Parents feel ‘let down’ by the local authority as special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) pupils are falling further behind in their education. 

The News has received complaints from parents relating to poor communication, a lack of appropriate facilities and inadequate Education, Health and Care Plans (ECHP) at Bracknell Forest Council, which they say is ‘exasperating’ the issue. 

It comes following a recent Ofsted report stating the council had made “insufficient progress” in implementing previously recommended reforms. 

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One case is that of Nicci Hazel, whose daughter suffered trauma after losing her father at age four and was later diagnosed with autism. 

Despite providing the school with the diagnosis, no ECHP was put in place, Ms Hazel explained how things “started to fall apart” during covid. 

“She managed ok at home for the first lockdown doing her schoolwork, but I was noticing that she was hiding away in her bedroom a lot and withdrawing from the family,” said Ms Hazel. 

“When it came to going back to school, she wasn’t coping with the transition. I would email the school and nothing would happen,” she added.

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As a result, she fell further behind in her studies. Ms Hazel alleged that support wasn’t forthcoming and her daughter “just fell through the cracks.” 

The council say they “recognise that some parents have expressed dissatisfaction” with the SEND service. 

Cheryl Eyre, Assistant Director of education and learning, said: “We apologise for any distress caused and would like to reassure parents that rectifying those concerns is a priority for the council and we have already taken a number of actions to address this. 

“Officers and councillors have been working closely with the Parent Carer Forum and parents to listen to, and address issues raised.” 

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Ms Hazel went on to claim that, when her daughter was able to attend school, she was “left in a quiet room” and was “not receiving an education.” By November 2021, she was exclusively at home. 

“I have spent months on the phone trying to talk to people at the council, begging for help and wondering why nobody is also knocking on my door because my child isn’t at school. 

“They are falling short in every single way really, between all the different bodies that I’m having to deal with there just seems a real lack of communication,” said Ms Hazel. 

Her daughter now gets home tutoring but claims that missing months of education has left her feeling anxious. 

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“She’s got no mental health help. Even if that was in place tomorrow it would be a long slog to get her back on her feet again.   

“I just have no trust in anyone anymore because everyone has let us down,” said Ms Hazel. 

The council, however, say they are supporting further development of the Carer Forum and “recognise its key role” in improving the process and services. 

Ms Eyre added: “We understand that we can only provide answers if we fully engage and listen to parents, therefore we are working towards a more productive partnership and more robust communications.”