Coco Khan

Earlier this week, I caught up with Rachel Filmer, one of the prime movers of the campaign, who is the parent of twins who are autistic and non-verbal, alongside Carrie Grant, TV presenter and voice coach of Fame Academy and Pop Idol Fame.

She has four children, all with additional needs.

Before we begin, I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone, teachers and parents who shared their stories with us.

We couldn't include them all, but they very, very much informed this discussion.

Now, we hear over and over again that the SEND system is in crisis, but what does that mean for parents and children on a day-to-day basis?

So,

I started by asking Carrie and Rachel about their experiences.

There was something you said that I just wanted to come back to.

You said, I was scared of the attendance officer.

I can understand that as a parent, there's probably a lack of support.

But then there's one thing to have lack of support.

It's another thing to be antagonized, to actively be criticized.

Is that an experience that happens?

Rachel, let me bring you in, not just as a parent, but also, you know, being part of this campaign, I'm sure you've heard countless stories.

And I was saying to Carrie before we started this interview, you know, I became a parent myself.

My child is not even one.

And I...

really realise how absolutely everything, making breakfast, leaving the house, has now become a tenfold massive experience and it takes so much time and headspace and it grinds you down.

Now you add on to that a child with special educational needs or a disability.

I cannot even imagine then, obviously, then add on to that the state treating you like you're a criminal or a negligent or feckless.