Oct 16, 2024, Hexham Courant: Families at 'breaking point' over SEND provision in Northumberland
N. England
A Northumberland County councillor has warned that children and parents "are at breaking point" regarding the lack of special education needs and disabilities (SEND) provision in the area.
Councillor Angie Scott, chair of Prudhoe Town Council, spoke about the issues facing families in Northumberland with children ho have additional needs after Hexham MP Joe Morris raised a question in Parliament.
Last week Joe Morris told the Prime Minister about children in the area having to travel more than 30 miles for access to special education provision.
Cllr Scott said: "At last, someone is listening. I have campaigned for over a decade for a fairer deal for children with SEND and their parents to right the wrong of a failing system.
"In response to this the Prime Minister has criticised the record of the previous government on funding for children with special educational needs."
Funding for the education of children with additional needs in Northumberland will fall short by more than £6 million [$7.8M] next year.
Officials at Northumberland County Council blamed the unprecedented growth in the number of children with additional needs for the budget shortfall. The number of children with education and healthcare plans (EHCPs) has risen by more than 100 per cent since 2017.
Cllr Scott said: "In Northumberland, children have no choice but to travel an unfair distance to get to special educational schools to enable them to thrive. They are exhausted before school starts and the travel causes unnecessary stress. . . .
"The provision is not appropriate for many with casualties of the system falling through the gap.
"Numerous national reviews and reports were commissioned and reported the looming crisis but little action was taken.
"Our children and their parents cannot wait any longer as they are at breaking point."
