22 May, 2018.
The Education Committee at the House of Commons is holding an inquiry into the Government's policy on special educational needs.
This provides an opportunity for parents of children with M.E. to submit evidence relating to how they have managed to find suitable education provision.
For example, we have been hearing from several parents who have found it very difficult obtaining suitable provision for children who are 16-18 years of age, and other parents who have had problems getting suitable home tuition put in place.
While individual concerns will not be addressed by the committee's inquiry, there are several points in the terms of reference (below) that may apply in the case of a child with M.E.
For example, assessment and support, roles of and cooperation between education, health and social care, and provision for 19-25 year old's.
You can make a written submission on your own behalf, as an individual parent, or you might want to make a joint submission with other parents as part of a group.
The deadline for submission is Thursday, 14th June, so there is only three weeks remaining to contribute to this inquiry.
“In 2014, the Government introduced wide-reaching changes to the SEND system, with the intention of offering simpler, improved and consistent help for children and young people with SEND. The Government claimed these changes would give families greater choice in decisions.
“The Committee’s new inquiry is intended to review the success of these reforms, how they have been implemented, and what impact they are having in meeting the challenges faced by children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Terms of Reference – Call for written evidence
The Committee is inviting written evidence on the following by 14 June 2018:
- Assessment of and support for children and young people with SEND
- The transition from statements of special educational needs and Learning Disability Assessments to Education, Health and Care Plans
- The level and distribution of funding for SEND provision
- The roles of and co-operation between education, health and social care sectors
- Provision for 19-25-year old's including support for independent living; transition to adult services; and access to education, apprenticeships and work
More information
I had major problems accessing support for my daughter who got ME just before her GCSEs.
Of the bullet points above, I will write a personal submission particularly addressing the first, ‘Assessment of and support for children and young people with SEND’, and the fourth, ‘The roles and co-operation between education, health and social care sectors’.
I would also be happy to contribute to or write a submission on behalf of a group of students/parents in similar circumstances if the ME Association would like to help put such a group in touch with each other.