Written evidence from Mrs Kathryn Croton (CFA0003)

HOUSE OF LORDS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ACT 2014 SELECT COMMITTEE INQURY

I am a parent of a SEND adult in Suffolk.

The main problem with the C&FA is that there is not enough accountability.

Schools and LA’s do not adhere to the law.

The complaints procedures for schools do not solve problems. Schools do not support SEND as they legally should, EHCP’s are regularly ignored. Complaints can take months to resolve if ever.

Local authorities ignore the law with no consequences, yes, parents can take to tribunal but you will see by the figures that most parents win and it takes months and months to resolve. Even after tribunal orders in parents favour many LAs ignore the orders.

After months through LAs complaint’s procedures, you have to option to go to the LGSCO, they are overwhelmed and often make judgements that are not legally correct.

The only way to force LAs to comply is to threaten of Judicial Review which takes months and an awful lot of money, which most parents don’t have.

All the above issues lead to Children and young people being excluded because their needs are not met and life chances removed.

March 2022