In November we took a bold step forward in our fight for equity in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision and the urgent need to rebuild our broken SEND system.
Through the SEND Systemic Justice Workshop—organised by ourselves and Systemic Justice —we brought together parents and community leaders to confront the deep-rooted intersectional barriers faced by Black and mixed heritage children. Together, we explored the powerful role that the courts can play in driving accountability and creating systemic change.
Building on the recommendations from our Black Child SEND Report www.blackchildsend.com, this workshop wasn’t just about identifying the challenges. It was about empowering the community to take action, amplify their collective voice, and demand accountability from the systems that have failed our children for far too long.
Key reflections from the day:
The systemic barriers in SEND:
Families shared their frustrations with a system that too often requires them to fight for the support their children deserve, from delayed diagnoses to exclusionary behaviour policies that disproportionately affect Black children.
The power of using the courts for justice:
Strategic litigation offers a powerful pathway to challenge systemic injustices. By holding schools and local authorities accountable, we can create legal precedents that benefit not just individual families but thousands more.
The role of collective action:
Parents and community organisations discussed the importance of working together to build a movement that prioritises equity and fairness, combining grassroots advocacy with legal strategies to amplify our voice and impact.
This workshop marks the beginning of a series of workshops and community organising efforts aimed at being action-oriented in the pursuit of a reformed SEND system—one where equity is at the heart of every policy, every process, and every decision.
It’s about ensuring that change doesn’t just stay on paper but is felt in every classroom, every school, and every family’s journey.
Thank you to every parent who joined us: your courage, expertise, and resilience are the foundation of this movement.
Ready to join the movement?
• Share your own experiences and ideas for reform in the comments below.
• Tag a parent, community leader, or advocate who needs to be part of this conversation.
• Let’s continue building the momentum. This is just the beginning!
