Gillian Doherty
@gilliandoherty.bsky.social
đ¤ 171
đĽ 144
đ 36
Writer/editor/researcher, disability rights campaigner. Views all my own.
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
about 1 month ago
After the disgraceful news that the Government has "already decided" on its plans for curbing the role of the SEND Tribunal, our co-Director, Gill Doherty, has this to sayâdon't miss this, it's important. Sign up for our legal roundtable webinar:
linkthread.eu/specialneeds...
youtu.be/y-xUrm2kKX8
loading . . .
The Government has "already decided" on its plans for curbing the role of the SEND Tribunal
YouTube video by Special Needs Jungle
https://youtu.be/y-xUrm2kKX8
1
5
5
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
2 months ago
IPSEA echoes our own concerns about the SEND proposalsâweâre astonished that some other disabled childrenâs charities seem to think loss of rights is just dandy⌠SEND reforms must strengthen legal rights, not weaken them -
schoolsweek.co.uk/send-refor...
loading . . .
SEND reforms must strengthen legal rights, not weaken them
Ministers themselves acknowledge that families have endured too much for too long on SEND. That is precisely why legal safeguards matter
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/send-reforms-must-strengthen-legal-foundations-not-weaken-them/
0
5
2
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
2 months ago
On SNJ Today: A close look at the Government's proposed âSpecialist Provision Packagesâ reveals they're a Trojan horse, reducing the #EHCP rights of children with SEND. And we're not completely sure they realise it...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
0
4
7
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
2 months ago
On SNJ Today: The Schools White Paper's #SEND consultation is being legally challenged by a parent carer, who claims the plans are an âirrational & unfairâ fundamental change significantly weakening children's legal rights. @catrionamoore.bsky.social explains:
www.specialneedsjungle.com/l...
0
4
4
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
2 months ago
On SNJ Today: We have some advice for answering the 39-step Schools White Paper SEND consultation from @captaink77.bsky.social and @tanialt.bsky.social. They'll use AIâshould you? If you need additional help, do let us know.
www.specialneedsjungle.com/3...
1
3
4
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
2 months ago
NEW POST: When âEasy Readâ isnât easy: @sharonlsmith.bsky.social asks why a consultation impacting disabled children and young people is set up to risk excluding themâŚ
www.specialneedsjungle.com/e...
0
2
5
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
2 months ago
SNJ's @renatawatts.bsky.social explains the government's proposed Specialist Provision Packages and how and where they fall apartâand who misses out. Find our article on this here:
www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
loading . . .
0
2
3
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
2 months ago
More leaks- and we'd rather not comment but we know others will and we want to ensure parents do not panic or worry unnecessarily. Weâll be analysing the White Paper when it's out so stay tuned.
#SEND
#EHCP
#SaveOurChildrensRights
loading . . .
0
8
3
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Schools Week
3 months ago
With a white paper expected within weeks, leaks to national newspapers offer only a piecemeal glimpse at what might happen with SEND reform. But in the background, local officials have been quietly instructed to start the wheels in motion now for a reformed systemâŚ
schoolsweek.co.uk/revealed-dfe...
loading . . .
DfE quietly orders councils to begin SEND reforms locally
Whitehall tells councils not to wait for the white paper or further info on deficits to get started
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/revealed-dfes-orders-to-councils-as-send-reforms-quietly-begin/
1
1
6
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
John Harris
3 months ago
If drastically restricting EHCPs was always a cornerstone of the govt's SEND plans, why didn't it make the case in all the "listening" events and long months of putting up kites & briefing? If/when this move is in the white paper, it'll all look risibly cynical
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
loading . . .
Ministers on lobbying blitz to avoid Labour rebellion over Send changes
Government has âlearned lessonâ of botched welfare overhauls but MPs say they will not back cost-saving measures
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/01/ministers-lobbying-blitz-avoid-labour-rebellion-send-changes
3
25
11
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Ian Birrell
3 months ago
Is this really why Labour MPs think they were elected: to strip some of the most vulnerable children in the country of their right to a decent start in life? My
@theipaper.com
column on looming SEND reforms
inews.co.uk/opinion/pare...
loading . . .
