Pupils are 'failed' by the SEND system

DOZENS of empty children’s shoes will be laid out in a silent protest outside a Plymouth council building today - each pair representing a child ‘failed’ by the special educational needs system.

- By LEWIS CLARKE

The symbolic action, part of a national campaign called ‘Every Pair Tells a Story,’ will take place outside Ballard House, the headquarters of Plymouth City Council, today between 10.30am and 1pm.

Organised by The SEND Sanctuary UK, in collaboration with ‘Let Us Learn Too’ and ‘Let's Make a Difference,’ the event aims to highlight the widespread failures within the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, both locally and across England.

The display of shoes - some worn, some untouched - represents children missing from education, those placed in unsuitable schools, and others stuck waiting months or even years for legal support plans that never arrive.