Mother in Gravesend urges changes to Kent's Special Educational Needs services
Concerns persist despite government plan to settle SEND debts
Last updated 19th Feb 2026
A mother in Gravesend is calling for urgent improvements to Special Educational Needs (SEN) support in Kent, following a government announcement to cancel a significant portion of historic SEND debts owed by local councils.
Lala Essel, whose son has autism and ADHD, expressed frustration at the current system, which she describes as having "bad practices."
She revealed that her son missed two terms of necessary support due to delays, despite having a court order in place.
Kent County Council has been approached for comment.
Concerns over SEN services
Lala Essel spoke about her experience dealing with Kent County Council concerning her son's provisions, highlighting the delays and lack of communication.
"A complaint raised with all my evidence took months for a response, which was unsatisfactory," she said.
Despite her proactive approach and a court order for services, her son missed crucial schooling and therapy.
She eventually received compensation and an apology from the council but remains anxious about future dealings.
Mrs Essel questioned the long-term impact of the government's plan to write off 90% of SEND debts.
"Throwing money at the problem doesn't guarantee improved services or relationship changes between local authorities and parents," Essel stated.
She added that without addressing the system's underlying issues, the financial relief may not lead to long-term improvements.
Kent County Council's Response
Kent County Council welcomed the government's decision, seeing it as a chance to eliminate historic financial burdens.
A KCC spokesperson said:
"The Government’s decision to write off most historic SEND deficits removes a big financial risk although their freeze on high needs funding for next financial year means we continue to manage spend carefully within the money we receive for SEND."
"We remain firmly committed to continuing to improve SEND services so children and families get the right support at the right time.”
Kent County Council remains committed to working with the Department for Education as further national reforms are anticipated.