West Sussex SEND families are being heard - in Parliament!
Last week, we wrote to all West Sussex MPs, raising serious concerns about recent government proposals affecting children with SEND, especially around mental health provision in schools.
We highlighted that while investment in mental health is welcome, it must be designed with neurodivergent and disabled children in mind. Otherwise, it risks widening the gaps we’re all working to close.
📣From our letter:
“While we welcome the Government’s commitment to expanding mental health support in schools, it is vital to recognise that these services are often not accessible or appropriate for children with SEND. Mental health provision must be designed with neurodivergent and disabled children in mind, or it risks further entrenching inequality.
Families are already navigating a complex and often adversarial system to secure the help their children and young people need. The prospect of narrowing EHCP eligibility, removing the SEND label, combined with mental health services that are not always adequately tailored to SEND needs, is creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.”
That message was heard, and and asked about in the House of Commons as a result.
This follows our attendance at a recent National Ministerial event and shows how our efforts to raise the voices of West Sussex SEND families is making an impact at the highest levels.
