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Gillian Doherty

@gilliandoherty.bsky.social
172 followers 144 following 45 posts

Writer/editor/researcher, disability rights campaigner. Views all my own.

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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
We are so close to 40,000 signatures. Will you help to protect disabled children’s rights? It just takes a moment. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/76...
petition.parliament.uk
Petition: Protect legal right to support for children with SEND
I believe that the Government’s proposed SEND reforms could limit EHCPs, weaken legal rights, replace individual plans with packages, reduce appeals, and remove school choice. In my view, children cou...
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
We did it! 1000km. Thank you so much for your support. If you haven’t had the chance to donate and would like to do so there’s still time. www.justgiving.com/page/gillian...
justgiving.com
Support for children who have Down syndrome across the Southwest
Help Gillian Doherty raise money to support Ups and Downs Southwest
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Just one more day to go! www.justgiving.com/page/gillian...
justgiving.com
Support for children who have Down syndrome across the Southwest
Help Gillian Doherty raise money to support Ups and Downs Southwest
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Could you spare a few quid to help save this specialist speech and language service for children with Down syndrome? We’re fundraising to bridge a gap until Ups and Downs Southwest can find a long term funding solution. www.justgiving.com/page/gillian...
justgiving.com
Support for children who have Down syndrome across the Southwest
Help Gillian Doherty raise money to support Ups and Downs Southwest
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
We’re a third of the way to 1000km. Thank you so much for your support to raise money for Ups and Downs Southwest! www.justgiving.com/page/gillian...
justgiving.com
Gillian's fundraiser for Ups and Downs Southwest
Help Gillian Doherty raise money to support Ups and Downs Southwest
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Amazing news. We’ve made it to 82% of our fundraising target! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated. If we can get to the target it will keep the Ups and Downs specialist speech and language service running for another month. www.justgiving.com/page/gillian...
justgiving.com
Gillian's fundraiser for Ups and Downs Southwest
Help Gillian Doherty raise money to support Ups and Downs Southwest
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
I'm fundraising for Ups and Downs Southwest. Check out my @JustGiving page and please donate if you can. Thank you! #JustGiving www.justgiving.com/page/gillian...
justgiving.com
Gillian's fundraiser for Ups and Downs Southwest
Help Gillian Doherty raise money to support Ups and Downs Southwest
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Our family is taking on a 1K for 1K challenge — covering 1,000 km between 21 May and 21 June to try to raise £1,000 for the Speech and Language Therapy service at Ups and Downs Southwest. This vital service is under threat without urgent funding. www.justgiving.com/page/gillian...
justgiving.com
Gillian's fundraiser for Ups and Downs Southwest
Help Gillian Doherty raise money to support Ups and Downs Southwest
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Reposted by Gillian Doherty
Ramandeep Kaur @mumof3amigos.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
If you didn’t already realise that Reform is full of racists, Tice now on BBC LK, unwilling and unable to call out their newly elected councillor who said ‘Nigerians should be melted down to fill in the pot holes’. I’m sorry, but the racists voted for this and are cheerfully celebrating today.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
It would mean a lot to me if you could sign and share this petition. If the government goes ahead with its plans to reduce disabled children’s rights in England it will harm many children, including my son Jack. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/76...
petition.parliament.uk
Petition: Protect legal right to support for children with SEND
I believe that the Government’s proposed SEND reforms could limit EHCPs, weaken legal rights, replace individual plans with packages, reduce appeals, and remove school choice. In my view, children cou...
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
It would mean a lot to me if you could sign and share this petition. If the government goes ahead with its plans to reduce disabled children’s rights in England it will harm many children, including my son Jack. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/76...
petition.parliament.uk
Petition: Protect legal right to support for children with SEND
I believe that the Government’s proposed SEND reforms could limit EHCPs, weaken legal rights, replace individual plans with packages, reduce appeals, and remove school choice. In my view, children cou...
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
After the disgraceful news that the Government has "already decided" on its plans for curbing the role of the SEND Tribunal, our co-Director, Gill Doherty, has this to say—don't miss this, it's important. Sign up for our legal roundtable webinar: linkthread.eu/specialneeds... youtu.be/y-xUrm2kKX8
youtu.be
The Government has "already decided" on its plans for curbing the role of the SEND Tribunal
YouTube video by Special Needs Jungle
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
IPSEA echoes our own concerns about the SEND proposals—we’re astonished that some other disabled children’s charities seem to think loss of rights is just dandy… SEND reforms must strengthen legal rights, not weaken them - schoolsweek.co.uk/send-refor...