Parents of SEND children should fear what Starmer is planning
This Government seems intent on shredding the rights of the vulnerable
https://inews.co.uk/opinion/parents-send-children-fear-what-starmer-is-planning-4190392
3
33
22
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Catriona Moore
3 months ago
"A Labour Government headed by a human rights lawyer wants to protect councils that fail to meet their legal responsibilities to some of the nationâs most vulnerable young people. It wants to do so by ending the statutory right of parents to challenge wrongful decisions made by faceless officials."
add a skeleton here at some point
1
28
23
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
John Harris
3 months ago
Would be quite the move for such a fragile govt to try to take away the rights of some of the most put-upon, stonewalled (and very driven & tenacious) people in the country
liveapp.inews.co.uk/category/419...
loading . . .
Parents of SEND children face being blocked from EHCP appeals
Ministers are seeking to curb the sharp rise in tribunal challenges â where parents win 99 per cent of cases
https://liveapp.inews.co.uk/category/4196845/content.html
1
21
8
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
John Harris
3 months ago
Even in the most optimistic reading, it will take long years to begin to turn everyday SEND provision around. It's a 15 year story of decay, at least. In the meantime, rights & redress are all hundreds of thousands of families have. If they are taken away on promises, people will fight. Ends.
1
3
1
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
John Harris
3 months ago
Latest from me, and one of the most important pieces on Special Needs I've written so far: "In fifteen years of political journalism, I donât think I have seen anything quite like this: a mad game of briefing, counter-briefing and official stonewalling."
maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/why-the-po...
loading . . .
Why the politics of media leaks, briefings and "sources" is only spreading dread and fear
The painfully long story of the government's SEND reforms has pushed exactly those buttons, among people already used to a level of anxiety that may soon get even worse
https://maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/why-the-politics-of-media-leaks-briefings
2
62
41
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
John Harris
3 months ago
Massively important news: the biggest teaching union backs Save Our Children's Rights
add a skeleton here at some point
0
20
7
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
4 months ago
#SaveOurChildrensRights campaign urges Starmer not to diminish legal rights of SEND childrenâ weâre joining our SOCR colleagues at 1pm today at Downing Street to hand in the petition that you made such a massive change by signing. -
www.theguardian.com/educatio...
loading . . .
New campaign urges Starmer not to diminish legal rights of Send children
Backed by actor Sally Phillips and MPs across parties, group raises concerns about overhaul of provision in England
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/jan/12/new-campaign-urges-starmer-not-to-diminish-legal-rights-of-send-children
0
21
15
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
4 months ago
SEND law is good law. IPSEA solicitors explain why, in simple terms for those finding it hard to understandâand why diluting it will harm children. #SaveOurChildrensRights
www.tes.com/magazine/analysi...
0
1
2
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
4 months ago
On SNJ Today: Why we're just getting started on our campaign to #SaveOurChildrensRights. Here's what happened when campaigners, cross-party MPs, and (Larry the Cat), handed in our 133k-signature petition that changed the debate. Find out how to join us
www.specialneedsjungle.com/c...
0
4
3
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
4 months ago
Our campaign group, #SaveOurChildrensRights is leading this fight and weâre ready- if the government want another benefits fiasco, bring it on. Weâre strong, determined SEND parents and aLLM are welcome. Are you with us? Article:
archive.is/ARzQU
Socr.org.uk
0
16
12
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
6 months ago
On SNJ Today: Delaying SEND changes is rightâas long as it's not JUST a delay. And why do the DfE letter & a new report from @ippr.org both use "most complex needs" to describe children who should be in special schools? What does the term even mean?
www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
0
2
2
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
6 months ago
NEW POST: Independent public accountability initiative, Measure What Matters writes an excoriating, evidence-backed article that the law on #SEND isnât failing, itâs been systematically undermined from within. Please consider sharing with your MP:
www.specialneedsjungle.com/l...
0
2
4
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
7 months ago
The petition to protect the rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities closes TOMORROW. Please sign and share as widely as possible. Children with their own email address can sign.
www.saveourchildrensrights.o...
www.facebook.com/share/v/1Fe...
loading . . .
3,3 d. weergaven ¡ 55 reacties | The Education Secretary, Bridget...
