**Our Story: Barnsley SEND Community**

As parents with SEND children, we are a passionate and dedicated community advocating for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our story is one of resilience, unity, and a relentless pursuit of inclusion and support for our most vulnerable children.

For years, families in England and Wales have faced numerous challenges navigating the education system for their SEND children. We have witnessed firsthand the struggles that arise from inadequate support, insufficient resources, and a lack of understanding from school staff about the unique needs of SEND students. These challenges have led to feelings of frustration, isolation, and heartache for many families.

However, our story is not just one of struggle; it is also one of hope and determination. Together, we have formed a strong network of parents, educators, and advocates dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of proper support and inclusion for SEND children. We hold regular meetings, workshops, and community events to share our experiences, provide guidance, and empower each other in our journey.

We believe that every child deserves the right to a quality education that meets their individual needs. Our community works tirelessly to ensure that the voices of SEND families in Barnsley are heard. We actively engage with local authorities, schools, and decision-makers to advocate for necessary changes in policies and practices, ensuring that our children's rights are upheld.

Through initiatives such as awareness campaigns, information sessions, and collaboration with local organizations, we strive to create a more inclusive environment for SEND children in Barnsley and the UK  Our goal is to foster understanding, acceptance, and support within our schools and the wider community.

The impact of our collective efforts is beginning to show. We are witnessing positive changes in attitudes towards SEND education, and we continue to push for reforms that will ensure every child receives the support they deserve. Our story is a testament to the power of community, and together, we will continue to fight for a brighter future for all SEND children in Barnsley.

Join us in our journey, and let’s create a community where every child can thrive, regardless of their challenges.

**Petition for Amendment to OFSTED Rating System Regarding Pupil Exclusion and Suspension**

 

To the Parliament of England and Wales,

 

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our deep concern regarding the tragic incident involving a SEND child and the urgent need for reforms within the current OFSTED rating system. It is imperative that we ensure the safety and well-being of all children, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

 

We propose the following amendments to the new OFSTED rating system:

 

1. **Inclusion of Pupil Exclusion and Suspension Ratings**: We call for a comprehensive rating system that not only evaluates school attendance but also includes metrics for pupil exclusion and suspension. This will provide a clearer picture of a school's disciplinary practices and their impact on students.

 

2. **Legal Requirement for Recording Unlawful Exclusions**: Schools should be mandated to record instances of unlawful exclusions and suspensions. A public register should be established by the Department for Education (DfE) to ensure transparency while adhering to data protection laws and GDPR.

 

3. **Consideration of SEND Status in OFSTED Assessments**: The OFSTED assessment framework must include whether a pupil has SEND and the reasons for any exclusion or suspension. Inspectors should review documentation and support provided to SEND children to determine compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and to ascertain whether effective support could have prevented the exclusion.

 

4. **Parental Consultation and Voice**: We, as parents, demand that our voices be heard and that we are consulted in shaping the inspection framework. This will ensure compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015, both of which are currently not being effectively followed.

 

The emotional abuse and neglect faced by SEND children due to inadequate support from school staff contribute significantly to rising mental health issues across England and Wales. This not only affects children but also drives up costs for social care and benefits for those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

 

We must transition our education system from one that attempts to modify the behavior of SEND children through mainstream disciplinary measures—often unlawfully—to a system that genuinely adheres to the SEND Code of Practice. This shift will provide meaningful support for SEND children and their families, promoting inclusion and well-being.

 

We urge Parliament to debate this crucial addition to the OFSTED framework to ensure that our education system is inclusive, supportive, and protective of all children.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

James Swallow-Gaunt

 

**Resources for Further Information:**

- [OFSTED Website](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

- [SEND Code of Practice 2015](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25

- [Children and Families Act 2014](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/contents/enacted

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