News / protest
Day of action against government plans to restrict legal rights of children with SEND
More than 100 people gathered on College Green as part of a national day of action to ‘Save Our Children’s Rights’.
The demonstration was against government plans which protesters claim will “restrict the legal rights of children and young people” with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
It comes as the government is currently consulting on proposals to reform the SEND system.
Parents and carers in Bristol say they “are in favour of greater inclusion in education, but there are widespread concerns with some of the proposals”.
A spokesperson said raising the threshold for Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) would no longer focus on the needs of individual children but force them to fit into specific categories, and that support plans with no legal appeal route or guaranteed right of provision “will pit parents and schools against each other”.
More than 100 people gathered on College Green as part of a national day of action to ‘Save Our Children’s Rights’ – photo: Rob Browne
Speakers at the event on Saturday included campaigners, young people and parent-carers such as Kerry Bailes; as well as politicians including Christine Townsend, the Green Party chair of Bristol City Council’s children & young people’s committee and Lib Dem MP for Thornbury & Yate, Claire Young.
Bristol SEND campaigner, Sally Kent, said: “Bristol never shies away from tackling social injustice and that is what we are doing here today.
“Once again the city’s SEND community has come together to say ‘no’.
“We will not accept this harm to Bristol’s SEND population.
“The changes that are proposed are underfunded, lack clear evidence and will most likely mean that more children than ever will lose access to education.”
Protesters say government plans will “restrict the legal rights of children and young people” with special educational needs and disabilities – photo: Rob Browne
A consultation is taking place until May 18 on government plans to reform the SEND system.
The Department for Education says the proposed changes “aim to improve help and support for children and young people with SEND across the 0 to 25 years system”.
“Proposed changes (will) improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND, including: early, local and fair support, effectively grounded in evidence, and with shared accountabilities across local partners.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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