‘Without support, I’m not sure my son would be here’

Mother’s plea over feared cuts to special educational needs

- JABED AHMED

Cuts to special educational needs support could be “devastating” for families, a mother has warned, saying her son’s life was saved by specialist help.

Renata Watts, 49, from Hertfordshire, had two children on education, health and care plans (EHCP). She said the support plan turned around the life of her eldest son, Elliot, after he was left mentally unwell, isolated and unable to attend school due to a lack of tailored support.

EHCPs were introduced in 2014 to replace “statements” of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It brings together education, health and social care in one legally binding plan for young people under the age of 25, outlining the extra help they will be given to achieve their potential.

However, the government is reportedly considering an overhaul of the system, arguing too many children are being excluded from mainstream education.

“Without that EHCP, I’m not sure he’d still be here today,” Ms Watts, a foster carer and co-director of the disability advocacy group Special Needs Jungle, told The Independent. “His mental health dipped so badly I didn’t know what would happen.”