Feb 11, 2022, Worcester News: SEND National Crisis Worcestershire pen letter demanding action https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/19917664.send-national-crisis-worcestershire-pen-letter-demanding-action/
Central England
More than 500 parents have signed a letter to government officials demanding action to improve support of children with special needs.
SEND (special educational needs and disability) National Crisis Worcestershire has penned a letter to MPs, Ofsted, and the CQC voicing their lack of faith in Worcestershire Children First to implement the changes needed to offer an adequate service.
Co-Ordinator of the group Tracy Winchester has two children with special needs and runs a support group to help parents in similar positions.
She says she has personally spent around £25,000 [$34K] “fighting the system” but now, enough is enough.
“We have been experiencing unlawful practice for years and it is only going to get worse before it gets better,” she said.
“There are lots of children not getting what they need and many not even in education.
“The concern is that even if they (WCF) were given a ton of money, I am not convinced we would see them implement the changes required.”
A report from Ofsted and the CQC in 2018 revealed significant weaknesses across 12 areas of service delivery.
Returning in November 2021, with the report released in January, they have found that progress had not been made in four areas, all of which relate to the delivery of SEND services….
The letter lists 13 “unlawful and inappropriate” practices experienced by SEND members.
Failure to secure school placements, poor communication, and extended timescales for an Education, Health and Care Plan, are just some of the concerns listed.
Numerous councillors, solicitors and health professionals have also signed the letter.
It closes with: “There is a widespread culture at WCF of delaying tactics, unlawful practices and treating parents and carers as adversaries.
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