"There's nothing" - East Yorkshire mum says SEND families need more support

A mum from Goole has said much more needs to be done to support families with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Jemma Stow's seven-year-old daughter Annie has special educational needs, and jemma herself has ADHD, which she said makes it harder to support Annie.

Raising a SEND child can bring its challenges, and Jemma has been left feeling isolated without any help from the local authority.

She said: "There's nothing, nobody has given me any information about who to go to, what help is available who can provide assistance in anything. I have been given nothing; I've learned everything for myself, from the internet and from Facebook groups."

East Riding of Yorkshire Council announced it secured £1million in funding for children and young people with SEND last month, with the aim of identifying children's needs as early as possible.

Jemma said: "We've heard nothing from the local authority, I don't even think the local authority are aware that Annie is a SEND child. There's not even a local support group for us, there's nothing.

"She gets home from school every day and she will have an absolute breakdown because she's been bottling up every single emotion that she's had all day long. It's so hard because there's nothing you can do which makes them feel better."

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “All schools in the East Riding have a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) who will support families to access the appropriate services and support. The SENCO can also request an Education, Health and Care Plan assessment for a child, to determine their needs and the most appropriate support.

“We would advise parents and carers to speak to their school initially if they have concerns about their child’s needs. The Local Offer website provides information and advice about services and support for children, young people and families.”

Despite the challenges of raising her daughter while also navigating her own ADHD, Jemma said her daughter is very loving, adding: "Her mind is so imaginative that she can make a game out of anything, she can make anything exciting. It's never dull! It's tiring but it's never dull."