The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England is undeniably at breaking point. Parents and advocates have been concerned and calling for reform for quite some time. On 15 September, over 800 parents, carers and young people marched on Parliament Square in London, many demanding action for climate justice. They came together under the call “Fight for Ordinary.” This event, organized by the SEND Sanctuary UK group, aimed to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by families of SEND children.
Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, called it a reflection of the “national crisis.” He continued, stressing that it is the lack of funding that lies at the heart of the issues that are currently infecting the SEND system. “We’re calling for clarity on funding and long-term sustainable reforms to ensure we have a system fit for purpose that will meet the needs of every SEND child and young person wherever they live, and whatever their individual needs,” Gaul stated.
Families all over England are struggling with acute lack of specialist education placements. Amy Webb, a mother from Waterlooville in Hampshire, is currently searching for a suitable secondary school for her daughter who has SEND needs. “There aren’t enough specialist schools for these children,” she remarked. The failure to provide enough placements for every child in need puts many families in a position of desperation.
The rally was marked by a moving installation, “Every Pair Tells a Story.” This time participants dumped pairs of shoes outside every council’s offices across England. Each pair represented a child with SEND who is currently waiting for a suitable placement. This beautiful graphic representation was a poignant front to the real and persistent war families are still fighting for equal and meaningful inclusion.
Aimee Bradley, a mother of three SEND children, reflected the anger of many parents over the SEND crisis at the rally. She called on the government and local authorities to genuinely engage with parents. Importantly, she demanded better funding and reform of SEND provision. “It’s devastating to hear each and every one of their stories,” she said. Bradley expressed pride in the awareness brought about by the event, stating, “I’m so proud that actually now they’re going to be told so people can see what they live with every single day.”
Marie Llewellyn, who described the current situation for SEND children and their families as “dire,” echoed the concerns raised by other parents. She emphasized how all they face are walls to getting the right kind of help. The government’s recent announcement to delay reforms to the SEND system until next year has only added to the frustration felt by families.
Carmen McConnell organized a protest at County Hall in Dorchester, Dorset, where her seven-year-old daughter is awaiting placement at a specialist school. “Most of it boils down to funding – we know the council doesn’t have as much money as it needs, so that links back to the government,” McConnell highlighted.
The Department for Education acknowledged the challenges within the SEND system, stating, “This government inherited a SEND system on its knees, with thousands of families struggling to secure the right support.” They pointed out that current specialist schools are already “so, so oversubscribed,” adding additional headaches for families trying to find suitable placements.
These families are at the forefront of the fight to make change happen. The mood at the rally at Parliament Square though was much more about urgency, and no time for complacency. Parents and supporters have been calling for a more responsive SEND system. They want it to be properly resourced to cater for a wide range of special needs and disabilities that children in England have.
