My son, diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, struggles to navigate busy and overwhelming environments. For children like him, crowded places can be daunting, turning an experience meant to be joyous and memorable into a distressing ordeal. The very idea of a holiday is to create cherished memories, yet children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) often miss out on these simply because they cannot afford the challenges of crowded peak times.

School holidays are synonymous with hustle and bustle, and families with SEND children face the harsh reality of either subjecting their children to overwhelming environments or missing out altogether. Allowing SEND students up to ten days off during term-time for holidays can be a gamechanger, offering them the same opportunities to build beautiful memories without the mounting stress and anxiety that comes with school holiday crowds.

Statistics indicate that 1 in 7 children in the UK is identified as having SEND, a number that represents a significant segment of our community. Many of these children, like my son, thrive in environments where they can explore at their own pace, without the pressures and sensory overload that crowded spaces bring.

Adopting a policy that allows up to ten term-time days off for holidays for SEND students addresses not only the need for inclusivity but also promotes mental well-being. This policy would not penalize parents financially or academically for prioritizing their child's health and happiness. Every child deserves the right to create lifelong memories and to enjoy their childhood without being hindered by circumstances beyond their control.

Join me in calling for educational institutions and policymakers to acknowledge the unique needs of SEND children by institutionalizing term-time holiday allowances. Let's work together to ensure all children have equal opportunities to enjoy their lives fully. Sign this petition to support SEND children in experiencing the joy and developmentally essential time that holidays can provide.