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Disabled Children's Partnership

@dcpcampaign.bsky.social
599 followers 198 following 145 posts

The DCP is a coalition of organisations campaigning to improve support for disabled children, young people & families. disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk

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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
15 ICBs are rationing access to ADHD and autism assessments, with some imposing waits of at least two years. That’s not “early help”. Children cannot be left waiting years for the support they need. Health must be part of SEND reform. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
NHS bodies in England impose two-year minimum wait for ADHD and autism assessments
Patient groups decry ‘scandalous’ delays as four integrated care boards take step due to soaring demand for diagnoses
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
There’s a big conversation happening about the future of adult social care. Disabled children cannot be forgotten. As voting on the Casey Commission’s proposals closes, we’re calling for action on disabled children’s social care. support.disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk/en-gb/DCP_op...
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
New research from Dingley’s Promise & London Economics finds 254,400 children could benefit from more inclusive SEND support in early years. It estimates £138m a year in government investment is needed – nearly 3x the current £47m. dingley.org.uk/oap-research/
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
“Why does it have to be such a fight all the time?” Emma’s question at the end of Channel 4 News’ report on disabled children’s social care. One week after 50+ organisations called for reform, help us keep this on the agenda. support.disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk/en-gb/DCP_op...
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A year on, the fight continues. A year ago, we all came together to call for better support for children and young people with SEND. Many of those concerns remain, and the needs of disabled children have not gone away.
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Internal exclusion has almost tripled in England’s secondary schools. But what does that mean for disabled children and young people? Jane Harris, DCP Vice Chair: ‘The tyranny of rigid, non-evidenced rules does not work for 21st-century children.’ www.theguardian.com/education/20...
theguardian.com
What internal exclusion really means for school pupils | Letters
Letters: Readers respond to a report that said use of the disciplinary measure had almost tripled in England’s secondary schools
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
📣 118 MPs backed @thurrockjen.bsky.social's call for stronger SEND health accountability this week. Days after our drop-in MP event in Parliament, families’ experiences were raised in the Health Bill debate – and Government committed to further discussions. lnkd.in/p/ePAVyAFe
lnkd.in
This week, Jen Craft MP’s amendment to the Health Bill was debated in Parliament, calling for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to be held accountable for arranging the health provision set out in… | Disa...
This week, Jen Craft MP’s amendment to the Health Bill was debated in Parliament, calling for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to be held accountable for arranging the health provision set out in childre...
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Kids @kidscharity.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Every child deserves to feel included and supported at school. Jane Harris, Vice-chair of the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social, has shared her thoughts in the @theguardian.com on what needs to change to make mainstream schools more inclusive. Read the letter here: www.theguardian.com/education/20...
theguardian.com
What internal exclusion really means for school pupils | Letters
Letters: Readers respond to a report that said use of the disciplinary measure had almost tripled in England’s secondary schools
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Yesterday 50+ organisations called on the Government to fix a social care system failing disabled children & families. Last night, that call reached a national audience on Channel 4 News channel4.com/news/its-a-p... Add your voice support.disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk/en-gb/DCP_op...
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Contact, for families with disabled children @contactfamilies.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The Law Commission has already set out a blueprint for a simpler, fairer system. We’re calling on the government to adopt its recommendations in full. You can watch the Channel 4 News piece below.
f.mtr.cool
‘It’s a process of being gas-lighted’ – Family’s fight for social care reforms
Campaigners have described the social care provided to disabled children in England as outdated, fragmented and no longer fit for purpose. 
