Growing up in Dudley and raising a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), we have experienced first-hand the systemic failures that affect so many families across our area. The recent Ofsted inspections have laid bare severe and persistent shortcomings within Dudley Council’s Children’s Services, shortcomings that impact our most vulnerable community members: our children.

Inspection findings highlight a distressing lack of adequate SEND provision, including unacceptable delays in completing assessments and finalising Education, Health and Care Plans, alongside significant failures of leadership. Families like ours have faced lengthy waits for essential support, inconsistent or inadequate care once it arrives, and a bureaucratic system that too often leaves our children’s most basic needs unmet. The reports also note broader failures in decision-making, oversight, and the delivery of safe, timely care across children’s services.

These official findings make clear that the current leadership has failed not just our family, but hundreds of families across Dudley. Inspectors have identified failures in strategic planning, accountability, and a consistent inability to deliver the changes needed to meet statutory obligations. This is not just administrative inconvenience, it means children miss out on vital educational opportunities, therapeutic support, and safeguarding, with effects that can last a lifetime.

We, the families affected by these failures, can no longer remain silent. We demand accountability from those in leadership positions with responsibility for Children’s Services, specifically the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and the Director of Children’s Services. We call on them to step down from their positions with immediate effect.

Resignations are a necessary first step towards rebuilding trust and delivering effective, rights-respecting SEND provision. The current leadership has demonstrated over time that it cannot manage this critical service to the standard our children are legally entitled to receive. New leadership, committed to inclusive, efficient, and child-centred practice, is needed urgently to ensure statutory duties are met and families are treated as equal partners in planning their children’s support.

By signing this petition, you stand with us in demanding immediate action. Together, we can work towards a future where every child in Dudley receives the timely, high-quality support they need and deserve. Demand change, demand accountability, and help us build a system where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Please sign this petition and stand with the families of Dudley.