My 6-year-old son, Oliver, has recently received his Education, Care, and Health Plan after an extensive wait. Yet, our relief was short-lived, as South Staffordshire Council failed to accurately identify the severity of his needs. Despite professional recommendations from Occupational Therapists and Educational Psychologists that Oliver requires a specialist school setting, the council has kept him in a mainstream setting. We now face further delays as we appeal this decision in Tribunal Court, a process that can take up to 12 months.

This in short means that Oliver will be heading into Year 3 at the time of Tribunal, despite currently performing at the academic level of pre-school/reception age. As a result, 3 years of his education are wasted! 

Oliver had been offered a place at specialist school however the Local Authority declined their offer, as they advised it would be an insufficient use of public funds.  

As per the disability act and equal opportunities act, the Local Authority and Government are failing to comply!

Our story is not unique; many families with Special Educational Need (SEN) children have to navigate this exhausting and emotionally draining process. The government and local authority procedures addressing SEN children's needs must drastically change. It brings the question of how many young learners, like Oliver, are not receiving adequate support due to bureaucratic red tape.

The process must become more efficient, more understanding, and provide resources and care based on each child's unique needs without unnecessary delays or disregard for professional opinions. This is not just for my child, but for all SEN children and their families who deserve support, understanding, and action.

Please join me in calling for change in the government and local authority process regarding Special Needs Children and their Educational, Care, and Health Plans. Sign the petition and let us together demand better for our children.