Key Highlights
- Parents have laid shoes outside council offices as part of a protest about “failed or forgotten” children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- The Department for Education stated it was determined to deliver better support systems for children and families.
- Mother Aimee Bradley set up the Send Sanctuary UK group to advocate for SEND provision reform.
- Protesters highlighted the lack of funding and specialist school places, calling for long-term sustainable reforms.
Background on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
The campaign, known as “Every Pair Tells a Story,” involves parents leaving pairs of shoes outside council offices to symbolize children who are left behind due to their complex needs. These children often struggle with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), which can significantly impact their learning and social development.
Protests Across England
The initiative, organized by the Send Sanctuary UK group, has seen parents from across England lay shoes outside council offices as a way to bring attention to the challenges faced by families with SEND children. Each pair of shoes is accompanied by personal messages and photos that provide insight into their child’s daily life and struggles.
Government Response and Existing Challenges
The Department for Education acknowledged the ongoing issues in the SEND system, stating: “We’re determined to put that right and deliver a better system that supports children and families at every stage.” However, critics argue that reforms have been delayed until 2026, raising concerns about immediate support needs.
Government’s Position
The Department for Education has already conducted over 100 “listening sessions” with families to better understand their experiences. Despite these efforts, many parents and advocates continue to call for more robust action and long-term solutions. Amy Webb, a parent whose daughter is waiting for placement in a specialist school, emphasized the urgency: “There aren’t enough specialist schools for these children. Those that are there, are so, so overd.”
Continued Advocacy and Future Prospects
Protesters have vowed to continue their campaign, highlighting the dire situation faced by SEND children and their families. Marie Llewellyn, a parent involved in the protests, stated: “All we are faced with is barriers.” The ongoing efforts aim to ensure that every SEND child receives the support they need, regardless of the current financial constraints or policy delays.
The broader context of SEND provision reform includes calls for increased funding and more accessible specialist schools. These challenges underscore the complex interplay between government policies and real-world impacts on vulnerable children and their families.
