Latest News for Parents & Carers

The Department for Education has confirmed a delay to the publication of the Schools White Paper for England, is now expected early next year, to allow for a further period of co-creation with families, educators, and experts. The government emphasised the need to take time to ‘get it right’ and ensure reforms are shaped by those with lived experience of the SEND system in England.

Max was 11 and had just started his new secondary school when he was first put into isolation. He had asked to use the toilet between lessons, which was not ordinarily allowed, and was told to go quickly. “He knew he wasn’t allowed to run, so he walked quickly,” his mother, Beth, told the Guardian. But teachers claimed he was running and Max’s secondary school career began with a week’s isolation.

A disabled woman has said work which aims to improve parking and transport in Ashbourne town centre will make it harder for her to access the shops.

An arts charity in Manchester is appealing for help to allow more learning disabled artists join their classes. Venture Arts in Hulme has already been awarded grants from Arts Council England and business sponsors, including securing three quarters of a million pounds – a significant grant for new premises next door to their existing site.

One in eight children in special schools have parents who spent £5,000 or more on their assessments, according to research that reveals huge inequalities in how parents navigate England’s special educational needs system.