Praise for MP as he tries to help parents find school places

MP BAGGY SHANKER TRIES TO IMPROVE SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS ACCESS

- By NIGEL SLATER

A DERBY mum in a seven-year battle to find suitable education for her disabled son has welcomed new efforts to improve the lives of special needs children.

Derby South MP Baggy Shanker is urging parents of Send (Special educational needs and disabilities) children and school staff to tell their stories and experiences, amid a major review into the current system with thousands seeking help.

The mum - who we are calling Samantha - received an apology from Derby City Council for its failures to get her severely disabled nine-year-old son Leo into suitable education.

The council said its teams “work tirelessly to support children and their families” but nationally, there is “huge demand for these services and Derby is no different’.