Understand
Leicestershire parents protest over failing SEND system and lack of specialist school places
Overview
Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) gathered outside Leicestershire County Council's offices to protest against a system they say is failing their children. Families highlighted issues including children being out of school for months or years, long waiting times for specialist placements, and a lack of adequate support. Leicestershire County Council stated that it recognises the difficulties faced by families, noted that government funding has not kept pace with rising demand, and outlined plans to increase capacity through new specialist bases and a planned special school in Harborough.
Key points
- Families protested outside Leicestershire County Council's offices calling for more specialist school places and better SEND support.
- Protest organiser Sharan Rodrigues highlighted that many parents face situations where children are out of school and struggling to access support.
- Other parents, including Martina O'Neil and Donna Bowler, shared experiences of their children missing extensive periods of education while waiting for specialist placements.
- Liberal Democrat councillor Zuffar Haq stated that over 500 children in Leicestershire needing specialist education are currently without places.
- Leicestershire County Council responded that government funding has not kept pace with rising demand, but pointed to an accelerated programme of new specialist bases and a planned £30m special school.