Being a parent to a child with special educational needs is a unique journey, full of triumphs and challenges. But for my family, finding an appropriate educational placement for my son C—now nine years old—has been a battle we never anticipated. C has both autism and ADHD, and his Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) has stated his need for SEND-specific provision since he was just four years old. Yet here we are, five years later, still without a school placement that can meet his needs.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Finding the Right School
When C was diagnosed, we were hopeful that with an EHCP , the path would become clearer. However, our experience has been anything but straightforward.
My husband and I have visited 44 SEND schools, each time hoping that this school would be the one that could support our son. But after each visit, we were told the same thing: they simply didn’t have the capacity.
The repeated disappointment has been emotionally draining. Each time we’d find a school that we felt could offer C the environment and support he deserves, we’d brace ourselves for the inevitable: “We’re full. We can’t accommodate more children.” It’s devastating, knowing your child needs specific help and that it exists out there, but that space and resources aren’t available.
Feeling Unsupported by the System
Throughout this process, I’ve often felt utterly unsupported by our local authority. Every time I reach out to them for help or an update, I feel like I’m just a case number, not a parent advocating for her child’s future. The communication has been inconsistent at best and frustratingly unresponsive at worst. There have been countless days of phone calls, emails, and meetings, yet the solutions remain elusive.When C’s EHCP was initially granted, we were led to believe that this was the gateway to accessing the right educational support. But reality has shown otherwise. Despite having the legal documentation that explicitly states his need for SEND provision, we’ve encountered one barrier after another. C’s needs are clear on paper, yet in practice, securing what he requires seems impossible.