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Contact, for families with disabled children @contactfamilies.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Disabled children’s social care is broken, and families are paying the price. Contact has joined more than 50 charities from the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social in writing to the Prime Minister, urging him to fix a system that too often leaves families without support until they reach crisis point.
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Channel 4 News @channel4news.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
‘It’s a process of being gas-lighted’ – Family’s fight for social care reforms www.channel4.com/news/its-a-p...
channel4.com
‘It’s a process of being gas-lighted’ – Family’s fight for social care reforms
Campaigners have described the social care provided to disabled children in England as outdated, fragmented and no longer fit for purpose.
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Over 50 charities and organisations have come together to call for urgent reform of disabled children’s social care. We’ve signed the open letter to the Prime Minister. Now add your voice and back the call: support.disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk/en-gb/DCP_op...
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
🎒 A back-to-school reminder for Government. Last week, as children, young people and families headed back to school, we gave @georgiagould.bsky.social and @lucympowell.bsky.social their very own ‘back to school’ kits
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Yesterday afternoon we joined @thurrockjen.bsky.social in parliament for a drop-in information session for MPs where they met with families, carers, disabled children and representatives from @contactfamilies.bsky.social @sensecharity.bsky.social @mencap.org.uk and @speechandlanguk.bsky.social
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Speech and Language UK @speechandlanguk.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Yesterday, we hosted an event at the Labour Party Conference to speak up for the two million children struggling to talk and understand words! Thank you to our panel for joining this session.
Panel discussion at a conference with several participants seated at a long table, facing an audience in a meeting room.
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
"I wish the council would do better and that they would see all children, not just able-bodied children first, because implementing a ramp, for example, it doesn't take away from able-bodied children; it just opens things up to more children." www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Disabled daughter excluded from playground in Bromsgrove - family
A family say upgrade plans to a playground in Bromsgrove mean their disabled daughter cannot use it.
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
Thank you to everyone who joined the #FightForOrdinary rally last week. As the Labour Party Conference begins tomorrow, we’re hopeful that the voices of families, young people and professionals will be heard. Together, we can build a system that works for every child.
Katie, a young person addressing the Fight For Ordinary Rally. Harjap Bhangal addressing the Fight For Ordinary Rally Alastair Barrie addressing the Fight For Ordinary rally Agnes Agyepong addressing the Fight For Ordinary Rally
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
The Government’s upcoming Schools White Paper could change everything for children with speech & language challenges. We must get SEND reform right. Join us and @speechandlanguk.bsky.social and email your MP today: speechandlanguage.eaction.org.uk/transforming...
A photo of Tiya outside Parliament holding a placard and the Speech and Language UK alternative White Paper. Navy background with white text. Text reads "The SEND system is failing the very children it is meant to protect... Every child deserves the right support, in the right place, at the right time."
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Babies, children and young people make up around 25% of the population, yet they only account for 11% of NHS spending. The #ChildHealthWorkforceAlliance is here to make sure government addresses this in its new NHS workforce plan. Find out more: buff.ly/gF261o1 #ChildHealth #10YearPlan
Photo of a young girl with a doctor. The doctor is using a stethoscope. Blue background. White text reads "The Child Health Workforce Alliance, which brings together over 25 different organisations working on child health, will engage collaboratively with government to ensure babies, children, and young people, remain a priority in the upcoming 10 Year Workforce Plan."
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Ms Turner said trying to get an education for her daughter had "turned our life upside down". "The education system has just failed her completely." www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Getting SEN support is 'like fighting a war'
The mother of an autistic teenager says it is a
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
The DCP response following the publication of ‘Solving the SEND Crisis’ by the Education Select Committee
Response following the publication of ‘Solving the SEND Crisis’ by the Education Select Committee 

