As a mother to a 7-year-old boy with severe autism who is preverbal, I live with a daily fear that I may never know if he suffers abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or distress at school. My son cannot tell me about his day, whether someone has hurt him, frightened him, or treated him unfairly. This is an overwhelmingly frightening reality that many other parents, carers, and guardians of children attending special educational needs and disability (SEND) schools in the UK share.

SEND schools accommodate many vulnerable children who are non-verbal, have severe learning disabilities, or cannot communicate abuse. While I recognize and appreciate the tireless dedication of SEND teachers and staff, the introduction of mandatory CCTV cameras in all SEND classrooms could provide an essential additional safeguarding measure.

CCTV systems in SEND schools would serve as an impartial safeguard for pupils and staff alike. It is not about mistrust but about ensuring safety and accountability. The presence of cameras would deter mistreatment and neglect, ultimately supporting a more transparent and secure environment. In the unfortunate event that a safeguarding concern arises, secure access to CCTV footage would allow for effective resolution, ensuring that issues don’t go unnoticed.

That said, it is crucial to implement strict privacy protections alongside this initiative. CCTV footage should only be accessible to appropriate authorities when legitimate safeguarding concerns are raised. Secure methods of storage and restricted access are paramount to maintaining trust and ensuring the privacy of students and staff.

Statistics highlight the alarming vulnerability of our children in educational settings. According to the Children’s Commissioner for England, there are over 351,000 children in England alone with educational needs who require extra support. A significant number of these children attend SEND schools, and many may not have the ability to communicate distress.

The Government must take proactive measures to protect our children and create a safer learning environment. By implementing mandatory CCTV in SEND classrooms, we can provide a protective shield for our most vulnerable individuals and peace of mind for their families.

Let us come together to urge the UK Government to make these necessary changes. Sign this petition to demand action for the safety and protection of all children attending SEND schools.