Parents, carers, and supporters gathered outside Darlington Town Hall this morning to convey their anger and disappointment at the lack of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provisions in the area.

Organisers of the peaceful protest were keen to stress that they know this is not an issue exclusive to Darlington, it is a national issue, but the people of Darlington want better for their children.

Approximately 60 people waved signs, banners and placards today (Wednesday, April 26) with messages including; “End the SEND crisis now”, “SEND cuts never heal”, and a teenage boy carried a sign reading “227 days of missed education”.

Organisers invited members of different local political parties and the Labour Party and Green Party were present and showing their support.

The Northern Echo: Parents at a SEND protest outside Darlington Town Hall. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestParents at a SEND protest outside Darlington Town Hall. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

Read more: 'More needs to be done': SEND protest outside Darlington Town Hall this week

Hollie Richardson, a mother and one of the organisers of the event, said: “We want more awareness of the SEND crisis. It is national and local, but our children need support. I know the council has plans for a new school but that’s not now, and we need to know what’s happening now for the kids who are out of school and provisions need to be put in place.

“The Government is responsible for letting the kids down because of the laws that are in place and the under-funding crisis that’s happening. That filters down to specific councils, but they’re not responsible for the bulk of the funding, that’s the Government.”

Ms Richardson was keen to stress that protesters know that Darlington Borough Council is not responsible for the crisis in the local area, and they wish to work with the council, not against it.

She continued: “This chronic underfunding is affecting our kids and affecting access of support for our kids.”

The Northern Echo: SEND crisis. Our children deserve the best the best! Invest in them stop the cuts! Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestSEND crisis. Our children deserve the best the best! Invest in them stop the cuts! Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Claire Blueman, another mother and organiser, said: “There is not just a local, but a national under-funding for SEND in the whole of the UK. We’ve unfortunately been landed with a safety valve agreement that didn’t even go to a scrutiny panel, it was just approved. Within that safety valve, there’s a clause that they can’t go over budget again.

“One of our main concerns is, what if they spend the whole of the budget when there’s a kid who needs an EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan). This safety valve, if it crumbles, could actually cost the council millions.

“There's been a lot of talk about autism, which is really important, but what about kids with learning difficulties? They might not be autistic, what happens to them? If they don't fit into nice little boxes the Government provides you with, you've just got to spill out and make a mess.”

Matthew Snedker of Darlington Green Party was there to show his support.

Mr Snedker said: “I’m here to listen to the mothers, fathers, grandmas, grandpas, to get a better understand what’s going on and their concerns because this kind of protest doesn’t happen out of nothing, these people are very busy and have caring responsibilities, and they’re worried about SEND provision in Darlington particularly, but also all over the UK.”

The Northern Echo: We are not 'just mum'/'just dad'/'just the carer' etc. We are the most important people, stop parent-blaming and shaming us and listen to us. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestWe are not 'just mum'/'just dad'/'just the carer' etc. We are the most important people, stop parent-blaming and shaming us and listen to us. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Peter Gibson MP did not attend the protest but did post a statement on Facebook about the event: “I fully understand the deep concerns of many people in Darlington, a significant number of whom are parents and carers, about provision for SEND children. This issue has featured heavily in my caseload since I was elected in 2019 and it is one that I have sought to give the highest priority to.

The Government recently announced additional provision and a review of SEND provision, including improved training, this was alongside the new special school that Darlington will be getting. Add to this the launch of an enquiry into future prospects for those with autism, launched by the Government and led by my good friend The Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland, who also is the Chair of the APPG on Autism, which I am proud to serve on as vice chair. 

Under the Conservatives, provision for SEND children is firmly on Darlington Borough Council’s agenda. In my own family there are children with special educational needs and a significant number of my friends have children with special educational needs. This issue is a priority to me, to my family, to my friends and more important to my constituents in Darlington and I will continue to work as hard as possible to ensure the best possible provision in our community.”

The Northern Echo: Approximately 60 people attended the protest. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestApproximately 60 people attended the protest. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: 227 days of missed education. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest227 days of missed education. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)