Parents in West Sussex are not alone in their growing concerns over safety around schools. Consequently, many have made the choice to home educate their children, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Among these families is Rachel Hardy, who has not been able to send her son, Ellis, to school since November 2024. Hardy listed a “dangerous environment” as the primary cause for withdrawing Ellis. Because Ellis, like any child with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), is entitled to one-to-one support.
Hardy indicated that sometimes she was left with no option but to have her son stay home. The lack of support along with a toxic environment left her no choice. “We were seeing a rise in incidents. Either him hurting himself or hurting other children,” she commented.
Charlotte Gover, another parent who is worried about Charlotte’s daughter Emily will be staying home this September. Emily, an older teenager with autism and Crohn’s disease and highly complex emotional needs, is in a specialist school. Gover explained that the stress of an unsuitable school environment exacerbates Emily’s health issues. “I’m being left with no choice but to keep my child at home for her safety,” she said. Gover added, “Until something can be put in place to make it safe, I have no choice but to keep her at home.”
The issue is symptomatic of more general worries amongst families with children with SEND. These experiences have led parents across the country to say their kids are not safe under the status quo school climate. A group of families from West Sussex has voiced similar sentiments, urging local authorities to address these safety concerns promptly.
In defence against these criticisms, a spokesperson for West Sussex County Council admitted how difficult the situation now is for families. “Our dedicated staff are working hard to prioritise those with the highest level of need and, despite the continued growth in demand, we are making improvements to the speed that EHCP applications are processed and completed,” they stated. The council emphasized its commitment to creating a system that works collaboratively with families to ensure adequate support for all children.
The spokesperson highlighted the need for national-level reforms in the SEND system: “Changes to the SEND system at a national level are urgently required if we are to see a sustainable future for support services.”
Worried and vigilant parents continue to watch closely as this story unfolds. After all, their main concern is making sure that their kids are safe and healthy in school settings. What will be important in resolving these urgent matters is the continued and meaningful conversation between families and local leaders.
