Recognition Isn’t Enough: Why SEND Children Deserve Real Support Now
by Keeley Reading – The Farming Mother
Every child deserves the right to an education that meets their needs and nurtures their wellbeing. Yet, for many children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the reality is starkly different.
Former schools minister Sir Nick Gibb recently admitted: “We have let down thousands of children with special educational needs.” As a safeguarding lead, SEND support worker, and mother, I’ve seen the effects of these systemic failures up close. And while public recognition is a necessary step, it’s not nearly enough.
Recognition does not undo trauma.
It doesn’t remove the lasting impact of years spent in educational settings that couldn’t—or wouldn’t—adapt to a child’s unique learning needs. It doesn’t help the non-verbal child still being pushed through mainstream classrooms without proper care, or the child who struggles with regulation and is misunderstood daily by under-resourced staff.
Gibb also acknowledged that mainstream education simply isn’t right for all students. He stated, “There are some children who need a very specialist approach to how they’re taught… we have let down thousands.” Yet, even with this awareness, families are still forced to fight for support.
EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) assessments are routinely refused. Needs are overlooked. Parents are dragged through tribunals—at great emotional and financial cost—just to secure what their child is legally entitled to. And in 98% of these cases, the tribunal rules in favour of the parents. This isn’t just inefficient; it’s immoral.
Baroness Mary Bousted of the National Education Union shares that many teachers are deeply aware they cannot meet the needs of children in their classrooms due to lack of resources, training, and support. Still, local authorities tell them to “try harder.” Meanwhile, safeguarding concerns grow, and vulnerable children suffer.
This is not inclusion. It’s neglect.
Supporting children with SEND should not require a battle. It should be a given. And it starts with listening to those on the ground: the parents, the teachers, the support workers, and most importantly, the children themselves.
We need:
- Properly funded and resourced schools
- Specialist-led education options
- Accessible EHCP processes
- Ongoing training for educators
- A culture of empathy, flexibility, and safety
Children with additional needs aren’t broken. The system is. And we must do better—because recognising the problem without acting is just another form of injustice.
Let’s stop talking and start transforming.
If you’re a parent, educator, or professional who feels lost in the current system—or if you want to create a more supportive environment for SEND children—I invite you to connect with me directly.
www.thefarmingmother.co.uk/contact
Let’s advocate together for real, lasting change