Ensure educational support for children with CFS/ME in the UK
The Issue
My daughter Brooke has been grappling with the challenges of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) for over five years now. Watching her struggle to keep up with a standard school curriculum despite her dedication and love for learning is heart-wrenching. Every day, Brooke battles symptoms that make attending school physically impossible at times. Yet, the educational system seems unprepared to accommodate children like her who yearn for an education but are restricted by this debilitating condition.
Families across the UK are experiencing similar hardships. According to Action for ME, there are over 25,000 children and young people with CFS/ME in the UK, and many face educational neglect simply because they cannot attend school full-time. These children are often highly motivated and capable, but without the proper support, they risk falling behind their peers, impacting their future prospects significantly.
Currently, there is no consistent national policy ensuring that children with CFS/ME receive the educational assistance they need. Schools can vary wildly in their approach, often resulting in inadequate provision of resources such as home tutoring, online classes, and flexible school hours. Every child deserves the right to an education, regardless of their health challenges.
I am calling on the Department for Education to establish a mandated national policy that ensures all children diagnosed with CFS/ME are entitled to tailored educational support. This includes access to virtual learning platforms, qualified tutors, and flexible curriculum adjustments to accommodate their unique needs. Schools should receive additional funding to implement these programs effectively and ensure that no child is left behind due to their health.
Our goal is to give every child with CFS/ME the same educational opportunities as their peers. By committing to this change, we not only safeguard the future of children like Brooke but also foster a more inclusive and equitable educational system for all.
Please sign this petition to urge the government to take immediate action and provide necessary educational support for children with CFS/ME. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and futures.
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The Issue
My daughter Brooke has been grappling with the challenges of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) for over five years now. Watching her struggle to keep up with a standard school curriculum despite her dedication and love for learning is heart-wrenching. Every day, Brooke battles symptoms that make attending school physically impossible at times. Yet, the educational system seems unprepared to accommodate children like her who yearn for an education but are restricted by this debilitating condition.
Families across the UK are experiencing similar hardships. According to Action for ME, there are over 25,000 children and young people with CFS/ME in the UK, and many face educational neglect simply because they cannot attend school full-time. These children are often highly motivated and capable, but without the proper support, they risk falling behind their peers, impacting their future prospects significantly.
Currently, there is no consistent national policy ensuring that children with CFS/ME receive the educational assistance they need. Schools can vary wildly in their approach, often resulting in inadequate provision of resources such as home tutoring, online classes, and flexible school hours. Every child deserves the right to an education, regardless of their health challenges.
I am calling on the Department for Education to establish a mandated national policy that ensures all children diagnosed with CFS/ME are entitled to tailored educational support. This includes access to virtual learning platforms, qualified tutors, and flexible curriculum adjustments to accommodate their unique needs. Schools should receive additional funding to implement these programs effectively and ensure that no child is left behind due to their health.
Our goal is to give every child with CFS/ME the same educational opportunities as their peers. By committing to this change, we not only safeguard the future of children like Brooke but also foster a more inclusive and equitable educational system for all.
Please sign this petition to urge the government to take immediate action and provide necessary educational support for children with CFS/ME. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and futures.
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Petition created on 16 September 2026