‘We’ve heard from mothers that it's a ‘broken system’’ Woman’s Hour is airing a special programme all about SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in September. Do you have experience of navigating the SEND system? Perhaps you’re looking for advice? Get in touch ⬇️

It's hideous. My daughter is 12 and hasn't been to school for 4 years. The SEND provision simply didn't have enough staff or resources and we have been fobbed off repeatedly by education leadership staff and the local council. They don't outright say they can't do what is required, they just don't do it and then say the children are the problem.

I am an EP with 30 years experience- ex teacher- i work with a charity set up by mothers who are supporting other families to navigate the maze- happy to speak with you at woman’s hour

the education system is hanging onto behavioural policies which do not work and which are not helpful for any student with SEND. Our son was treated like a behaviour problem from the beginning of his year 7 and we as parents were given only judgement, no support or care

Its not broken its boycotted and that is institutional rabid widespread discrimination from central government right down - The mainstream media loves this “broken” narrative so they can pave the way for the government to sweep in with something even worse to fix what isn't broken but abused

It’s broken. It actively looks for ways not to give our children the education they deserve. Years of fighting for both my children with SEND. It never stops from transport to EHCP. It causes families extreme stress & huge loss of time battling with LA. It’s relentless.

This is radically affecting parents, children & schools. I would value opportunity to contribute to help listeners with the complexities of the system: not only identify the difficulties but how best to start challenging and overcoming them. Straightforward, practical approaches.

Hello @BBCWomansHour I'm an avid listener of Women's Hour, but am a father struggling to navigate the system with autism, ADHD and mental health conditions. I also work in the sector which makes no difference. Are you looking for a broad range of experiences? Thanks

It’s exhausting. Our main problem has been that the local authority (Devon county council) doesn’t think the law applies to them. So every timescale is breached, EHCPs are vague and not legal. But what gets done? LGO powers are weak, it’s literally cost effective for them.

My experience is that under the academy system the needs of children with SEND are frequently ignored - with some academies actively dissuading parents from applying for a place. This wasn't the case when secondary schs were part of the local authority

Children and their families are broken by a system that has failed them.Not enough SEN school places and where I live nothing for academically able children who are unable to manage a mainstream environment.I will be forever grateful that we found an amazing alternative provision