Sharon L. Smith

image shows the inquiry cover plus three of the post graphics (graphics have alt text in post

NEW POST: In the 2nd SNJ article on the Education Committee's behemoth #SEND Inquiry report, we examine proposals to force the NHS to pay up, plus fixing #EarlyYears and #Post16 #education By @rachel.stopsafetyvalve.uk @sharonlsmith.bsky.social @tanialt.bsky.social www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...

image shows a map of Onrario in red, with a screenshot of the Ontario system document cover and an ontarian flag

NEW POST: The Ontario system: As Ministers search for new ways to "fix" SEND, they're looking overseas. @captaink77.bsky.social & @sharonlsmith.bsky.social ask, are they considering a Canadian province’s #SEND structure for England? www.specialneedsjungle.com/o...

Threats and place ‘caps’: Councils reveal admission woes Watchdog report shows widespread clashes between councils and academy trusts as Labour plans admission reforms

In their latest attack on EHCPS, LAs say schools are fighting attempts to place SEND children, some claiming an EHCP is an easy way to say they cannot meet needs. No EHCP=you’d never know why they refused, or they’ll exclude later #SaveOurChildrensRights schoolsweek.co.uk/enforcemen...

Labour must keep EHCPs in Send system, says education committee chair Helen Hayes says commitment would help rebuild trust among parents in England worried about children’s future

www.theguardian.com/education/20...

Thank you @helenhayes.bsky.social

This Labour party is, for anyone who hadn't spotted it yet, exactly the same as the damn Tories were.

SEND reform and legal rights The 'parents of disabled children' club was one I didn't want to join, and yet was shattered to leave with the death of my daughter in February. Re-engaging with these issues at this time, I find extremely difficult.

www.lawgazette.co.uk/features/sen...

The right to an education, health and care plan must be retained | Letters Letter: Jane Asher, Carrie Grant, Chris Packham, Anna Bird, Fazilet Hadi, Sally Phillips, Jon Sparkes and 100 others call on the government not to remove the right to an EHCP from children attending m...

The right to an education, health and care plan must be retained

Jane Asher, Carrie Grant, Chris Packham, Anna Bird, Fazilet Hadi, Sally Phillips, Jon Sparkes and 100 others call on gov not to remove the right to an EHCP from kids attending mainstream schools

www.theguardian.com/education/20...

An easy read version of the Save Our Children's Rights campaign, fighting Labour's plans that threaten basic educational rights:

'Children with SEND might lose their right to important help at school called an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).'

static.filmer.tech/sites/saveou...

Minister won’t rule out support cuts for children with EHCPs amid Send overhaul – UK politics live – UK politics live Stephen Morgan, the early education minister, would not confirm every child who has an EHCP would continue to keep the same provisions Here is the letter to the Guardian, signed by dozens of special needs and disability charities and campaigners, that is covered in our splash story about opposition to proposals to restrict access to education, health and care plans (EHCPs). (See 9.34am.) Here is John Harris’s column on the topic. Continue reading...

Minister won’t rule out support cuts for children with EHCPs amid Send overhaul – UK politics live – UK politics live

After disability benefits, is Labour really about to target the educational rights of special needs children? | John Harris Noise has been building about restricting help for kids who badly need it. As a special needs parent, I can tell you: it’s terrifying, says Guardian columnist John Harris

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

After disability benefits, is Labour really about to target the educational rights of special needs children? | John Harris Noise has been building about restricting help for kids who badly need it. As a special needs parent, I can tell you: it’s terrifying, says Guardian columnist John Harris

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Government faces battle over Send overhaul as campaigners voice fears MPs and parents worry shake-up may abolish vital education, health and care plans that SEN children rely on

Big news: Guardian story and multi-signatory letter about fears about how the govt will follow the disability benefits fiasco: with drastic moves on the educational rights of children & young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities 1/2 www.theguardian.com/education/20...

