An Isle of Wight mother of three has spoken out about the personal toll of fighting for her children’s educational support—and why she believes proposed changes to SEND law would be devastating.
She is urging people to sign a petition that calls on the government to retain the legal right to assessment and support in education for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
“EHCPs are the only way”
She explained,
“EHCPs are the only way I can make sure my kids have the support they need to be able to go to school.”
She has fought for years to secure Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for her children.
“I am six or seven tribunals in—so many I’m not sure. It has been immensely traumatising.”
A heavy personal cost
The process has taken a serious toll.
“It has cost me my career, my wellbeing and my health.”
Despite the personal cost, she continues because there is no alternative.
“It’s so costly, if it was literally anything else at all, I would’ve walked away years ago. But I can’t—I’m the only thing standing between my beautiful, capable children and oblivion. The weight is crushing.”
A call to action
The government is currently considering changes to the law that would affect how children with SEND receive support in school.
She warned,
“The government are looking to change laws so my kids no longer have protection and support, despite their need, despite the fights we have had to get here.”
Her message to the public is clear,
“So please. If you have a moment and if you care even slightly, help us. Sign this petition. Share it on your social media, or in a message to friends and family.”
Parliamentary debate within reach
The petition is currently around 15,000 signatures short of the 100,000 figure needed to trigger a Parliamentary debate.
She said,
“For families like mine, this is so important, and we need your help. Please and thank you.”
Island figures
The Isle of Wight has higher than average figures and increases when compared with the south east and nationally for pupils needing SEN support.
In 2023 on the Isle of Wight, Education Health and Care plans (ECHP) increased to 6.5 per cent of those in education, making it all the more important for the protections to remain in law.
Sign the petition
The national petition is just 15,000 short of signatures to ensure it is debated in the House of Commons.
If you wish to support the petition you can sign it online.
Why ECHPs are important
Education, Health and Care Plans are important to pupils because they provide a legally binding framework to support children and young people with significant special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). Here’s why they matter:
- EHCPs ensure the child receives personalised support tailored to their individual needs—academic, social, emotional and physical.
- They are legally enforceable. Schools and local authorities must provide the support specified in the plan.
- EHCPs often unlock additional funding and access to specialist services (e.g. speech therapy, 1:1 support) that a school wouldn’t otherwise be able to provide.
- They cover support from birth to 25 (if in education), helping to plan not just schooling, but also future transitions, such as to college or work.
- They bring together education, health and social care in one document, improving coordination and reducing gaps in support.
In short, EHCPs are crucial for ensuring that children with more complex needs can access education on an equal footing with their peers.
SEND Stories
In 2020 OnTheWight ran a series called SEND Stories.
In that year, 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.
