West Berkshire parents of SEND children lobbied Parliament at the weekend, urging the Government not to strip legal rights in its planned SEND reforms.
"We are worried about them taking away a legal right to appeal if what is promised by the local authority or schools isn't delivered," explains Leila Cox, who set up and runs the Newbury SEND Parent Carer Cafe.
"We don't want to be at the mercy of the system."
"Most of us go to tribunal to get issues sorted, and those legal rights look likely to be weakened."
The Government set out proposals in its Schools White Paper on February 23, with a consultation open until May 18. While there is broad support for improving inclusion, parents fear the changes could weaken protections.
Concerns include plans for seven 'specialist provision packages' that might replace individualised support; proposed tribunal changes that would restrict appeals and stop the tribunal naming a specific school or provision in an EHC plan; and Individual Support Plans that appear to offer no guaranteed provision or clear legal route to challenge decisions.
Ms Cox is urging parents to respond to the consultation and has been running sessions to help "baffled" SEND parents work out how to reply.
She set up the cafe in 2017. "We have had over 200 families through the doors since we started it," she said. The group meets at Mencap at Enborne Gate in Newbury every other Friday during term time; volunteers make cake and tea.
"The tribunal system that follows can take over a year," she warned. "It means in that time, kids are out of school and there are barristers costing public money as the council defends this. "It seems to make more sense to spend the money on placements rather fighting through the tribunal."
West Berkshire Council says its focus is the children but has not disclosed legal fees. It is due to submit a first draft plan this week as it seeks to claw back some of the £37m of SEND debt.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
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