Parents and staff in Leeds are intensifying their plea for a comprehensive transformation in special educational needs (SEND) provision and funding for children in the area. The GMB union has labeled the current state of SEND support in Leeds, and nationwide, as “in crisis,” highlighting the distress experienced by families.
As anticipation builds for a scheduled rally in the city, Heather Jafar, a concerned mother, emphasized the necessity for the council to unequivocally support those impacted. Heather, whose daughters Charlotte, 6, and Abigail, 11, are on the autism spectrum, emphasized the urgency of the situation. She expressed frustration over the prolonged wait for appropriate schooling, stressing the imperative for government investment and an end to the ordeal parents face in seeking assistance.
“The government definitely needs to give more investment in SEND and stop making parents beg for help, and schools to that extent, too,” Heather asserted. “They need to invest in SEND children’s futures because I feel like they’re totally being left to their own devices.”
Her sentiments resonate with James Wilton, a SEND worker and GMB union representative, who attested to the dire conditions faced by staff and children alike on a daily basis. The impending rally, set to take place outside Leeds Civic Hall, is expected to draw attention to these pressing issues.
Labour councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of the council, acknowledged the funding shortfall, lamenting the strain it imposes on families and schools alike. He underscored the unprecedented surge in demand for services, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the system.
In response, a Department for Education spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to reforming the SEND system, aiming for earlier intervention and reduced bureaucracy. The spokesperson highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the establishment of special free schools and increased high needs funding, as part of a broader strategy to address the growing needs of children with complex requirements.
As tensions mount and stakeholders amplify their calls for action, the plight of children with special needs in Leeds remains a focal point, underscoring the urgent need for substantive change and increased support from authorities.
