STOP The proposed childrens and wellbeing bill Now!!
- Rebekah Advocate
- May 26
- 3 min read
Protect the Rights of Children with SEND: Speak Up Now
A proposed new Bill on “Children and Wellbeing” could pose a serious threat to the legal rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)—and to the rights of parents who have fought hard for those protections. It’s time to act.
Why Parents Should Be Deeply Concerned
The Bill under discussion includes proposals that would significantly dilute the current legal framework under the Children and Families Act 2014. While the full details are still emerging, key concerns include:
The potential removal of the legal right to request a mainstream school for children with an EHCP. This is not just about education—it's about inclusion, choice, and equality.
A move towards prescriptive placements, possibly forcing children into unsuitable specialist or “alternative provision” placements with little or no parental input.
Undermining the right to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for children in mainstream settings, effectively denying thousands of children the support they are legally entitled to.
Reducing parental voice and oversight. If decisions about our children's education are made behind closed doors, without our consent or input, this becomes a clear violation of human rights, the Equality Act 2010, and Article 2 of Protocol 1 of the Human Rights Act 1998—which protects the right to education.
Why This Matters
Parents have spent years—decades—fighting to secure appropriate education, therapies, and support for their children with SEND. Weakening these rights will lead to more inequality, more exclusion, and more families being pushed into crisis.
This is not just a legal issue. It's about respecting the dignity and humanity of our children.
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How to Get Involved: Write to Your MP Today
One of the most powerful things you can do is write directly to your MP and urge them to oppose any part of this Bill that undermines SEND rights.
Find your MP and their contact details here:
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Template Letter to Send to Your MP
Subject: Protect the Legal Rights of Children and Young People with SEND
Dear [MP’s Name],
I am writing to you as a concerned parent and constituent regarding the proposed Children and Wellbeing Bill. While any effort to improve services for children is welcome in principle, I am deeply worried about the direction of this Bill and the threat it poses to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Key concerns include:
The potential erosion of the legal right to request a mainstream education for children with an EHCP.
The restriction or removal of EHCPs for children in mainstream settings.
A reduction in parental voice, decision-making, and accountability.
As a parent, I believe that decisions about a child's education should be made in partnership with families—not imposed through legislation that weakens existing protections.
These changes risk violating the human rights of our children and go against the principles of inclusion, equality, and fairness.
I urge you to:
Seek clarification on the exact provisions of the Bill.
Oppose any part of it that weakens the rights currently protected by the Children and Families Act 2014.
Stand up for children with SEND and the families who support them.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Email Address – optional]
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