The Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, has unveiled a range of initiatives aimed at helping parents of special needs children in the UK. In her announcement, Keegan also praised the campaigning efforts of The Sun newspaper. She spoke personally about her nephew, Joseph, who has Down syndrome, and highlighted the challenges faced by parents in accessing the necessary support for their children.
Expanding Activity Camps and Collecting Data
As part of the new measures, Keegan announced an expansion of activity camps for special needs children. These camps provide valuable opportunities for children to engage in recreational activities and socialize with others. Additionally, Down syndrome will now be included in the school census, allowing for the collection of data that can be used to improve learning outcomes for pupils with the condition.
Acknowledging the Campaign for Funding
In her article for The Sun, Keegan acknowledged the importance of campaigns like HOAR's Give It Back, which advocates for the return of £573 million in health and social care funding for Special Educational Needs kids. She praised the campaign for giving a voice to parents who often feel unheard and called for greater support and funding in this area.
New Funding and Internship Programs
The package of support measures includes the rollout of the £30 million "short breaks" scheme to seven additional councils, providing parents with much-needed respite and support. Furthermore, a pilot internship program will be introduced by 12 local authorities, offering opportunities for special needs students to gain valuable work experience.
The Disabled Children's Partnership (DCP), which has been working closely with HOAR on the Give It Back campaign, expressed satisfaction with the Education Secretary's recognition of their efforts. They have called on Keegan to deliver on the promise of full funding for special needs education.
