Hundreds of parents gathered outside St George’s Hall this afternoon campaigning to improve the quality of SEND education and the system currently in place.
SEND Reform England is a campaign group founded by parents to improve the standard of education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). There was a jovial atmosphere outside the Liverpool landmark as a chorus of chants rang out. Founder, Georgina Davis, said that the protest is an “emotional and physical stand for parents and carers.”
READ MORE: Friday night pub quiz: 20 pub quiz questions to test your general knowledge – October 13
READ MORE: Nicknames that Scousers will always choose over 'official' place names
Georgina told the ECHO: “My son, Jonah is nonverbal and is autistic, I knew from when he was one. Initially, I thought he was deaf because he would not respond to me.
“But he is the happiest kid the the world and loves his life but that is because there is a school he can thrive in. Jonah has been lucky to find somewhere where he is supported and every kid deserves that.”
The group consists of parents across the country and was founded after controversial comments made by Kent County Councillors criticising parents for asking for help with SEND children.
Georgina, from Ellesmere Port, along with other members of the group started a petition to reform the education system. So far more than 80,000 people have signed.
Georgina, 41, said: “For the first time in a long time parents feel like they matter and their voice matters. I’m in a fortunate position that my son is in school, there are kids here today and that is not because they are skipping school, but because they do not have one to go to.
“We would like to see more specialist provisions in schools for those who need that support. Teachers need more training in mainstream schools, they need the resources to help these children.”
Courtney McCarten has two children Lewis and Joseph who both have special needs. Her son Joseph, 10, has not been to school since 2018.
The 32-year-old said: “His school could not meet his needs and I was told they could not support him. I hoped he would get additional support when we took him out of school but six years on we have been left in limbo.
“He was five when last in school and it has affected his development. Joseph is behind on his education and has been socially excluded, and it is damaging his mental health. It has affected us all as a family, it has been horrific”
Joseph has Hemophilia, ADHD, and autism and Courtney said she understands her son needs help but more needs to be done to support him.
Courtney from Kirkdale said: “We are getting no help and Joseph has regressed so much. He was a happy intelligent child. I used to teach him but I am not up to date with the curriculum and have another SEND child…. He needs support."
If you would like to find out more about the petition click here.
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
Win £100 worth of groceries at Aldi in celebration of 1,000th store opening