Equal Endeavours SEND Consultancy

Please do share if local to Lichfield/Tamworth/Rugeley area- I am keen to share this opportunity with as many families as possible 🖤

They want action from Staffordshire County Council

Petition: Commission independent inquiry into delays in SEND education provision Many children with SEND are being failed. Some families can wait months or even years for support, leaving children without the education they are legally entitled to and causing long-term harm.

Final call for families of children with SEND in the early years.

Our Family Survey closes on 29 December 2025, and your experience matters. The findings will be taken directly to a government roundtable in January to help influence change. Take part in our short, anonymous survey here: http://bit.ly/DingleyFamilySurvey

Here’s what we’ve been up to this week … working with Reach Rehab Physiotherapy

So… What Happens When ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ Aren’t So Reasonable?

I’ve talked before about what reasonable adjustments are and why they matter so much. But let’s get honest: what happens when a school or setting doesn’t get it right?

Because sometimes they don’t.

Sometimes a child’s jumper causes huge distress because of the fabric — but the uniform policy won’t budge. Sometimes a pupil needs to come into school and go straight to a quiet area to settle — but staff say it’s not possible. Sometimes using an adaptive chopping tool in food tech would make the lesson accessible — but the school won’t order it, saying it’s “unfair” or “too much hassle.”

So let’s be clear: yes, these are reasonable adjustments.

• Sensory-friendly uniform alternatives? Reasonable.

• Access to a calm space on arrival? Reasonable.

• Adaptive tools for lessons? Reasonable.

They’re reasonable because they remove barriers that would otherwise stop a child from fully accessing their education. And they’re reasonable because, legally and morally, schools have a duty to think creatively and proportionately about what can be done — not just what’s easiest to say “no” to.

But what if you’re the parent, carer, or even the teacher asking for these adjustments — and hitting a brick wall?

👉 Here’s what to remember:

1️⃣ Keep it collaborative first.

Try to work with the school. Ask to meet. Explain the impact. Bring evidence if you have it — letters, reports, sensory profiles. Keep it about the child’s access, not “special treatment.”

2️⃣ Put it in writing.

A friendly conversation is a good start — but a clear, polite email makes it official. State what the barrier is, what the child needs, and how the adjustment would help. Ask for a written response.

3️⃣ Know your rights.

Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils. This includes pupils with SEND, whether they have a formal diagnosis or not. An EHCP isn’t needed for this duty to exist.

4️⃣ Escalate if needed.

If you’re not getting anywhere, you can:
• Meet with the SENCo or Inclusion Lead
• Raise it with the headteacher
• Involve the school governors
• Seek advice from SENDIASS (a free support service for parents)
• If necessary, consider mediation or a complaint to the local authority

And if you’re a teacher reading this: please know that the little things you advocate for do matter. A sensory-friendly jumper might sound tiny, but it can mean the difference between a child spending the day calm and learning — or melting down and missing out.



Photo: Number using his chair as a desk. This could be a reasonable adjustment for a younger pupil. It’s a way of helping them move in the classroom while they are needing to produce written work.

On SNJ Today: Independent accountability group, Measure what Matters discusses its evidence showing the law on SEND hasn't failed, it's been systematic undermined by LAs. MWM say the Government is wilfully ignoring the truth. Please share with your MP.

https://www.specialneedsjungle.com/law-send-isnt-failing-systematically-undermined-within-independent-accountability-group/

"The government is to delay publishing its long-awaited overhaul of special educational needs provision in England as ministers seek to build a coalition among parents to support its changes."

Good that ministers aren't rushing into the wrong reforms, and that they want to hear about families' experiences. We're ready to talk to ministers any time about how families navigate the SEND system and what needs to change.