A parliamentary debate triggered by our campaign petition highlighted the strength of political and public support for protecting the legal rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The petition, launched by campaign partner Rachel Filmer, called on the Government to commit to ‘retain legal right to assessment and support in education for children with SEND’.
Originally created to reflect growing concern among families about the future of SEND legal protections, the petition quickly gained widespread support. With more than 125,000 signatures, it comfortably passed the 100,000-signature threshold required to secure a debate in Parliament – a milestone reached by fewer than 1% of parliamentary petitions.
MPs speak out for children, young people and families
The three-hour debate in Westminster Hall was attended by more than 90 MPs, with standing room only as parliamentarians from across parties shared the experiences of children and young people with SEND in their constituencies.
MP after MP spoke about the importance of enforceable legal rights, the lack of accountability in SEND decision-making,
long delays, unlawful practice, and the need for an education system that works for every child.
Dr Roz Savage MP, who opened the debate, warned:
“This autumn, the Government will publish a SEND White Paper. This is a critical opportunity, but it is also a moment of danger. Changes that simply cut legal rights or dilute statutory support to reduce short-term costs will fail children and ultimately cost more in the long run.”
Several MPs directly challenged the unwelcome narrative that parents are responsible for pressure on the SEND system, making clear that the crisis is being driven by unmet need and unlawful decision-making, not by families.
Jen Craft MP told the debate:
“We need an acknowledgement that every single child deserves an education… Like many parents of a disabled child, I am tired, constantly anxious and constantly ready to go into battle for my child. But what I am not – and what my beautiful child is not – is a burden.”
Marie Goldman MP highlighted the impact of uncertainty around the Government’s plans for reforming the SEND system:
“They told me about the worry of the EHCP rug being pulled from underneath and with nothing else left to catch them.”
A direct response to growing uncertainty about SEND reform
The debate took place against a backdrop of continued speculation about the Government’s forthcoming Schools White Paper, which is expected to set out proposals for SEND reform.
For many months, ministers have signalled major changes while remaining unclear about what these will mean for EHC plans, statutory entitlements and children and young people’s legal rights to individualised support.
This uncertainty has caused significant anxiety for families who are already facing long delays, barriers to provision and unlawful decisions.
The petition was created to send a clear message: weakening or removing legal rights is not the solution to the SEND crisis.
As Rachel Filmer said when talking about the petition earlier this year:
“Unless we see dramatic change, where needs are being met effectively at a non-statutory level, there is nothing that will reassure us that needs will be met unless the law requires it.”
Campaign briefing ensured MPs understood what is at stake
In the run-up to the debate, partners in the Save Our Children’s Rights campaign worked extensively with MPs, providing detailed briefings and meeting parliamentarians to explain the potential consequences of reducing SEND legal protections.
This ensured that the debate reflected the day-to-day realities families are facing and the importance of maintaining existing legal rights.
Government response leaves key questions unanswered
The debate concluded with a response from the newly appointed Schools Minister, Georgia Gould, who emphasised the Government’s intention to “hear from parents” but did not provide any information about how the SEND system will be reformed. Any plans are due to be set out in the forthcoming White Paper.
Read a summary of the debate on the Special Needs Jungle website, or read the full transcript here.
About Save Our Children’s Rights
Our joint campaign is led by a coalition of organisations and individuals, including Special Needs Jungle, IPSEA, Learning Disability Today, SEND National Crisis, SOS!SEN, SEND Rights Alliance, Black SEN Mamas and others committed to defending children’s rights.
