My 8-year-old son is Autistic, and we are in the midst of a struggle for a suitable school placement. This fight has made us realize that decisions about our children's education and welfare are often made by individuals who have never met them. Our children, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), are not faceless names on a list; they're unique individuals with specific needs.

It is currently not mandatory for all SEND team members or anyone sitting on an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or school placement panel to meet the child they're making decisions about. This impersonal approach can lead to ill-informed decisions that do not consider the child's unique circumstances.

According to the National Autistic Society, over 70% of autistic children attend mainstream schools. However, many parents report their child’s needs aren’t being fully met due to lack of understanding or resources (National Autistic Society). It's time we change this system.

We demand that it becomes mandatory for all SEND team members and anyone involved in EHCP or school placement panels to personally meet each child before making any decisions regarding their education plan. Only then can they make truly informed, personalized decisions instead of treating vulnerable children as mere names on a list.

Please sign this petition if you believe every child deserves an educational decision based on personal interaction rather than impersonal data alone.