The UK government has postponed proposed reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system until early 2026, prompting widespread demonstrations by parents advocating for better support for their children. This morning, parents across the country gathered outside local council buildings to raise awareness about the challenges posed by a system they describe as “broken.”
In Merseyside, parents placed children’s shoes outside Southport and Bootle Town Halls, as well as the Municipal Buildings in Huyton. This symbolic act aimed to highlight the plight of SEND children who lack adequate educational opportunities.
Jayne O’Neill, a mother and member of the advocacy group Voice of the Families, expressed her concerns during a demonstration in Southport. “SEND children and their families are being let down by the entire social care system,” she stated. “So many children and young people with SEND have not got school places. This failure affects the whole family, often impacting mental health and economic stability.”
O’Neill emphasized the exhausting fight that many parents face, stating, “You lose contact with your family, you lose your friendship groups. Parents are constantly having to fight, and it’s draining mentally, physically and emotionally.”
Another parent, Alix Shaw, raised the alarming issue of a “lost generation” of SEND children who are missing out on education. She voiced her fears for her son, saying, “Our kids are being squeezed out of society, stuck away, out of sight, out of mind.” Shaw added that her son, who is 12 years old, lacks basic literacy skills and will likely remain at home with her indefinitely. “I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of my life. Is he going to be institutionalised? It’s terrifying,” she shared.
In response to the concerns raised by parents, a spokesperson for the Department for Education (DfE) acknowledged the ongoing issues within the SEND system. “Through our Plan for Change, we’re determined to give children growing up in our country the best start in life,” the spokesperson said. Earlier this year, the DfE announced an allocation of £740 million to fund 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND.
Despite these efforts, the challenges remain significant. A recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO) described the SEND system as “broken” and financially unsustainable. Although funding for SEND has increased by 58% over the past decade to £10.7 billion, the report indicated that the system is in “urgent need of reform.”
Currently, fewer than 1 in 10 mainstream schools have specialist facilities for SEND pupils. The number of children with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in independent special schools has surged from 7,000 in 2010 to 26,000 in 2024. Meanwhile, recent data reveals a shortfall of 8,000 places in state special schools.
The government’s decision to delay reforms has left many families feeling abandoned. The demonstrations were organized by SEND Sanctuary UK (SSU), which aims to draw attention to the urgent need for reforms. Spokesperson Aimee Bradley explained the significance of the empty shoes, stating, “Each pair symbolises a child who has missed out on school, support, or simply being understood.”
Bradley emphasized that the campaign is about visibility, compassion, and change. “Families have been fighting for far too long to be heard,” she said. “Today, we stand together in silence to make sure every child’s story is finally seen.”
As parents continue to advocate for their children’s rights, the call for immediate action on the SEND system grows louder. With the future of countless children at stake, the community remains hopeful for reform that can provide the essential support and services they desperately need.
