Families across the UK are angry about changes proposed by the Labour government which could lead to attacks on the legal rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Parents have organised protests across the country.
On 9 May, as part of a national day of action, there was a regional protest in Birmingham. Several parents with their kids’ shared their experiences and stories, about how the current system is unable to meet the needs of children, and including how changes will affect them.
They explained how the changes proposed will not aid them, but will actually make it more difficult for families to receive the support needed. Parents organised the protest, supported by the National Education Union.
Socialist Party members in Birmingham attended, setting up a stall and speaking to protesters. One mum explained to us that her family had remortgaged their house and spent £60k for lawyers to fight against the local council, in order for their son to go to a special school. Their view was that this was worth it, as their son ended up studying Music at the University of Brighton. Many shared similar struggles against the current system and many more emphasised the proposed changes will impact them more.