My son who is 11 years old has been without carers  in the home for five years and needs an escort in a taxi with him to travel to school for over two years he has been without one. He has severe autism, global developmental delayed, speech delay, tics very challenging behaviours. The absence of essential support staff has had a detrimental impact on his education and well-being. This is not just our story; hundreds of families are facing the same crisis across the UK. Our children deserve better.

In the UK, children with special needs require tailored support to ensure that they receive an equitable education. However, a chronic shortage of carers and school escorts has left many families stranded. According to a recent report by the British Educational Research Association, over 30% of families with children requiring special education support do not have access to consistent and qualified assistance. This not only affects the emotional and educational development of the children but places a significant strain on parents, who often have to balance caregiving with work commitments.

The government's budget cuts on special education have exacerbated the problem, reducing the availability of skilled professional staff. We need urgent reform to allocate more resources into recruiting and retaining carers and escorts, providing them with proper training, adequate support, and fair wages. By building a robust framework, we can ensure our children are granted the support they need.

This is a call to the Department for Education, local authorities, and Members of Parliament to prioritize funding and policy changes to address this crisis effectively. No child should have to wait years for the support they are entitled to. By investing in the future of our children, we invest in the future of our society.

Please sign this petition to urge action for the provision of necessary carers and escorts, ensuring every child with special needs can thrive and achieve their potential.