We, the undersigned, bring to your attention the urgent issue of neglect and mistreatment of children in high schools, particularly those with mental health needs and special educational requirements. This petition seeks immediate action to ensure all children are provided with the support and respect they deserve within the educational system.

The Problem

Across the country, children with mental health challenges and special educational needs (SEN) are being systematically overlooked and misunderstood. Instead of being supported, many are dismissed as "misbehaving," leading to unfair treatment, exclusion from lessons, and, in some cases, outright victimisation by staff. This failure of the system has resulted in:

A lack of proper mental health support and resources.
Teachers dismissing or ignoring children due to misunderstandings of their behaviour.
Children being bullied and singled out by staff.
Discriminatory practices, including inadequate accommodation for dietary and religious needs.
It is appalling to hear of children being sent home feeling victimised, anxious, and unheard. Teachers expressing that they are "fed up" with dealing with these students only exacerbates the problem. Children are being robbed of their chance to learn, grow, and succeed.

A Personal Perspective

This issue is deeply personal for many families in the Bury area and children face these challenges daily. They are regularly sent out of lessons and denied the support they need to thrive. For example, my friend’s daughter, who is Muslim, was offered a ham sandwich at school despite explaining that she cannot eat pork. The response from staff was dismissive, stating, "Well, that’s all we have." This lack of consideration and respect is unacceptable in a multicultural society.

The Bigger Picture

This is not an isolated issue. Across the UK, nearly 1.6 million pupils—15% of all students—have special educational needs (source: National Education Union, 2021). These children are not less capable, but the absence of understanding and support deprives them of equal opportunities.

Schools often cite a lack of funding as the reason for these failings. However, this excuse cannot justify the neglect and harm inflicted upon vulnerable children. Every child deserves access to education tailored to their needs, regardless of budget constraints.

Our Demands

We call on the government and local education authorities to take immediate action by:

Providing comprehensive mental health resources in schools.
Ensuring all teachers receive training to understand and support children with SEN and mental health challenges.
Establishing clear policies to prevent discrimination and victimisation by staff.
Guaranteeing that all schools cater to dietary and religious requirements, reflecting the multicultural nature of our society.
Allocating sufficient funding to support personalised education plans and resources for every child who needs them.
Why This Matters

Children are the future of our society, and every child deserves a fair chance to succeed. By ignoring their needs, we risk losing bright, capable minds who could contribute significantly to our world. The current system fails not only these children but also society as a whole.

Join Us

We urge you to sign this petition and demand change. Together, we can ensure that every child receives the respect, understanding, and support they need to reach their full potential.

Sign the petition now. Let’s stand together to make a difference.