(UK) Bradford: 'Growing demand for children with complex needs'; 25% increase in 3 yrs

April 3, 2018, (UK) Telegraph and Argus: Protest unsuccessful as Council passes cuts to disabled children's services http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/16134647.Parents_hold_City_Hall_protest_____but_cuts_to_services_for_disabled_children_go_ahead/ A large group of parents protested outside City Hall to no avail today as Bradford Council’s executive voted through cuts to specialist teaching support services for children with disabilities. The changes will see the support services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) restructured into one service for children and young people aged zero to 25…. Protesters had gathered outside City Hall and some attended the meeting in the Council Chamber to hear the decision be made by the six members of the Council executive. The new 0-25 Inclusive Education Service will be made up of two teams supporting high occurring special needs - such as autism - and low occurring special needs - such as sensory impairments. … Dominic Wall, head of Southfield Special School, said there is a “growing demand for children with complex needs” in Bradford. He said: “In the past three years it has gone up in excess of 25%, but we have not had increased government funding to match the growth, but we get a fixed amount per place. “In the past two years we have had to take £5 million from normal schools to fund the high-need block.” …