Why September 15th Matters: Defending SEND Rights Together

Summary

All you need to know about the SEND debate happening on September 15th, and what this means for SEND families and the future of education.

Monday the 15th of September will be a landmark day for families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Thanks to over 122,000 petition signatures calling for SEND rights to be safeguarded, MPs will gather in Parliament to debate SEND legal protections. A debate that could shape the future of education and support for SEND children.

Alongside the debate, SEND families, campaigners, and allies will gather in Parliament Square at 11:30am for a rally organised by the Disabled Children’s Partnership, SEND Sanctuary, and LetusLearnToo. It will be a visible, powerful reminder to the government that children’s rights cannot be diminished.

For many SEND families, this debate feels deeply personal. The uncertainty around Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the delays in government policy have left parents feeling exhausted. Too often, parents become full-time advocates just to secure the basics and hold services together. That’s why this Day of Action matters.

It is not only a chance to remind Parliament of the law, but also to put faces, names, and stories behind the statistics. The debate comes at a critical moment, as several major bills and policy reviews threaten to reduce the landscape of support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. When SEND parents rally in Parliament Square, they are standing for every family who has had to battle the system just to get their child the education they are entitled to.

Why does this matter?

At SEND Tutoring, we see the impact of these challenges every day. Families come to us after months, sometimes years, of fighting for the right support. Parents are drained from endless meetings and appeals. Children, meanwhile, are left waiting…

Waiting for the specialist help they need to thrive at school and beyond. 

Our role at SEND Tutoring is not only to provide personalised, specialist teaching, but also to give families breathing space: reassurance that their child’s needs are seen, understood, and supported. Whether a child has an EHCP or not, we work to bridge the gaps left by overstretched systems. 

We believe every child deserves an education that meets their needs. 

How YOU can get involved

If you’re a parent, carer, or ally, there are simple ways to show your support:

• Join the rally in Parliament Square on Monday 15th of September at 11:30am.
• Write to your MP, urging them to attend the debate and speak up for SEND rights. Find template letters here on the IPSEA website.
• Share stories on social media using the hashtag #SaveOurChildrensRights – Your personal experiences make the strongest case for authenticity and what happens in real life. 
• Keep the conversation going: talk about SEND rights with friends, colleagues, and communities who may not realise what’s at stake.
• Stay up to date with SEND news: check out the links to key developments below!

Key developments

• The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill 

This bill already proposes wide-reaching changes to the education system, with potential knock-on effects for children with SEND.

• The Schools White Paper  

Delayed several times, this paper is expected to set out the government’s long-term vision for education, including reforms to SEND provision. Leaks and speculation have raised fears that Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) could be watered down or scrapped. 

• The Education Select Committee SEND Inquiry 

Ongoing investigations into the failures of the SEND system could shape parliamentary recommendations. The Law Commission’s review of children’s social care could change how services for vulnerable families are structured and delivered. 

• Revised Ofsted framework 

Changes in inspection criteria may also affect how SEND provision in schools is judged.

• PIP & Access To Work Cuts

There have already been far reaching consequences of slashing PIP and Access to Work that many people rely on to do a day’s work.

Looking ahead

The September 15th debate is part of the ongoing conversation of SEND provision that will affect SEND support for the foreseeable future. From the White Paper to social care reform, each decision taken in Westminster will ripple into classrooms, families, and futures across the country. 

As campaigners gather in Parliament Square, their message is clear: SEND rights must be protected. 

At SEND Tutoring we remain dedicated to providing the support children need today, while joining the call to protect their rights for tomorrow.

Looking for learning support for ADHD, dyslexia, autism, PDA? Find a Tutor near you!

We provide tailored learning support for children with a wide range of needs, including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, epilepsy, OCD, ODD, PDA, and other complex learning difficulties. Our specialist tutors understand the challenges of ADHD in the classroom, autism and education, and dyslexia support in schools, offering one-to-one and online tutoring programs designed to build confidence and progress. Whether you’re looking for an ADHD math tutor, a private dyslexia tutor, autism home tuition, or learning support for communication difficulties, our tutors specialise in creating flexible, personalised strategies that work for each child.

Find out how we can help students with epilepsy, dyscalculia, cerebral palsy, OCD, ODD, high ability, and more on our website. 

Check out our resources page for more blogs and useful links!

Find us on socials:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Ella Jones

If you’re looking for support for a child or young person with special educational needs or a disability, book a free call with us today and find out how we can help.