This is a crucial, thoroughly-researched report from MPs that puts children and families at the heart of reform. We strongly agree with the Committee that the government must not remove vital existing legal rights and protections and must be much clearer about its vision for “inclusive mainstream”. 
We agree with the Committee that this must include strengthened duties and accountability on schools, councils and the health service to make inclusion real for children.  We also agree that the government must ensure nurseries, schools and colleges will be equipped and supported to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND. 
Ensuring local education, health and social care teams work together is hugely important so that children and young people can have a shot at ordinary things like being able to learn in a safe environment and having access to health care and family support where it's needed.  
Getting this right would be a win-win for government; with the right investment and reforms now, not only will they improve outcomes for children and families, but they will also save money in the longer term.

Anna Bird, Chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership – September 2025
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Chris Hinchliff MP @chrishinchliff.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
The SEND system is broken and needs serious reform. I support @dcpcampaign.bsky.social in calling for no child to be left behind. This can't just be about councils trying to cut costs. We must end the battles too many families are fighting for their children and improve outcomes for all.
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Institute for Public Policy Research @ippr.org · 16/09/2025
🎧 In episode 9 of Talking Inclusion... with Geoff Barton, Stephen Kingdom from @dcpcampaign.bsky.social joins @mmulholland.bsky.social, arguing we’re asking the wrong question on SEND: it’s not about “fixing SEND” but the whole education system.
open.spotify.com
“Fixing SEND by fixing education” with Stephen Kingdom
Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton · Episode
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
We welcome the publication of the Law Commission’s final report and recommendations following its review of disabled children’s social care. (1/4)
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Wow! Thank you to everyone who joined us at Parliament for the #FightForOrdinary rally and MP drop-in. Your voices were powerful, passionate, and impossible to ignore. 💬📢 (1/4)
Ed Davey addressing SEND campaigners outside ParliamentA parent-campaigner wearing a Fight For Ordinary t-shirt holding a hand-made banner.Two parents at the rally holding hand-made placardsA group of parents at the rally, holding hand-made banners
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Speech and Language UK @speechandlanguk.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
@janeharrislondon.bsky.social was on Sky News this morning representing @dcpcampaign.bsky.social ahead of the SEND rally today! Reform is desperately needed so that children with SEND and their families don’t have to fight for the ordinary things in life.
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Kids @kidscharity.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Great to hear @janeharrislondon.bsky.social from @speechandlanguk.bsky.social & @dcpcampaign.bsky.social highlighting a clear need for more training & greater understanding in schools - reminding us that the system is still stacked against those with additional needs.
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katieghose.bsky.social @katieghose.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
MPs drop in today was packed with young people, parents and politicians keen to share stories and solutions. Great to see new minister @georgiagould.bsky.social eager to listen to families’ experiences. These must be front and centre of the reforms. @dcpcampaign.bsky.social @kidscharity.bsky.social
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
It’s time to fix the SEND system. Because there’s nothing ‘special’ about an education that works for all of us. Today parents are taking the #FightForOrdinary to Parliament.
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
The DCP and @letuslearntoo.bsky.social event in Parliament takes place on Monday. This is your last chance to invite your MP. Have your voice heard. bit.ly/FFOSEPTMP #FightForOrdinary
Fight For Ordinary campaign poster. Text reads "ask your MP to attend our event in Parliament."
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Families like Kimberly’s deserve better. There’s nothing ‘special’ about getting the support you’re entitled to. #FightForOrdinary bit.ly/FightforOrdi...
Photo of Harvey, outside smiling. He is blond and wears glasses. Photo of Harvey and Kimberly in a ball pitA hand-written note that says "There’s nothing ‘special’ about getting the support you’re entitled to. "A photo of Harvey and his two brothers
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Kids @kidscharity.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Let’s fight for a system that works. Invite your MP to the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social and Let Us Learn Too event in Parliament: support.disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk/en-gb/invite... #FightForOrdinary
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Stella Creasy talks sense about SEND children and their families. Parents of disabled young people and those with additional needs just want the ordinary: for their children to learn, and for mums and dads to work. No one should be criticised for that. #FightForOrdinary
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
We are unaware of any evidence at all that backs up Richard Tice’s random assertion. Nor are we aware of Reform having a policy on special educational needs and disabilities.
Newspaper headline. Text reads "Reform UK's deputy leader claims parents are 'using and abusing' free taxis for SEND children and warns 'unsustainable' spending will bankrupt local councils"
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
"Support, in whatever form it may come, is an investment. As a society, we need to support students even further to let them thrive – and remember that we benefit from their thriving." www.independent.co.uk/voices/send-...
independent.co.uk
I’m a secondary school teacher: We need more Send provision, not less
Jeremy Hunt’s eye on the special needs budget is short-term when schooling prepares children for their working future, writes teacher Charlotte Harrison. We need to support students even further to le...
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Jon Sparkes @jonsparkes.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Concerned about the review of #SEND? Invite your MP to the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social and @letuslearntoo.bsky.social event #FightForOrdinary is about legally-guaranteed support for children with additional needs. That really should not be too much to ask for secure.mencap.org.uk/en-gb/invite...
secure.mencap.org.uk
Invite your MP to the Fight For Ordinary September drop-in!
The Disabled Children's Partnership and Let Us Learn Too will be hosting an event in Parliament on Monday 15th September 2025. As part of the Fight For Ordinary campaign, we will be bringing MPs toget...
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Parents like Etta want a SEND system that works. There’s nothing ‘special’ about a SEND system that doesn’t feel like a battle to navigate. #FightForOrdinary bit.ly/FightforOrdi...
Selfie of Alice and Etta smiling at the cameraParents like Etta want a SEND system that works. 

There’s nothing ‘special’ about a SEND system that doesn’t feel like a battle to navigate. 

