Staffordshire Mother Alleges Special Needs System Lacks Empathy Amid Son’s Missed Education

A mother residing in Staffordshire has stated that the local council ought to demonstrate greater empathy, given that her son has been out of education for over a year. Sam, Seb’s mother, explained that her 11-year-old autistic son finds the mainstream educational setting “completely assaulting” and is seeking to secure his admission to a special school. Staffordshire County Council has experienced a rise in the population of children requiring special educational needs support and those awaiting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), a provision designed to offer additional assistance to children. Alan White, the council leader, described the caseload as “almost overwhelming.” Sam, a former educator from Penkridge, recounted that her initial application for an EHCP was rejected by the council. She successfully challenged the authority in a tribunal, which mandated the provision of the plan. Currently, Seb’s only interaction with his mainstream school is a daily five-minute phone call. “I understand they [the council] have trouble with finances, but I am just trying to get the best for my son,” she stated, adding, “It feels like we don’t really exist as human beings. There’s no empathy or humanity in the system.” Sam is unable to work during the day because she must remain at home to care for her son. She further commented: “I am exhausted. The local authority are never held accountable for the mental distress and financial distress they are causing.” The children’s services department of Staffordshire County Council currently holds a rating of “requires improvement” and is awaiting an upcoming inspection. The Conservative-led council reported that over the last five years, the population of children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) has grown by 30%, reaching a total of 22,800. During an appearance on Politics Midlands, Mr. White affirmed: “We try to treat every case sympathetically and listen to the needs of the parents and look at the needs of the child.” He also mentioned that the council adheres to a national framework outlining relevant guidelines. He suggested, “Perhaps we need to reset the way education is funded and rethink the way children with Send are educated.” Eight Labour Members of Parliament from the county have sent a letter to Mr. White, requesting an urgent review of the system. Adam Jogee, the MP representing Newcastle-under-Lyme, announced his intention to establish a Send forum in the town, aiming to unite parents, schools, and health organizations. He stated: “Day-in-day-out I am written to by families and teachers about the Send crisis in Staffordshire.” He continued: “Parents are constantly telling me they can’t get answers to the plans, they can’t get answers from the council and they can’t find support that their children need at school.”