Eleven-year-old schoolboy in Wales left without formal education due to lack of support services
An 11-year-old child in Wales has been left without formal education for over 18 months due to the absence of necessary support services, leading to significant distress for his family, according to the Children’s Commissioner. Rocio Cifuentes, the Children’s Commissioner, highlighted this case as emblematic of a larger issue affecting many children with additional learning needs (ALN) across Wales. She emphasised that the situation was not isolated, with a concerning number of children not receiving the education they require.
The Children’s Commissioner pointed out that children with ALN are frequently placed on severely reduced timetables, creating challenges for their parents. Many families are compelled to seek private diagnoses due to assessment delays and encounter various other obstacles in accessing the support their children need. The commissioner stressed the need for further investigation into the use of reduced timetables in schools, including the reasons behind such decisions and the impact on children’s educational development.
Ms Cifuentes shared accounts from parents who described the arduous process of advocating for their children with ALN. One parent expressed the struggles faced, mentioning the emotional toll of collecting evidence for their child’s special school placement during the holidays. The Children’s Commissioner acknowledged the distressing circumstances experienced by another family who sought appropriate education and healthcare support for their 11-year-old son.
The local authority’s refusal to acknowledge a private assessment worsened the situation, leaving the child without crucial support services, according to Ms Cifuentes. She highlighted the need for comprehensive assessments and prompt provision of necessary services to prevent similar cases. The Children’s Commissioner expressed concerns about the barriers hindering children with ALN from accessing vital support in education and health, advocating for clearer guidance and efficient processes to address these challenges.
Amid these issues, the Welsh Government’s allocation of £20 million for ALN provision in schools was welcomed by the commissioner. However, she noted that the review to enhance the legislative framework and accessibility of support services was scheduled to commence in the summer of 2025, underlining the urgent need for reforms. Ms Cifuentes stressed the importance of streamlining processes, such as assessments and Individual Development Plans, to ensure children with ALN receive timely and appropriate support.
In conclusion, the Children’s Commissioner highlighted the necessity for a collaborative effort to eliminate barriers to support services for children with ALN. With a significant number of cases concerning inadequate access to provision for children with additional needs, she underscored the importance of improving communication among local authorities, schools, and families. The call for a comprehensive review and swift action to enhance support systems for children with ALN remains a crucial aspect of addressing these challenges in Wales.