are put in and apologized. “Sorry for any problems any family has had,” she said.
Shearer highlighted one of the systemic issues contributing to the frustrations of families: a lack of available school places. “We do not have enough school places, which is part of the EHCP process, so we can actually identify the best school place for that child,” she explained.
The rally highlighted the real experiences of families still struggling to find their way through the SEND system in Somerset. Melanie, another parent at the protest, echoed the sentiments of many others in attendance: “We have had to fight for every single one of them to get the support they need.”
Families are doing all they can to push for the fundamental changes needed to SEND services. Like many, they cling to optimism that new reforms will translate into better results. The engagement of local authorities and policymakers will be crucial in addressing their concerns and ensuring adequate support for children with special educational needs.
