A demonstration is being held in Lincoln today, calling for better support for children with special educational needs
There's calls for better support and an end to children missing school due to their needs not being met.
Parents across Lincolnshire are calling on more support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Corinne Bryan is from Grimsby, she has 3 boys, one in a SEND school, and one in mainstream school - she's also neurodivergent herself.
She says it's time to stand up for change:
"We're getting to the point now we're upset, we're struggling and we're finding it just too difficult. So things do need to change, and that's why we're protesting to make that change, and to stand with every single SEND family in this country.
"As well as the rest of the whole country, there is a huge issue in Lincolnshire too. Like many other areas there's so many children that are failed, there's not enough SEND schools, there's not enough understanding and this is why there's so many families that are frustrated.
"We need a SEND reform in this country. Enough is enough. Children are being failed, every single day, every single moment of every day, and we're saying that we've had enough. Things need to change."
Corinne also share what her situation was like and why this matters to her:
"My oldest son, he's nearly six and he's in a SEND school, and I see how amazing that school is for him, and how much he has thrived there. My other son, has a lot of communication needs, and he's in mainstream school, and we're worried about how he's going to cope.
"So, I can see it from both ends, I see how amazing SEND school is but I have another child that is being failed, and it breaks my heart because I just wish it was the same for both my children."
What parents who are part of SEND Reform England are hoping for is:
- Accountability and training for local decision makers to speed up access to support and reduce the need for lengthy appeals
- More specialist schools and school places
- More funding for SEN pupils in mainstream schools, for those with EHCPs and those on SEN support Adequate SEND training for teaching staff
- Easier and quicker access to diagnostic services and support
- A dedicated Minister for SEND
This demonstration also follows a series of others that have been held across the country this week.
The Head of SEND at Lincolnshire County Council, Sheridan Dodsworth, said:
“The government has recognised that there is increasing pressure on the SEND system caused by rising demand, and, earlier this year, published a national improvement plan to ensure children get the right support, in the right place, at the right time.
"In addition, the county council is investing £100m to improve Lincolnshire special schools, creating over 500 additional places.”