West Yorkshire parents call for overhaul of SEND provision
The GMB Union say support in Leeds, and across the country, is in 'crisis'
Last updated 5th Sep 2024
Parents in West Yorkshire have been protesting at Millennium Square - as they call for an overhaul of the provision of special educational needs and disabilities.
The GMB Union say support in Leeds, and across the country, is in 'crisis'.
The workers, who are on the frontline supporting children with additional needs in Leeds, then took a formal deputation to the full council, who then voted on SEND reforms.
The GMB Union say they have been campaigning across the city to organise staff and parents alike, to fight for safe staffing levels, fair pay, and proper staff development.
James Wilton, SEND worker and GMB Rep, said: “Special Educational Support in Leeds, and across the country, is in crisis and as a result children and their families are suffering.
“I hear daily stories from GMB members who are beyond despair, working in unsafe environments for both children and staff.
“They are consistently asked to take on more and more work for no more pay and offered no opportunities for the future.
“GMB believes Leeds Council should take the lead on the radical transformation of SEND provision by investing in its staff and school safety.
“We call upon all councillors to join our rally, sign our pledge for SEND reform and support our deputation.”
In a statement this afternoon, it's now been confirmed Leeds will start the work to create new spaces for children with SEND.
It's been confirmed the City Council are to begin feasibility studies to also rebuild the Broomfield South SILC in Middleton Park.
A spokesperson from the Department for Education told us: “We want all children to enjoy their childhood and reach their potential, which is why we are reforming the SEND system through our SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan to deliver earlier intervention and reduce bureaucracy.
“We’ve opened 108 special free schools, including 15 since September, and we’ve launched our £70million Change Programme to test and refine our systemic reforms benefitting every region in England.
“This is alongside increased high needs funding for young people with complex needs, which will reach over £10.5bn in 2024-5 – an increase of more than 60% since 2019-20.”