A WORCESTERSHIRE councillor will be speaking at a rally calling for the protection of legal rights for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Dan Boatright-Greene, the county councillor for Pershore, is among the speakers lined up for the Save SEND Legal Rights demonstration taking place in Birmingham’s Centenary Square on Saturday, May 9.
The demonstration forms part of a nationwide day of action aimed at protecting the existing legal rights of children and young people with SEND, amid growing concern that proposed Government reforms could weaken or remove current statutory entitlements.
Campaign organisers say the event will provide an opportunity for families, professionals, and community supporters to make their voices heard and call for stronger protections for children who rely on vital educational support.
The lead organiser is Tracy Winchester, who also runs parent campaign group SEND National Crisis Worcestershire.
She said: “Every child deserves access to the support they need to learn, thrive and reach their potential.
“Families are deeply concerned about any changes that could dilute the legal protections currently in place for children with SEND.
“This demonstration is about standing together to protect those rights.”
The Government set out its plan to reform SEND as part of the Schools White Paper in February, saying that by 2035 education, health and care plans (EHCPs) would be reserved only for children with the most complex specialist needs.
Under the plans, other children with SEND would be given individual support plans (ISPs).
A spokesperson for the Save Our Children’s Rights campaign said: “These proposals risk leaving fewer children with the support they need, more children out of school or excluded, and more families forced to turn to legal action just to secure basic provision.
“We are protesting to say: Do not take away our children’s legal rights.
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“These legal protections exist for a reason and must remain in place to ensure that no future government can erode the rights of children and young people with SEND and their families.
“We are ready to work constructively with the government to strengthen the current system – improve accountability, inclusion, and support – to ensure the system is fit for the long term, regardless of who is in Downing Street.”
