Shoe Protest Shines Light On ‘Forgotten’ SEND Children

A Kibworth mum has joined a silent protest calling for better educational support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Marie Davis was one of a number of parents and carers to place a pair of children’s shoes at the entrance to Leicester City Hall – one of 88 locations nationwide chosen for today’s ‘Every Pair Tells a Story’ campaign.

The symbolic action was organised by campaign group Send Sanctuary UK, with each pair of shoes representing a child protestors say has been failed by the SEND system.

Marie & Roman and shoes left at today’s protest

Marie says her five-year-old autistic son, Roman, has been badly let down by the system and is still at nursery after the school chosen for him proved unsuitable.

A tribunal into the decision by Leicestershire County Council will be heard in January.

Marie spoke to HFM about why she wanted to join today’s protest:

Shoes left at today’s protest

Last month the government announced it was delaying reforms to the SEND system and other policy proposals for schools in England until next year.

The Department for Education said it had already carried out more than 100 “listening sessions” with families.

A spokesperson added: “This government inherited a SEND system on its knees, with thousands of families struggling to secure the right support.

“We’re determined to put that right and deliver a better system that supports children and families at every stage.”

Marie (left) with other campaigners at today’s silent protest