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APPG Spotlight on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) – whether living with their parents, with family and friends, or in the care system – are being let down by a system in crisis. Despite increased funding, outcomes remain poor, and families often face costly legal battles to secure support. Kinship families, who are more likely to care for children with additional needs, face unique challenges that are still not well understood.
As the Government prepares its upcoming white paper on SEND reform, the APPG is working to ensure kinship families’ voices are heard. The Group is holding two spotlight sessions to gather evidence from kinship carers and organisations working to support families.
Session 1 July 2025
On 8th July 2025, the first APPG spotlight session heard the perspectives and experiences of three kinship carers from different parts of England.
Session 2 September 2025
On Wednesday 10th September, the APPG will hold a second spotlight session, with evidence from organisations working with families.
Speakers:
- Dr Lucy Peake – Chief Executive of Kinship
- Anna Bird – Chief Executive of Contact and Chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership
- Johanna Bernard – Co-director of Families in Harmony
- Kate Cox – a member of the legal team at the Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA)
- Brian Roberts – Director of Education & Well-being at The National Organisation for FASD
Publications
For further information, contact Jordan Hall, Head of Public Affairs at Family Rights Group: jhall@frg.org.uk.
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