'There is not a single thought for what the kids are going through'

PARENTS OF SPECIAL NEEDS PUPILS SLAM ABSENCE FINES

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN

Mums protesting outside court over prosecuting parents of children who struggle to attend school. Elizabeth Gray, second from left, pleaded not guilty to failing to ensure her daughter attended school between November 2024 and March and a trial was set for May

CAMPAIGNING parents say children with special needs and disabilities are being failed at mainstream schools, with families facing fines instead of help.

A group of mums gathered this week, protesting over what they consider an "absolutely inhumane" response to school absence.

Holding placards, they rallied outside Teesside Magistrates' Court in support of a Middlesbrough mum who is being prosecuted over her child's school attendance.

Elizabeth Gray pleaded not guilty at Teesside Magistrates' Court to failing to ensure her daughter attended school between November 2024 and March and a trial was set for May. The group believes parents like Elizabeth are facing punitive attendance policies for simply trying to protect their children's wellbeing.

Elizabeth, 41, said she struggled for years to get the right support for her daughter, who suffers with an anxiety disorder, and even suffered hair loss through stress.

There is now an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place for her daughter. This is a legal document for children and young people who require extra support.