Who are we?

We're a group of Hackney parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who came together to oppose cuts to special needs funding, which will have a negative impact on the education of all children in Hackney. In November  2017 we mounted a campaign against Hackney Council's ill-judged proposals to change SEND funding arrangements. As a result of the incredible support the campaign received from Hackney residents who care about education, the Council was forced to reject its own proposals. However the Council still plans to make significant cuts to SEND funding.

The case

On 1st April 2018 Hackney Council is making cuts of 5% to high needs funding, but there are much bigger cuts to come. They are planning to make "savings" of around £5 million through further cuts to SEND funding in mainstream schools and special schools. Transport and pupil referral units are also on the hit list. 

What are we trying to achieve?

We want to put a stop to these cuts for all children with special educational needs and disabilities in Hackney. We would also like to send a clear message to Hackney Council and to other councils making similar cuts that this isn't acceptable.

Children with special educational needs and disabilities want to learn and achieve at school, but to do this they often need extra support. When SEND funding is reduced, schools have to choose what provision to cut:

• The speech and language therapy that develops communication?
• The specialist teacher who helps children to learn?
• The teaching assistant who supports them in the classroom?
• The equipment that enables them to see or hear?

It's an impossible choice for schools to make. Whatever they cut it will have a negative impact, not just on disabled children but on all pupils, increasing workloads for teachers and support staff and creating a less inclusive environment. We want to ensure schools have the support and funding they need, so that all children can thrive at school.

How much are we raising and why?

We need to raise £2,000 for the fee for initial legal advice before applying for permission to issue a Judicial Review. This would not be covered by legal aid.

What's the next step?

If the initial advice determines that a Judicial Review is the way forward, we can then apply for legal aid for our children. However we may need further funds at this stage for the investigation and to obtain advice from Counsel. We have been advised that this could cost a further £2,000.

If you would like to find out more about the impact of the cuts on the education of children and young people in Hackney, please follow us on twitter @SENDcrisisHack  or facebook @HackneySpecialEdCrisis or email us at [email protected]