Havering SEND Parents Calls for Families to Make Their Voices Heard on Schools White Paper.

Samantha Jobber -SEND Parent and Advocate writes in the Havering Daily.

As a parent to four children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), I know first hand how important the decisions made in education are for our children and our families. That is why I am urging parents, carers, and guardians to take the time to read and respond to the School White Paper consultation.

Too often, SEND families feel unheard or overlooked when changes are made to education policies and school systems. Yet many of us face daily challenges navigating support services, EHCP processes, specialist provision, transport issues, mental health concerns, and ensuring our children receive the education they deserve.

The White Paper will help shape the future of schools and support services for years to come. The choices made now could affect classroom support, inclusion, funding, attendance expectations, access to therapies, and how schools meet the needs of children with additional needs.

For SEND parents, these decisions are not just policies on paper — they directly affect our children’s futures, wellbeing, confidence, and opportunities.

I understand many families are exhausted. Between appointments, meetings, paperwork, and everyday parenting, completing another form may feel like just one more thing to do. But our voices matter.

If families do not speak up, there is a risk that the realities SEND children face every day will not be fully understood by those making decisions.

Parents and carers have valuable experiences that deserve to be heard:

What support is working well?

Where are families struggling?

What changes would genuinely improve children’s education and wellbeing?

What resources do schools still need?

Every completed response helps paint a clearer picture of what families are experiencing in real life.

I encourage all parents, specially SEND families — to take a few moments to read the schools white paper and submit feedback before the deadline. Whether your experience has been positive or challenging, your perspective is important.

Our children deserve education systems that understand, support, and value every learner.

Please make your voice count.

Families can read the Schools White Paper consultation and submit feedback here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-first

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