'My child won't be able to go to school if they take away her vital EHCP'
Fifty MPs from across parties received an enlightening education in parliament today (Tuesday) from an impressive group of children and young people about life in a SEND family.
Amid fears of cuts to education, health and welfare plans (EHCPs) in the upcoming government white paper due in the autumn, politicians were invited to hear first-hand from children what life with special educational needs and disabilities is really like.
Katie Nellist, 18, of Oxfordshire, who has autism, told The Mirror: 'I want MPs to see us as humans, they see us as paperwork, not humans. But we are real people and we deserve to be educated and live good lives. The education system is so rigid that you can't succeed unless you are the definition of 'normal.''
She told Labour MP Annaliese Dodds: 'EHCPs are our only hope and I can't see what would replace them.'
After speaking to Katie and her dad, Pete, Ms Dodds told The Mirror: 'The system is completely broken and needs reform – it's brilliant we've got young people like Katie sharing their voice.
'It was really helpful to hear directly from families about the challenges and what needs to change.'
Katie - who has PTSD as a result of difficulties in her own education - was joined at the unique event in Portcullis House by Hope Foley, five, who has cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus; Matthew Harding, 10, who is autistic; Audrey Baynton-Williams, 11, who has Down's syndrome, and 16-year-old young carer Rosie Harris, who has two disabled brothers and wants to become a lawyer, to give SEND families a voice.
Lib Dem MP Munira Wilson also spoke to Katie. She said: 'We are having debates in parliament on SEN most weeks – we are hearing story after story.
'What we are hearing is that there is a complete lack of trust in the system, which is so broken that children and young people with SEN feel like they are having to fight every step of the way.'
Conservative MP Rebecca Paul spoke to Matthew Harding and his father Ben. She said: 'It was helpful to understand some of the challenges for families and see the real world impact.''
Lib Dem MP Zoe Franklin was visibly moved by her conversation with Audrey. She said: 'I came here today to speak to people who have lived experience – like Audrey. It's clear how much Audrey wants to learn, how much she has enjoyed being in mainstream education. Audrey is thriving – but she's done so because she has had the right support. The difference an EHCP has is enormous.'
Labour MP Ben Coleman spoke to Hope and her mum Holly. He said: 'I'm here today because it's good to connect with the families and children.
'What is becoming clear is that the system we have isn't working, EHCPs are a nightmare for parents to navigate and fight for, but are often the only thing that parents feel will get them the support they need.'
Parents, children and young people were delighted to have spoken to politicians face to face.
Holly Kay, Hope's mum said: 'There has been a really good turnout, we've spoken to so many MPs today.
'I can't believe we were speaking to Labour MP Catherine McKinnell – she seemed really interested in Hope. She asked her how school was and was playing with Hope.`'
Rosie Harris said: 'Lots of MPs were receptive and were listening to what I had to say. It's been helpful to share my experiences."
The event was organised by the Disabled Children's Partnership (DCP) and Let Us Learn Too - a campaign by parents and carers of disabled children - to give MPs the chance to meet young people with SEND and their families, to hear their concerns.
Anna Bird, chair of the DCP, said: 'MPs told us this was the most engaging session they'd had all year. It was brilliant to hear children and young people tell them their concerns over their schools, education and SEND reform, and for MPs and ministers to really listen.'
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle spoke to Hayley Harding, Matthew Harding's mum and organiser of Let Us Learn Too. She said: 'He clearly cared about the children's needs and why the right support is so vital for them.
'Getting people in front of the children who will live the effects of decisions being made is so important, as it's these children who will live the consequences. We really hope they remember them when any plans are officially announced.'
While Matthew, 10, said: 'It was good. I liked talking to people.'
Meanwhile, Katie Nellist summed things up, saying: 'The MPs were listening and engaged. This is an issue that is not going to go away and young people won't let it go either.
'The Government hasn't been engaging with us, now I want to make sure the young person's voice keeps being heard because it's our future.'
'My daughter wouldn't be able to get an education without her EHCP'
Hope Foley, five, lives in Essex with sister Poppy, dad Reiss and mum Holly. Born premature at 27, she had a severe Grade 4 bleed on the brain and has a number of significant physical and medical needs including cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. She also has post haemorrhagic hydrocephalus - fluid on the brain - and epilepsy. She attends mainstream school and has an EHCP.
Her mum Holly says: 'The harsh reality is Hope would not be able to attend school and get an education without this support in place.'
Katie Nellist, 18, lives in Oxfordshire with sister Amy, dad Pete and mum Ruth. Katie was diagnosed autistic aged 11 and has PTSD, associated with education.
She believes she was failed by the SEND system and had virtually no secondary school education - finally getting an EHCP in year 8 and applying for a place in a specialist school, but none were available. She eventually got an ETOAS (Education Other Than At School) and she is now training to work with horses.
An avid campaigner for SEND rights, she was one of six young people who gave evidence in person to the Education Select Committee inquiry 'Solving the SEND Crisis' in March 2025
Arsenal and cricket loving Matthew Harding, 10, lives in Surrey with brother Connor, eight, mum Hayley and dad Ben. Matthew is autistic and has ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia. His special needs were identified early as he needed physiotherapy in order to walk.
After a long fight - his case was even mentioned at Prime Minister's Questions - he was finally given a place at an ASD base attached to a mainstream school where he has thrived. His parents are certain that his EHCP is essential.
Audrey Baynton-Williams, 11, lives in Hove with brother Rex, mum Vicky and dad Ted. Audrey has Down's syndrome and is about to transition from a mainstream primary school to a mainstream secondary. Audrey's mum Vicky, 46, works part-time for a local charity (Amaze) that helps families with children with special educational needs and disabilities. She says: 'Audrey's EHCP has been crucial in allowing her to learn in a mainstream setting. Audrey loves school and being a part of the class.'
Young carer Rosie Harris, 16, from Sutton, has two brothers with disabilities. William, now 21, has cerebral palsy and autism with complex epilepsy as a child. James, 13, has retinal dystrophy, resulting in a significant visual impairment. Rosie's cousin, Jack, four, is non-verbal autistic.
Rosie, who wants to study law, says: 'Over the past 10 years I have witnessed the impact of the reduction of support for SEND children. I intend to study law to enable me to advocate for children that the current and previous governments are failing.''
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