The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, speaking on BBC Newsnight yesterday, still wouldnât commit to keeping the legal rights that children and young people with SEND rely on. The âchangeâ...
https://www.facebook.com/saveourchildrensrights/videos/the-education-secretary-bridget-phillipson-speaking-on-bbc-newsnight-yesterday-s/1121004923344225/?mibextid=wwXIfr&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fv%2F1FeF3zVzY7%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr&rdid=KjELQ2JWXqhDxXh8
0
4
5
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Matt Keer
8 months ago
They're toast. Official line will still be 'no decisions made', but next step will be a DfE tendering notice for Ghanian dancing pallbearers, a 10-foot floral arrangement that they'll spell "ECHP", and a post-event posting contract with Wayne Rooney
add a skeleton here at some point
0
2
3
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
9 months ago
NEW POST: The Department for Education's URGENT survey for data on its new obsession: Mainstream SEND units. All good, or is there a danger of shunting children into generic provision? We give you our views, then please give the DfE yours
www.specialneedsjungle.com/g...
1
6
5
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
10 months ago
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...
3
9
13
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
10 months ago
"We won't be removing any existing effective support" says SEND & Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell to the Education select committee. Well, that's not reassuring at all when it comes to removing rights
parliamentlive.tv/event/inde...
loading . . .
Parliamentlive.tv
Education Committee
https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/3b163ecd-dffe-41e6-8f09-2ace409030ce
1
5
7
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Down's Syndrome Association
11 months ago
EHC plans can be the difference between a child who has Down's syndrome thriving in school and being unable to attend at all. We support the DCP campaign that is calling on Ministers and policymakers to retain EHCPs. Please check out the letter:
https://loom.ly/MjKKPw0
âŞ@dcpcampaign.bsky.socialâŹ
0
1
1
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
11 months ago
On SNJ Today: SNJ's @captaink77.bsky.social has delved deep into obscure statistics to uncover a curious conundrum: Despite the DfE wanting more mainstream âspecialâ provision, resource bases and units vanish almost as often as they're created...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/v...
0
3
5
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
John Harris
11 months ago
I wrote this. I kind of had to.
maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/is-the-gov...
loading . . .
Is the government going to take away the rights of children with Special Needs?
It is beginning to look like it.
https://maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/is-the-government-going-to-take-away
3
42
24
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Matt Keer
11 months ago
Itâs overwhelmingly mothers who fight these SEND battles, who leave their jobs, who have their lives turned upside down, & who keep on fighting for others I wonder if the No10 strategy and comms bros whoâll sign this off have clocked this
add a skeleton here at some point
4
31
25
Over 64,000 signatures. Please sign and share to protect the rights of disabled children.
add a skeleton here at some point
11 months ago
0
2
1
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Together Trust charity
11 months ago
đ¨Children with SEND deserve support, not cuts to their rights. The Children and Families Act 2014 is vital. Let's protect it â and them. Sign the petition and help
@spcialndsjungle.bsky.social
reach 100k signatures for a parliamentary debate.
#SEND
add a skeleton here at some point
0
1
2
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
12 months ago
50,000 signatures! Halfway to the 100k we need for a parliamentary debate! Have you added your name and shared with schools, colleagues, family and friends? Get Grandma to sign! Act now! Sign and Share the Parliamentary Petition to PROTECT SEND RIGHTS!
www.specialneedsjungle.com/a...
loading . . .
Act now! Sign and Share the Parliamentary Petition to PROTECT SEND RIGHTS! - Special Needs Jungle
Our petition to protect SEND rights has taken off but we need 100,000 signatures so it gets debated in parliament! Please SIGN and SHARE
https://www.specialneedsjungle.com/act-now-sign-share-parliamentary-petition-protect-send-rights/
0
2
8
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
12 months ago
NEW POST: @rachel.stopsafetyvalve.uk writes about why the petition to protect SEND rights needs 100,000 signaturesâand though it's well on the way, read about why signing is vitalâand if you havenât already, please SIGN and SHARE this post and petition!
www.specialneedsjungle.com/a...
0
4
5
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
12 months ago
The government is considering removing EHCPs for pupils with SEND in mainstream schools. SNJ team member Rachel Filmer has started a petition to call for the protection of disabled childrenâs rights.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
loading . . .
Petition: Retain legal right to assessment and support in education for children with SEND
Support in education is a vital legal right of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We ask the government to commit to maintaining the existing law, so that vulnerable chil...
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/711021
1
10
16
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
The UK government is considering removing education, health and care plans for disabled children in mainstream schools. This would affect 252,000 disabled children, including my son Jack who has Down syndrome. Please sign and share this petition.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
loading . . .
Petition: Retain legal right to assessment and support in education for children with SEND
Support in education is a vital legal right of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We ask the government to commit to maintaining the existing law, so that vulnerable chil...
