Parents are continuing to “fight for basic rights” after a local school has been forced to cut specialist provisions for disabled students.
Last month, Pinner News reported that cuts would be made to Coteford Infant School’s (CIS) Specialist Resource Provisions (SRP) for physically disabled students.
On Thursday, November 28, more than 60 parents and campaigners demonstrated outside the Civic Centre in Uxbridge, before raising questions at the full Hillingdon Council meeting that night.
Emily is mum to Ivy, who lives with cerebral palsy and would have relied on SRP as part of her Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), but whose application was blocked by Hillingdon Council.
Speaking to Pinner News, Emily said: “I didn’t expect so much support! I’m so humbled by how many people turned up.
“It’s sad to say but I’m not feeling optimistic. Ivy is just a little girl. I need [the council] to take into consideration what children need.”
Also at the demonstration was Hillingdon councillor Sital Punja, who said: “I have supported the campaign because I feel locally that the SEND school system is broken.
“One of my greatest concerns is about statutory and non-statutory funding. The council has said that all schools should be able to take on students with physical disabilities with reasonable adjustments, which leaves a sense of uncertainty for these parents.
“The council’s response was quite generic. I’m concerned about the EHCPs, and if they have been budgeted appropriately reflecting the cost of what is needed for these children.”
During the meeting, councillor Susan O’Brien said: “We are unable to discuss individual cases during this meeting, however, I would like to assure that we consider the needs of each individual child.
“There is not a demand for children to attend the physical disability SRP at CIS… every mainstream school has a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure children with physical disabilities are not discriminated.”
She ensured that Hillingdon Council will continue to work with settings to ensure they are “inclusive”.
A decision on whether SRP will be cut permanently is set to be made on Thursday, December 12.
To watch the full meeting, head to www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QVUHNajUsA
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