Really proud of @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social team and our partners Take action #SaveOurChildrensRights @renatawatts.bsky.social @sharonlsmith.bsky.social @gilliandoherty.bsky.social @catrionamoore.bsky.social @johnharris1969.bsky.social @learningdisability.bsky.social it's in @theguardian.com now

Proud to be part of this campaign…

I am incredibly concerned about the suggestion EHCPs will only be for those in specialist provision - a retrograde step for inclusion!

image shows the logos of the organising members as written in the post

NEW POST: Join our joint campaign to #SaveOurChildrensRights. We've launched in @theguardian.com with a letter cosigned by 100 SEND charities & groups, academics, disability campaigners & celebrities, incl Chris Packham and Christine McGuinness www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...

People who have Down’s syndrome are more likely to have difficulties with their eyesight – up to half will need to wear glasses.

Please watch this informative video on eye care and check out our webpage for more information on this topic for people who have Down's syndrome: bit.ly/45pZp37

image shows a coffin money box with skeleton hand coming out to grab money from 1970s

On SNJ Today: Will Bridget Phillipson listen when #SEND parents tell her not to touch legal entitlements—and not just for #disabled children’s “current” rights? And why don't LA proxies want to listen to what parents are actually saying? www.specialneedsjungle.com/e... #Disability

Image shows a screenshot of Rachel Reeves and Kier Starmer in the Commons in black and white

NEW POST: After the excitement of hitting 100K signatures, today we examine Spending Review education cash. It was revealed SEND plans will now come in a wider Schools White Paper this autumn. @tanialt.bsky.social and @captaink77.bsky.social share some thoughts www.specialneedsjungle.com/p...

We reached 100k last night - and the numbers continue to grow this morning. Shows the level of concern about potential SEND reforms. Do show your support if you have not already...

Young girl who has Down's syndrome is seen participating in sports day events.

The Department for Education recently announced a new investment to support improved access to Physical Education and sport for over 240,000 pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

The DSA welcomes the recognition of this.

To read more, please click here: https://loom.ly/F9evBvc

image shows a colourised boy with floppy blonde hair leaning against a wall with threatening blurred figures in the background

NEW POST: What kind of government is “bold” enough to scrap statutory #EHCPs from vulnerable children? We look at some controversial remarks and what they may mean for families of disabled children www.specialneedsjungle.com/w...

Poster of our Regression Webinar event with girl pictured.

Regression in Down’s Syndrome Webinar

Thursday 19 June 2025 | 10.45am – 12noon | FREE

In this webinar we will talk about what we know so far regarding regression.

If this is something you would like to join, please head to our website to register: bit.ly/438lMZr

Children at school in a circle with teacher reading to them.

The Down's Syndrome Association is incredibly concerned to read in this Schools Week article that cites Dame Christine Lenehan that discussions are ongoing about whether EHCPs should only apply to special school pupils.

Please read more on our website: bit.ly/433Giuc

Sounds sensible - taking time to work out options. Fingers crossed for the Wetherspoons job x

What are they doing now? T is going to start a supported internship in Sept. Hoping it works out ok

a group of children, one with Down syndrome superimposed over a lime green background and signs saying inclusion, equity belonging and diversity.

NEW POST: In this important article, inclusion expert Dr Richard Rieser OBE explains how learning from #Disability history can help create policies where inclusive education can become a reality www.specialneedsjungle.com/d... #inclusion

Ain’t that the truth!

Glad it’s been sorted.

We have just received what will hopefully be T’s last draft EHCP post her annual review in Feb. I will not miss this…

I wasn’t aware of the case but see Matt has come to the rescue. Are you having issues?

Background image shows two people working at paperwork at a desk, with a laptop to hand. Text reads, Pathways to work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper. Join us online to hear about the government’s proposals and find out how you can have your say on them. The image also shows the DSA logo.

Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper
Wednesday 16 April 2025 | 6.30 – 8pm
Join us online to hear about the government’s proposals and find out how you can have your say on them.
Register here: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/ser...

Reflecting on progress, envisioning the future for research in Down syndrome Individuals with Down syndrome are at risk for several neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions that cause cognitive, behavioural, and functional decline across the lifespan.1 Two condition...

Reflecting on progress, envisioning the future for research in Down syndrome - The Lancet www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...