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/711021?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKVt9JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjGMGkcROt5Mk0oV5L1sgproAz0AhLNg2uZwY81zOkVNRNhu1nrNQXP9EGw__aem_8JEKiYEYyCFqAXOYqc4BvA
12 months ago
0
1
2
The UK government is considering removing education, health and care plans for disabled children in mainstream schools. This would affect 252,000 disabled children, including my son Jack who has Down syndrome. Please sign and share this petition.
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
loading . . .
Petition: Retain legal right to assessment and support in education for children with SEND
Support in education is a vital legal right of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We ask the government to commit to maintaining the existing law, so that vulnerable chil...
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/711021?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKVt9JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjGMGkcROt5Mk0oV5L1sgproAz0AhLNg2uZwY81zOkVNRNhu1nrNQXP9EGw__aem_8JEKiYEYyCFqAXOYqc4BvA
12 months ago
0
1
2
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Matt Keer
12 months ago
If there is any truth to the recent âstatutory SEND plans will only be for special school pupilsâ kite-flying exercise, then itâs nailed on that thereâd also be a fettering of tribunal appeal rights
0
6
6
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Simon Knight
12 months ago
If there is disquiet in Gov about expansion of Special schools & the tension with the need for a more inclusive mainstream system, then I would want some urgent action to protect Special schools from forced overcrowding. We are overwhelmed by consultation for placement & the law is not our friend.
loading . . .
DfE savages Conservatives' SEND improvement plan
Conservative governmentâs SEND improvement plan 'did not go far enough'
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/three-years-in-the-making-but-labour-savages-send-improvement-plan/
9
12
7
Destroying disabled childrenâs rights isnât bold and brave. Itâs the exact opposite. Desperately worried about this.
add a skeleton here at some point
12 months ago
0
2
2
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
12 months ago
On SNJ Today: Understanding the history of disabled children's education and the work of the #disability movement is vital to understand why #inclusion is important, says Dr Richard Rieser OBE. Vital for educators and families alike.
www.specialneedsjungle.com/d...
0
7
2
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
12 months ago
NEW POST: Where is the accountability in #SEND? Catriona Moore watched the latest SEND Inquiry hearings on accountability, including her IPSEA legal colleague, who emphasised that compliance shouldnât be optional for LAs and health services
www.specialneedsjungle.com/a...
0
5
7
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
12 months ago
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...
#Disability
#inclusion
0
7
7
Musing on this. If it isnât costed then surely itâs an idea, not a plan? Imagine trying this with your boss or bank and the response youâd get.
#SEND
add a skeleton here at some point
12 months ago
0
1
0
Love this:
add a skeleton here at some point
about 1 year ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Special Needs Jungle
about 1 year ago
âScores of English councils could go bankrupt when hidden SEND debt reappearsâ - 2 stories in one paper on SEND deficitsâlots of briefing by LAs going on, though some figures are wrong, SNJ's Matt says. Tania quoted in one
www.theguardian.com/educatio...
www.theguardian.com/educatio...
loading . . .
Scores of English councils could go bankrupt when hidden Send debt reappears
Deficits of ÂŁ5.2bn have been put aside for seven years in accounting fix that ends on 31 March 2026
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/30/english-councils-send-debt-analysis
1
6
7
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Matt Keer
about 1 year ago
The DfE's ÂŁ740m SEND capital grant for 2025-26 was first announced back in December. It's trailed as a mainstream-focused SEND investment But it isn't. As with previous grants, LAs are free to use it to build or improve either in mainstream or special - and this time, post-16 too. Is there a plan?
add a skeleton here at some point
1
5
4
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Matt Keer
about 1 year ago
It looks like council Dedicated Schools Grant deficits for this year (2024-25) are coming in much worse than the Department for Education expected DfE's estimate for in-year deficit (per October 2024 NAO report) - ÂŁ1.1bn Likely in-year deficit (Q3 LA out-turn forecasts) - ÂŁ1.8bn
1
15
8
reposted by
Gillian Doherty
Matt Keer
about 1 year ago
As the Spring Statement beckons, no obvious sign of the Treasury, DfE and MHCLG hammering out a deal on what to do about this Until they do, expect more briefings about SEND's 'existential' financial risk to councils - but bear in mind that real kids bear genuine existential risk here
1
10
6
Load more
feeds!
log in