SEND families to protest outside Northampton council buildings

Families across Northamptonshire will take part in a peaceful protest on Monday, November 3, calling for improvements to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.

Organised by The SEND Sanctuary UK, the demonstration is part of a national campaign titled ‘Every Pair Tells a Story’. More than 70 events are planned across England on the same day.

In Northamptonshire, parents will gather outside Swanspool House in Wellingborough and the Northampton Guildhall. Participants are encouraged to lay a pair of children’s shoes at each site to represent children they believe have been failed by the education system.

The campaign follows growing concerns about SEND provision in both North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) and West Northants Council (WNC), with each authority supporting over 4,000 children and young people with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

NNC councillor Elizabeth Wright said the council is working to expand SEND capacity through a strategic programme aiming to create 800 additional places by 2031/32. She encouraged families to contact the North Northamptonshire SEND Information Advice Support Service for further support.

West Northamptonshire Council has been contacted for comment.

The protests will run from 10.30am to 1pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend or donate a pair of children’s shoes, which will be given to local charities after the event.

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