schoolsweek.co.uk
SEND reforms must strengthen legal rights, not weaken them
Ministers themselves acknowledge that families have endured too much for too long on SEND. That is precisely why legal safeguards matter
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
On SNJ Today: A close look at the Government's proposed “Specialist Provision Packages” reveals they're a Trojan horse, reducing the #EHCP rights of children with SEND. And we're not completely sure they realise it... www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
image shows a sepia colourised trojan horse image
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
On SNJ Today: The Schools White Paper's #SEND consultation is being legally challenged by a parent carer, who claims the plans are an “irrational & unfair” fundamental change significantly weakening children's legal rights. @catrionamoore.bsky.social explains: www.specialneedsjungle.com/l...
post title with a picture of Melissa and Jessica inset into a composite image with the proposals cover and scales of justice
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
On SNJ Today: We have some advice for answering the 39-step Schools White Paper SEND consultation from @captaink77.bsky.social and @tanialt.bsky.social. They'll use AI—should you? If you need additional help, do let us know. www.specialneedsjungle.com/3...
image shows long steps upwards with the consultation at the top colourised in mauve
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
NEW POST: When “Easy Read” isn’t easy: @sharonlsmith.bsky.social asks why a consultation impacting disabled children and young people is set up to risk excluding them… www.specialneedsjungle.com/e...
image shows fingers places letters spelling out  “make it easy” colourised in green
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
SNJ's @renatawatts.bsky.social explains the government's proposed Specialist Provision Packages and how and where they fall apart—and who misses out. Find our article on this here: www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
More leaks- and we'd rather not comment but we know others will and we want to ensure parents do not panic or worry unnecessarily. We’ll be analysing the White Paper when it's out so stay tuned. #SEND #EHCP #SaveOurChildrensRights
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Schools Week @schoolsweek.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
With a white paper expected within weeks, leaks to national newspapers offer only a piecemeal glimpse at what might happen with SEND reform. But in the background, local officials have been quietly instructed to start the wheels in motion now for a reformed system… schoolsweek.co.uk/revealed-dfe...
schoolsweek.co.uk
DfE quietly orders councils to begin SEND reforms locally
Whitehall tells councils not to wait for the white paper or further info on deficits to get started
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John Harris @johnharris1969.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
If drastically restricting EHCPs was always a cornerstone of the govt's SEND plans, why didn't it make the case in all the "listening" events and long months of putting up kites & briefing? If/when this move is in the white paper, it'll all look risibly cynical www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Ministers on lobbying blitz to avoid Labour rebellion over Send changes
Government has ‘learned lesson’ of botched welfare overhauls but MPs say they will not back cost-saving measures
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Ian Birrell @ianbirrell.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Is this really why Labour MPs think they were elected: to strip some of the most vulnerable children in the country of their right to a decent start in life? My @theipaper.com column on looming SEND reforms inews.co.uk/opinion/pare...
inews.co.uk
Parents of SEND children should fear what Starmer is planning
This Government seems intent on shredding the rights of the vulnerable
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Catriona Moore @catrionamoore.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
"A Labour Government headed by a human rights lawyer wants to protect councils that fail to meet their legal responsibilities to some of the nation’s most vulnerable young people. It wants to do so by ending the statutory right of parents to challenge wrongful decisions made by faceless officials."
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Ministers have repeatedly refused to answer direct questions about retaining legal rights. The context for the reforms is reducing costs. Organisations that represent children’s rights have been sidelined. Sadly you are wrong about DfE.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
I am engaging in good faith. My son has Down syndrome, has an EHCP and attends a mainstream secondary school. Without the provision in his EHCP he wouldn’t be able to attend school safely, let alone be included and learn. I’m genuinely terrified of the government’s proposals. Have a good evening.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
And this is the problem. Not listening to parents and teachers. I urge you to speak to Helen Hayes and the Education Select Committee and to read their inquiry report.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Because they know this about cutting rights and costs and they are afraid of the response? Leaks as a way of testing the reaction?
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John Harris @johnharris1969.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Would be quite the move for such a fragile govt to try to take away the rights of some of the most put-upon, stonewalled (and very driven & tenacious) people in the country liveapp.inews.co.uk/category/419...
liveapp.inews.co.uk
Parents of SEND children face being blocked from EHCP appeals
Ministers are seeking to curb the sharp rise in tribunal challenges – where parents win 99 per cent of cases
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
And yet the minister made claims about co-creation. It’s pretty clear from the repeated failure to answer direct questions that disabled children’s rights are in the firing line. Very grateful to the NEU for making their position clear.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Neither parents nor teachers support the government’s policy. www.specialneedsjungle.com/national-edu...
