Parents across the United Kingdom expressed their frustration as the government postponed proposed reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system until early 2026. This delay has prompted demonstrations at local council buildings, with families advocating for improved support and services for children with SEND.
In Merseyside, parents gathered outside significant municipal buildings, laying children’s shoes as a powerful symbol of the challenges faced by SEND children. Jayne O’Neill, a mother and member of the Voice of the Families support group, participated in the demonstration in Southport. She stated, “SEND children and their families are being let down by the entire social care system. So many children and young people with SEND have not got school places.”
The concerns raised by O’Neill highlight the broader implications of the current SEND system on families. “This failure affects the whole family, in some cases extended families too,” she added. The struggle to secure educational placements can lead to significant mental health challenges for parents, who often find themselves overwhelmed by care responsibilities. “You’re living on benefits, which is really tough, especially with the social and economic situation that’s going on right now,” O’Neill explained.
Alix Shaw, another parent attending the protest, echoed these sentiments by addressing the fear of a “lost generation” of SEND children. She emphasized the lack of social opportunities and the long-term consequences of inadequate educational support. “Our kids are being squeezed out of society and put in a position where they’re going to be the unseen part of society,” Shaw said, expressing concern for her son’s future. “He’s going to be home with me for the rest of my life. I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of my life.”
The Department for Education (DfE) has acknowledged the issues within the SEND system. A spokesperson previously informed the Liverpool ECHO of the government’s commitment to fundamental reforms. “Through our Plan for Change, we’re determined to give children growing up in our country the best start in life,” they stated.
Despite the government’s announcement in March 2023 of a £740 million allocation to fund 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND, many parents remain skeptical. Reports indicate that less than one in ten mainstream schools in England offer specialized units for students with SEND, creating a significant gap in available support.
Data from the National Audit Office (NAO) reveals a troubling trend. The number of children with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in independent special schools has surged from 7,000 in 2010 to 26,000 in 2024. Additionally, there is currently an estimated shortfall of 8,000 places in state special schools. The NAO’s 2024 report classified the SEND system as “broken” and “financially unsustainable,” despite a 58% increase in funding to £10.7 billion over the past decade.
The recent delay in reforms has intensified the urgency for families advocating for change. Aimee Bradley, a spokesperson for SEND Sanctuary UK (SSU), articulated the campaign’s purpose during the demonstrations. She stated, “Each pair [of shoes] symbolizes a child who has missed out on school, support, or simply being understood.”
Bradley emphasized the human impact behind the statistics, calling for timely assessments, proper provision, and accountability from local authorities. “This isn’t about politics or protest; it’s about visibility, compassion, and change,” she said. The families involved in the protests are united in their demand for a system that prioritizes the wellbeing and rights of SEND children.
As parents continue to advocate for their children, the need for immediate and effective reforms to the SEND system remains critical. Many families hope that their voices will lead to tangible changes, ensuring that no child is left behind.
