A mother has spoken out about the devastating impact of education funding cuts, revealing that her disabled son may soon be unable to attend school due to a lack of resources.
The Human Cost of Budget Cuts
Sarah Thompson, from Manchester, explained how her 8-year-old son Oliver, who has cerebral palsy and requires specialist support, is being failed by the system. "We're being told there simply isn't enough money to provide the care he needs," she said, fighting back tears.
A System in Crisis
The case highlights growing concerns about:
- Chronic underfunding of special educational needs (SEN) provisions
- Increasing numbers of children being excluded from mainstream education
- The emotional toll on families fighting for basic rights
Local authorities across the UK are reporting unprecedented pressure on SEN budgets, with many being forced to make impossible choices about which children receive support.
When Inclusion Becomes Exclusion
Oliver's school, which had previously accommodated his needs, recently informed Sarah they could no longer provide the necessary one-to-one support. "They've been wonderful, but they're being strangled by budget cuts," Sarah explained.
The family now faces the prospect of either:
- Keeping Oliver in school without adequate support
- Finding a specialist school place (with current waiting lists exceeding 18 months)
- Home-schooling, despite Sarah being a single working parent
Education experts warn this situation is becoming increasingly common, with over 8,000 children with special needs currently without school places nationally.
A Call for Action
Campaign groups are demanding immediate government intervention, with protests planned outside Parliament next month. "This isn't just about funding," said one activist. "It's about whether we value disabled children as equal members of society."
The Department for Education has acknowledged the challenges but maintains that record funding is being allocated to SEN provision. Parents like Sarah remain unconvinced. "Promises don't put my son in school," she said. "We need action now."
