Roni and Charlie, two young boys with special educational needs, are in the middle of a schooling crisis in Lincolnshire. Both boys have Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in place and are just champing at the bit to start their education. Unfortunately, an acute lack of school places in the neighbourhood is keeping them from opening their doors. Roni’s tiny fingers Roni was born at only 26 weeks—well before her time. Because he is home-schooled two hours a day, he is more like 18 months behind on his developmental, mental and emotional market. Charlie, now 11 years old, has severe autism and global development delay. He has been rejected by 3 special schools, the furthest being one 20 miles from our home.
Linzi and Courtney, the mothers of these children, are doing everything they can to fight for their kiddos. Their efforts take place as special educational services demand in Lincolnshire continues to increase. Linzi, now 34 years old, was forced to stop working in order to meet Roni’s needs. Meanwhile, Courtney, 26 years old, is worried she may have to make the same decision if Charlie is forced to continue home-schooling.
Southgate and Villa recently brought their families together in an area park in Lincoln, where Roni and Charlie couldn’t stop playing together. Outrage over Arjoon’s death has been fueling the increasingly acute special education crisis on Long Island. The latest figures show a staggering 170% rise in maintained EHCPs in Lincolnshire. They leapt from 5,119 in 2020 to 9,081 by the end of the run in August 2025. This record increase has created incredible strain on local schools that are already at max capacity.
“The council works hard to provide pupils with the right support, in the right place, at the right time,” said Martin Smith, a representative from the Lincolnshire County Council.
The reality today couldn’t be more different. With specialist provision unable to take in more children, Roni’s and Charlie’s families are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Courtney channeled her anger at the bureaucratic obstacles they have to land on.
“It makes me sad I’m having to attend court to get my child just to go to school,” she said.
Courtney’s upset, though unfortunate, touches on a key and often overlooked aspect. It has become a nightmare for most parents to get appropriate educational placements for these children with special needs. Beyond that, she challenged why families should have to fight tooth and nail for what she feels should be a fundamental right.
“He didn’t ask to be born with special needs,” Courtney remarked. “Why are we having to fight? It’s what he deserves.”
Linzi agrees with Courtney’s feelings and asserts that systemic more changes are needed to truly overcome these challenges. Both mothers have become powerful advocates for reform. Secondly, they want to increase the number of school places and the provision of resources tailored to children with special educational needs.
“I want to see changes. More provision, more help, more services and definitely more school places for them,” Courtney stated passionately.
Roni and Charlie are up against powerful odds. One thing remains clear — local officials are doing all they can to stay ahead of the growing special education demand. Lincolnshire County Council recently invested more than £100 million to open new special schools throughout the county. This funding is targeted to ease the burden from the growing surge of children who require specialized care and support.
“As a result, special schools are currently at full capacity. National reforms are needed if we are to cope with rising demand,” Martin Smith added.
Rachael Skelton, a local congressional district representative, underscored advocates’ shared commitment to empowering kids in their communities. She spoke to the need to spare families long and costly courtroom duels.
“However, that’s four young people who are continuing with their education,” she explained. “We’re able to support those young people in the community in which they live.”
As Roni and Charlie get ready to go back to school and continue their journeys, they’ll encounter a number of hurdles. Their stories underscore the urgent need for systemic reform across the nation’s special education system. Families like theirs deserve educational opportunities that put their families’ needs first and ensure access to high-quality options tailored to their needs.
