Parents across England are expressing frustration and concern as the government has postponed proposed reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system until early 2026. The decision, announced earlier this month, has prompted parents to gather at local council buildings to demand improved support and services for children with SEND.
In a demonstration held today, families in Merseyside placed children’s shoes outside the Southport and Bootle Town Halls, as well as the Municipal Buildings in Huyton. This poignant display aimed to raise awareness of the consequences of a system that many describe as “broken.”
Jayne O’Neill, a mother and member of the advocacy group Voice of the Families, spoke at the Southport demonstration. She highlighted the failures of the SEND system, stating, “SEND children and their families are being let down by the entire social care system.” O’Neill emphasized the lack of school placements for many children, which she noted has significant repercussions for families, often leading to mental health struggles and financial hardship.
“The people who support SEND families are often those who are experiencing similar challenges themselves,” O’Neill added. “It’s affirming to find a community that understands our plight. We just want basic rights, but we are not being afforded those rights.”
Another parent, Alix Shaw, warned of a “lost generation” of SEND children who are missing out on crucial educational opportunities. Shaw expressed her concerns about her son’s future, particularly as he approaches adulthood. “He can’t read or write and never will. I’m terrified of what will happen to him when I am no longer around,” she said.
The Department for Education (DfE) has acknowledged the issues raised by parents. A spokesperson stated, “Through our Plan for Change, we’re determined to give children growing up in our country the best start in life.” In March, the government announced a funding allocation of £740 million to create 10,000 new places for students with SEND.
Despite the increased funding, a 2024 report from the National Audit Office highlighted that the SEND system is financially unsustainable and in urgent need of reform. The report noted that the number of children with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) enrolled in independent special schools has surged from 7,000 in 2010 to 26,000 in 2024. Meanwhile, fewer than one in ten mainstream schools in England have specialized facilities to support students with SEND.
The recent delay in reforms has intensified calls for immediate action. Aimee Bradley, spokesperson for SEND Sanctuary UK, explained the significance of the demonstrations. She remarked, “Each pair of shoes symbolizes a child who has missed out on school, support, or simply being understood.” The campaign aims to shed light on the human impact of the SEND crisis and advocate for timely assessments and adequate support from local authorities.
Bradley emphasized that this issue transcends politics and protest; it is rooted in compassion and the need for change. “Families have been fighting to be heard for far too long,” she said. “Today, we stand together in silence to ensure every child’s story is finally seen.”
As parents continue to voice their concerns, the future of SEND reforms remains uncertain. The need for immediate action is clear, as families hope for a system that better supports their children and provides them with the opportunities they deserve.