#FightForOrdinary https://bit.ly/FightforOrdinary
Handwritten note that reads "There’s nothing ‘special’ about a SEND system that doesn’t feel like a battle to navigate. "
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KEEN London @keenlondon.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
It’s time to fix the SEND system. A whole generation of disabled children and those with additional needs are being let down by a broken education system Invite your MP to the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social and @letuslearntoo.bsky.social event in Parliament bit.ly/FFOSEPTMP #FightForOrdinary
Ask your mp to attend the disabled children’s partnership event in parliament
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
It’s time to fix the SEND system. A whole generation of disabled children and those with additional needs are being let down by a broken education system. Invite your MP to the DCP and @letuslearntoo event in Parliament. bit.ly/FFOSEPTMP #FightForOrdinary
Fight For Ordinary campaign poster. Text reads "Ask your MP to attend the DCP event in parliament".
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Good luck to everyone receiving their GCSE results today! 🎉🤞
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Last month we delivered Hannah’s open letter to No. 10 Downing Street. We have now had a reply from the DfE, which we welcome. The #FightForOrdinary continues for so many young people like Hannah, and as a coalition we will continue to campaign on their behalf.
Part one of the DfE reply to Hannah. Part two of the DfE reply to Hannah.
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
DCP campaign manager, @cyclingtheseaso.bsky.social spoke to Emily Jeffrey this morning on BBC Sussex about the lack of funding for special education needs and how to improve the system. Listen from 2:07:05 www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
Danny Pike - Emily Jeffery sits in (19/08/2025) - BBC Sounds
Emily brings you the perfect start to your day in Sussex.
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Fight for an education that works for all of us. The SEND system is changing, and no-one knows what needs to change more than the families who live it day in, day out. It’s time to fix the SEND system. Tell your MP. #FightForOrdinary bit.ly/FFOAction
Photo of Lisa and her two children. Text overlay reads "Fight for the same chance for every child"Photo of a parent wearing a grey top and sunglasses. They are holding a placard that reads "our children matter too!". Text overlay on the photo reads "Fight for a whole generation's future"Selfie of Calvin and Maureen. Text overlay reads : "Fight for investment not cuts"Photo of Hannah. A disabled young person with bright read hair in a wheelchair. Text overlay reads "Fight for 2 million young people".
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
If you do one thing today, please read this story from Salaha and Umar. We need to build a SEND system that ensures every family gets the help they need, without having to fight for it, or spend thousands just to get an assessment. #FightForOrdinary bit.ly/FFOAction
Photo of Umar, a young boy smiling for the camera. Text overlay reads "My son is 8 years old and I still don't fully understand his needs."Photo of Umar sat in a wheelchair in the park wearing a puffer jacket. Text overlay says "If I could get an independent EP assessment - one that isn't through the local authority I might be able to understand him better." Photo of Umar holding an ice lolly. Text overlay reads "But that costs thousands of pounds and I don't have that kid of money to spare". Photo of Umar in a black t-shirt. Text overlay says "Even the judge told me I need to provide evidence to prove he needs a waking day curriculum. How am I meant to do that without the right support?"
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
It’s time for things to change #FightForOrdinary #ReformSEND bit.ly/FFOAction
Only 1 in 5 disabled young people feel they get enough support to achieve the things they want in life. Graphic of 3 broken laddders and a 1 fully functional ladder.

3 in 4 parent carers have had to give up employment due to lack of support.4 blunt pencils and 1 sharpened pencil graphic.

Only 1 in 5 disabled children feel they get the education support they needGraphic of 3 deflated basketballs and 1 inflated basketball.

Just 1 in 4 disabled young people get enough support to enjoy their hobbies.
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
To Amelia and Claire, ‘ordinary’ means going to secondary school with her sister. It means being able to join in with everyone else at school, like telling jokes or being in the school play. Every child deserves a chance at ‘ordinary’. #FightForOrdinary bit.ly/FFOAction
Selfie of Amelia and ClaireHandwritten note. 

Every child deserves to feel like a valued member of the school community.
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Wera Hobhouse MP @werahobhouse.org.uk · 05/08/2025
Before recess, I joined @dcpcampaign.bsky.social & @letuslearntoo.bsky.social in Parliament for the launch of their #FightForOrdinary campaign. I heard directly from families how our broken SEND system is failing their children. Any reform must put their voices at the centre. 👇
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Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
No family should have to fight for this. #FightForOrdinary bit.ly/FFOAction
This is Charlie. He has Hyperinsulinism. Getting the support he needed changed everything for his move to secondary school. This is his story. "Getting an EHCP in place for Charlie
wasn't easy - we had to fight for it -
but it was one of the best decisions we
ever made.


The peace of mind, the tailored
support, and knowing he wasn't alone
has made an incredible difference.

Charlie had two main one-to-one's
during his time in primary school, and
when it came time to move to
secondary, we were naturally anxious
about the transition.

But something amazing happened..."
“His one-to-one support assistant,
who had worked so closely with him,
applied for a role at the secondary
school... and got the job!

She moved with him, and that
continuity made all the difference.

We're so grateful for the support
Charlie has received, and we hope our
story shows just how important it is to
advocate for the right help at the right
time."Every child deserves an outcome like Charlie's
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Speech and Language UK @speechandlanguk.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Education, Health and Care Plans aren't perfect, but families across the UK rely on them to get support for their children. @janeharrislondon.bsky.social and @dcpcampaign.bsky.social explain why SEND reform is desperately needed, and how it can be done right👇 metro.co.uk/2025/08/01/s...
metro.co.uk
The school special needs crisis that will impact every one of us
Children and their families are being 'failed' by the education system.
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