specialneedsjungle.com
National Education Union announces support for the #SaveOurChildrensRights campaign to protect SEND legal rights - Special Needs Jungle
National Education Union announces support for the #SaveOurChildren’sRights campaign to protect SEND legal rights
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John Harris @johnharris1969.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Even in the most optimistic reading, it will take long years to begin to turn everyday SEND provision around. It's a 15 year story of decay, at least. In the meantime, rights & redress are all hundreds of thousands of families have. If they are taken away on promises, people will fight. Ends.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Fair enough. Please speak to Helen Hayes and the Ed Select Committee and also to IPSEA and SOSSEN.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
As an MP shouldn’t you have an opinion now and be engaging on policy direction? Parents are terrified and disabled children and young people are about to lose their rights.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
The white paper is due to be released a couple of weeks after the national “conversation” (everyone literally on mute) ended. It was already written.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
The department is supposed to engage with a wide range of stakeholders - and particularly the most disadvantaged and marginalised. Excluding people with learning disabilities and those who represent rights is not ok.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
This is a repeat of the PIP nonsense. And you’re right we don’t prefer that model.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Happy to set up a meeting if you would like to understand what’s really happening. All those supporting disabled children’s rights have been blocked.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
From the leaks it appears that rights will be removed for most disabled children. Do you support that?
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Rubbish. Most of those involved in the SEND development group are reliant on funding from DfE. The whole thing is a stitch up.
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Gillian Doherty @gilliandoherty.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
This isn’t true. DfE engaged with local authorities and only at the end of lady year engaged in a fake conversation. Parents were literally on mute in the online events. The easy read version was released a week before the deadline and DfE refused to extend it
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John Harris @johnharris1969.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Latest from me, and one of the most important pieces on Special Needs I've written so far: "In fifteen years of political journalism, I don’t think I have seen anything quite like this: a mad game of briefing, counter-briefing and official stonewalling." maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/why-the-po...
maybeimamazed.substack.com
Why the politics of media leaks, briefings and "sources" is only spreading dread and fear
The painfully long story of the government's SEND reforms has pushed exactly those buttons, among people already used to a level of anxiety that may soon get even worse
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John Harris @johnharris1969.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Massively important news: the biggest teaching union backs Save Our Children's Rights
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
#SaveOurChildrensRights campaign urges Starmer not to diminish legal rights of SEND children— we’re joining our SOCR colleagues at 1pm today at Downing Street to hand in the petition that you made such a massive change by signing. - www.theguardian.com/educatio...
theguardian.com
New campaign urges Starmer not to diminish legal rights of Send children
Backed by actor Sally Phillips and MPs across parties, group raises concerns about overhaul of provision in England
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
SEND law is good law. IPSEA solicitors explain why, in simple terms for those finding it hard to understand—and why diluting it will harm children. #SaveOurChildrensRights www.tes.com/magazine/analysi...
Image shows a screenshot of the article
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
On SNJ Today: Why we're just getting started on our campaign to #SaveOurChildrensRights. Here's what happened when campaigners, cross-party MPs, and (Larry the Cat), handed in our 133k-signature petition that changed the debate. Find out how to join us www.specialneedsjungle.com/c...
Image shows campaigners, MPs and Larry the No10 cat handing in the petition
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
Our campaign group, #SaveOurChildrensRights is leading this fight and we’re ready- if the government want another benefits fiasco, bring it on. We’re strong, determined SEND parents and aLLM are welcome. Are you with us? Article: archive.is/ARzQU Socr.org.uk
Text is in the caption
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
On SNJ Today: Delaying SEND changes is right—as long as it's not JUST a delay. And why do the DfE letter & a new report from @ippr.org both use "most complex needs" to describe children who should be in special schools? What does the term even mean? www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
image shows screenshots of DfE letter and of the report cover
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
NEW POST: Independent public accountability initiative, Measure What Matters writes an excoriating, evidence-backed article that the law on #SEND isn’t failing, it’s been systematically undermined from within. Please consider sharing with your MP: www.specialneedsjungle.com/l...
image shows an icon illustration made of a council official stamping on Lady justice as a sad family look on
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Special Needs Jungle @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
The petition to protect the rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities closes TOMORROW. Please sign and share as widely as possible. Children with their own email address can sign. www.saveourchildrensrights.o... www.facebook.com/share/v/1Fe...
facebook.com
3,3 d. weergaven · 55 reacties | The Education Secretary, Bridget...
The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, speaking on BBC Newsnight yesterday, still wouldn’t commit to keeping the legal rights that children and young people with SEND rely on. The “change”...
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Matt Keer @captaink77.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
They're toast. Official line will still be 'no decisions made', but next step will be a DfE tendering notice for Ghanian dancing pallbearers, a 10-foot floral arrangement that they'll spell "ECHP", and a post-event posting contract with Wayne Rooney
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