Pairs of children's shoes to highlight SEND failings in County Durham
SEND Sanctuary UK is holding its 'Every Pair Tells a Story' event
Families of SEND children in County Durham are coming together to highlight how many young people have been failed by the system.
They'll be placing pairs of shoes outside Durham County Council with each pair representing a kid who's been failed by the local authority.
'Every Pair Tells a Story' is organised by the SEND Sanctuary UK and takes place from 10.30am to 1pm outside the local authority offices.
The event's backed by MAIN in Middlesbrough. They support children and adults who are autistic, neurodiverse and have a learning disability.
Heather Whyman, chief executive of the charity, said: "This is enough. Cuts to SEND services means families are facing impossible choices. We're seeing parents having to give up work, siblings missing out and children becoming isolated and anxious.
"Let's all come together to try and work more collaboratively, more closer, for the end result to be our children's future is a happy and fulfilled one. Get behind this, show your voice, and stand in solidarity."
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We understand the frustration from families around access to additional support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
“However, the well documented challenges in the system of support for children with SEND can only be resolved by national intervention. We are therefore disappointed that the government has delayed the publication of its Education White Paper, which was due to set out planned reforms to the SEND system, until next year.
“Although this is a national campaign, we would also reassure families that we are doing all we can to support children in County Durham. There is a very clear expectation that every child who requires special educational needs support across the county should have an individual SEN support plan. Plus, making sure that this extra support can be accessed by children who do not have an EHC plan, as well as by children who are currently waiting for a needs assessment to be completed.”
The Department for Education has also been approached for a comment.