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(UK) Lincolnshire: Parents protest over lack of SPED support; county adds $122M in funds

October 13, 2023, Bolly Inside: Lincolnshire Parents Rally for Better Special Education Support, Demand More Spaces in Specialist Schools https://www.bollyinside.com/news/education/lincolnshire-parents-rally-for-better-special-education-support-demand-more-spaces-in-specialist-schools/
Lincolnshire parents of children with special educational needs have staged a protest, claiming that their children are not receiving adequate support due to a lack of spaces in specialist schools. They are calling on Lincolnshire County Council to provide more assistance. The council has stated that it is investing £100 million [$122M] to improve special schools and create 500 additional places. Around 30 to 40 families participated in the protest, demanding better Education, Health and Care Plans, more SEND schools, and improved training for mainstream teachers.

Parents in Lincolnshire are protesting against a lack of support for children with special educational needs.


They claim that their children’s needs are not being met due to a shortage of spaces in specialist schools.

The parents are calling on Lincolnshire County Council to offer more assistance and support. ...


Concerns over Lack of Support


One parent, Julie Heron, expressed frustration over the lack of accountability and the delay in receiving an Education, Health and Care Plan for her eight-year-old daughter with autism and sensory issues. Another parent, Hayley Roberts, highlighted the difficulties they faced in finding a suitable school for their five-year-old son with complex needs. After being turned down by a specialist school, the council proposed sending him to a mainstream school, which the parents found unsuitable. These stories reflect the concerns of many parents regarding the lack of appropriate support for their children’s special educational needs.


Council’s Response and Future Plans


Sheridan Dodsworth, the council’s head of SEND, acknowledged the increasing pressure on the system and mentioned the government’s national improvement plan. The council is investing £100 million to improve special schools and create over 500 additional places. The Department for Education has also stated that it will intervene in cases where local areas are failing children. These measures indicate that the council and the government are aware of the challenges and are taking steps to address them.



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