Families of children with special educational needs say they are being cut out of plans to shape the future of SEND provision in West Berkshire. They claim the council isn't telling people when workshops are happening and that the community of SEN parents is split. Some accused Newbury MP Lee Dillon of ignoring them, but he has launched a survey for local families to share their experiences.
All councils in England must produce a plan for SEND provision by June to qualify for some deficit funding.
"This is not democracy," said one parent, who did not wish to be named.
"This feels like the council pushing its own agenda with a puppet-group of people ticking the 'co-production' box."
West Berkshire Council faces a projected £37m SEND-related debt. An in-year overspend of nearly £7m was forecast to rise to around £20m a year, with individual care costs for some children reaching up to £28,000 per week.
"West Berkshire Council is developing an initial plan for submission in June, which sets out our proposals for reforming the SEND system in line with the DfE's reform programme," said a council spokesperson. "Once approved, work will begin on formulating an approach that schools, settings and families will want for the future of SEND in West Berkshire."
Mr Dillon's survey comes as the consultation on the Government's proposed SEND reforms - set out in the schools white paper - nears its May 22 deadline. It aims to map problems such as access to assessments, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and suitable school places.
Mr Dillon said: "Too many families are having to fight for the support their children need, and that simply isn't right. I regularly hear from parents and carers who feel frustrated, exhausted, and unheard. This survey is an opportunity to change that. Following the Government's recent SEND and schools white paper, I want to better understand what is really happening on the ground here in West Berkshire, and what impact these proposed reforms could have on local families. It's vital that any changes genuinely improve support, rather than add further uncertainty or pressure. I want to make sure that the voices of families across our area are at the heart of the conversations we're having with local services and Government. By sharing your experience, you can help build the case for better support and ensure that real improvements are made."
The results will be used to press local authorities, schools and ministers for improvements to SEND provision locally and nationally.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
