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Supporting NAS campaign to improve special educational needs system for children with autism
This week I attended the parliamentary launch of The National Autistic Society’s (NAS) Great Expectations campaign on special educational needs (SEN), which aims to inform and influence the Government’s proposed overhaul of the SEN system.
The launch, held in Parliament on 27th June, was hosted by Steve Brine MP for Winchester & Chandler’s Ford. Jane Asher, At the event president of the NAS spoke about the challenges faced by parents of children with autism in getting even basic educational support. Members of Parliament and Lords attendended along with children with autism, parents, carers and principals and other professionals from NAS autism-specific schools.
The NAS Great Expectations Report provides a solid foundation on which to build a robust and fit-for-purpose SEN system. I believe children with autism have a right to local and appropriate services for their children.
Great Expectations follows research the NAS conducted with over 1,000 parents of children with autism and young people with autism about their experiences of the education system and how they feel it can be improved to work best from them. Education is a fundamental part of every child’s life, but the survey found far too many children with autism are not getting the education they need and deserve.
Just half of parents in the survey felt their child is making good educational progress. 30% of parents feel that their child’s educational placement is not adequate. A quarter of children are not happy at school, and one in five does not feel safe. With 43% of young people feeling teachers don’t know enough about autism.
Mark Lever, Chief Executive NAS, said:
“We have Great Expectations that the necessary changes can, and will, be made. The Government recognises that action is needed, and says they want to reform a system which is letting children and young people down. Our report sets out the practical, often simple, steps that the Government can take to create a system that works for everyone, not least the parents who battle every day for their child’s right to an education. The SEN Green Paper, and planned ‘biggest SEN reform in 30 years’, will shape the future of a generation of children with autism. Let’s get it right.”
To read the full report please visit http://www.autism.org.uk/greatexpectations
