SEND National Crisis Marches - All over the UK

***If you are attending the London March could I please ask that you confirm your attendance on both the National event page and this local page too. (link below) Thank you #SendNationalCrisis #ourkidsmatter ***

https://www.facebook.com/events/1753604738077454/?ti=cl

The #SENDNationalCrisis campaign are demanding change for the most vulnerable children and young people in our society.

OVERRIDING OBJECTIVES

The needs of the child to always be placed at the centre of all decisions and actions. Legal and financial accountability for local authorities in their treatment of young people with SEND and their families. An end to the culture which encourages the blaming, shaming and dismissal of parents of young people with SEND

FUNDING

Funding to be increased to realistic amounts per young person, to be provided directly from Central Government and to be ring-fenced; Assessment to be carried out independently of the funding body

DIAGNOSIS/ASSESSMENT

A recognised pathway for diagnosis for all shades of neuro-diversity, which is the same nationwide and which gets young people in front of experienced diagnosticians within a maximum time of 6 months from first referral. An end to the nonsensical distinction between “educational” difficulties and “medical” difficulties

ACCOUNTABILITY

One central point for all aspects of legal issues to have power over Education Health and Social Care; All policies to be consistent across the country with clear guidelines and rules surrounding conduct by local authorities and expectations in terms of parent partnership and enforcement of procedures;  For anyone providing false information to be prosecuted and to be fined for failing to support the law, applying to all professionals involved in the process; A recourse other than costly Judicial Review when local authorities fail to follow orders of the Tribunal; Free reinforcement of EHCP plans where evidence can be provided to prove a professional has acted not in the best interests of the young person or other misconduct;

SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES

A board of parent governors with enforcement powers to oversee parental/ carer treatment and inclusion during the SEN/ EHCP process;  Quality training for independent family support advisors; Legal aid and bank of independent professionals to reference and access pre-tribunal; Mandatory training on SEN law and funding for all SENCO and Heads; Parents to have a choice of what school is named in the EHCP and this to be considered and any refusals of schools to be clearly explained and reasons outlined in a formal document; Mandatory, nationally accredited training for those drafting EHCPs; Parental consultation and evidence for expenditure of national fund for each child

In London, speakers include: 

• Siena Castellon
• Alfie Scanlon
• Emma Parker
• Max Green
• Kevin Courtney
• Dean Beadle
• Dr Carrie Grant
• Dr Anna Kennedy, OBE
• Tania Tirraoro