Latest News for Parents & Carers

A mother whose son died after an asthma attack is campaigning to make inhalers free of charge. Jordan Smitheman died on the way to hospital in December after complaining of a tight chest. The family, from Chesterfield, have started a petition urging the government to make the change.

A man from Somerset is aiming to set a world record for the fastest climb up Mount Snowdon in a powered wheelchair while raising awareness of the inaccessibility of hiking spots. Josh Wintersgill, who is 30 and based in Shepton Mallet, said he will be taking on the challenge in an all-terrain wheelchair with the assistance of “quite a big team” in June 2024.

Zoe, 44, from Horfield in Bristol, wants to see more specialist school provision as her 12-year-old daughter has been let down by countless schools. After having “no option” since June, Olive has finally been given a school place but may have to wait until May.

Twins Jasper and Reuben, five, were diagnosed as autistic from the age of three and were issued education, health and care plans (EHCPs). But when their parents applied for them to start at Hob Moor Oaks special school in September, they were stunned to learn that only Jasper was offered a place by City of York council, leaving Reuben to attend a nearby mainstream primary.

A eight-year-old boy, who was born with one hand, is one of the first children to receive a Spider-Man bionic arm. Kaden Taylor from Burnham-on-Sea received his 3D-printed Hero Arm as a surprise after mentioning to his family that he would like to wear one.