A SUPPORT group for parents of children with special education needs (SEND) and autism has invited MPs from Worcestershire to a meeting to discuss the need for improving services across the county.
The SEND National Crisis Worcestershire and North Worcestershire Autism Parents Support Group includes more than 2,000 people, and was started after SEND services in the county were given the lowest lowest possible rating.
The group claimed there had not been any real effort from the newly reformed Parent Carer Forum to realise change, and wanted to find a different approach to try to enhance momentum and accountability for the families of Worcestershire, but more widely the use of public funds in local government.
Tracy Winchester from the campaign group invited all Worcestershire MPs to attend a ‘round table’ meeting, altogether, with parent-carer representatives of both groups. During the session, they will seek a shared narrative and strategy to move things forward at pace in Worcestershire SEND services.
Redditch MP Chris Bloore, has assisted the groups to form this opportunity, and said he hoped all Worcestershire MPs would make time in their diaries for this very important issue affecting many constituents.
The meeting is scheduled for 1pm on Wednesday, May 14, directly after Prime Minister’s Questions at the Houses of Parliament in a bid to secure the attendance of all Worcestershire MPs.
‘Real progress needed’
Ms Winchester said: “The parent-carers served by both SEND National Crisis Worcestershire and North Worcestershire Autism Parents Support Group continue to witness failure on the part of the Worcestershire SEND Local Area Partnership, to make the changes and improvements required to see a real difference ‘on the ground’.
“We knew, as a collective, we needed to try a different approach, and to see everybody coming together to achieve the improved services which our children and young people need is the priority.
“We hope the Worcestershire MPs will join us is working together to seek those changes to SEND services, collectively”.
Mr Bloore added: “I’m pleased to welcome SEND National Crisis Worcestershire and North Worcestershire Autism Parents Support Group to Parliament for this vital roundtable.
“SEND services across Worcestershire have been failing families for far too long, and it’s clear urgent action is needed.
“I hope all six Worcestershire MPs will attend so we can work together – across party lines, with the council and dedicated parent-carers – to deliver meaningful improvements.
“This must be about more than just plans.
“It must lead to real progress on the ground.
“Our children and young people deserve a system that works for them—and we owe it to families to deliver it.”
