Mum's Petition Urges Better Care for SEND Kids

A West Berkshire mum has launched a petition demanding better accountability when mainstream schools say they cannot meet childrens SEND needs. More than 100 people have signed it.

"Every child has the right to an education," said Emma Alway, mother of four-year-old Leighton.

Leighton is named in an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). His family say Yattendon Primary was named in January 2026; they believed the placement was secure, but were later told the school could no longer meet his needs, citing concerns such as fencing. Leighton is still not at school.

The governors sent a letter saying, "While we understand you are upset, persistently criticising a member of staff is not something we can accept," from co-chair Matthew Starmer. He added: "Finally, I would like to reiterate that the decision about admission of your son to Yattendon C of E Primary School was made by the Special Educational Needs Team at West Berkshire Council. It was not made by the school or the headteacher."

The council said pupil safety is the priority and that schools are assessed for risks. "Our school estate is varied and every site has its own physical characteristics, hazards and risks," it said, adding, "A pupil's safety is paramount."

"If a child requires additional supervision, specialist support, assistance with toileting, a safe environment or other reasonable adjustments, the response should be to consider how those needs can be accommodated," added Ms Alway. "We are asking the Government, local authorities, school governing bodies and education authorities to strengthen accountability and ensure that mainstream schools are genuinely capable of supporting children with SEND safely and inclusively."

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter