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SEND Stories

In February 2020 Ofsted and the CQC released a report stating that improvements had been made to SEND support for children on the Isle of Wight.

Many families expressed their surprise at this finding, adding that from their own experience, they didn’t recognise it. Many said they don’t know a single family with a positive thing to say about Isle of Wight SEND support.

Below are a series of stories from families relying on support for their child or children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)

13, February 2020·3 min read

Isle of Wight SEND Stories #1: Why can’t my child autism get support? (updated)

Five-year-old Adam's family refer to him as a "high-functioning" child with autism and say because of this they've been told that he's unlikely to get additional support, but add that the reality is that his "teachers couldn’t possibly give him the help he needs alongside teaching all the other children in his class"

20, February 2020·4 min read

Isle of Wight SEND Stories #2: Lack of support for my autistic son has a direct impact on my other SEND children

Karen said that when her autistic son goes into flight mode he is excluded by the school rather than them addressing the problem to help him in a positive way. She shares her SEND story

silohuette of child reading a book by Aaron Burden

27, February 2020·4 min read

Isle of Wight SEND Stories #3: ‘When he gets to high school he’s really going to struggle’ says Mum of autistic son twice refused ECHP assessment

Laura worries how her autistic son, with ADHD, will cope at high school after twice being refused an ECHP assessment. The lack of support is having an impact on the rest of the family and his siblings feel pushed out

5, March 2020·5 min read

Isle of Wight SEND Stories #4: Criminalising my unsupported autistic son is unacceptable

Jane and Robert have had their parenting scrutinised for the last decade, meanwhile their son who has now been diagnosed with ADHD and ASD has been suicidal and criminalised for his behaviours which the school claim are chosen

12, March 2020·4 min read

Isle of Wight SEND Stories #5: ‘It consumes your life, feels as though you’re running through treacle, every step forward is harder than the last’

The clouds created by emotional tension built up during the school day are blocking out Henry’s sunshine, say his parents whose lives have been consumed by trying to get him the right SEN support

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