We've been fighting for 11 years - nothing changes

PARENTS OF SEND CHILDREN VOICE THEIR FRUSTRATION WITH SYSTEM THAT 'NEEDS SCRAPPING AND RETHINKING'

- By ABIGAIL MARLOW Local Democracy Reporting Service

KIRKLEES parents have shared their "hurt" and "frustration" as they demand better for their children.

On Monday, families from across the borough gathered outside council offices at Huddersfield’s Civic Centre as part of the Every Pair Tells a Story campaign, organised by SEND Sanctuary UK.

Gatherings took place at locations nationwide and saw parents and carers set out rows of children's shoes to represent a child who has been “failed” by the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system.

Several parents shared their experiences, often involving a fight to secure an adequate Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan a legal document setting out a child’s needs and the support they require.

Multiple attendees spoke of legal battles, children being unable to attend school, having to quit work, struggles in holding authorities to account and the toll on their mental and physical health.

One attendee, Rachel, explained: “We have been failed for many years. My children are older now but we have been fighting the system for 11 years now and nothing ever changes.