Families across Derbyshire are raising growing concerns about the ongoing difficulties in accessing support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). From delays in receiving Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to serious gaps in funding and specialist provision, many parents say the current system is failing some of the county’s most vulnerable children.
Despite promises of improvement and a formal SEND Improvement Plan from Derbyshire County Council, many say progress on the ground remains slow — and families are left battling the system to get the help their children are legally entitled to.
⸻
“I’m Fighting for My Child Every Day”
For many Derbyshire parents, the path to securing SEND support is long, stressful, and emotionally exhausting.
One parent from Heanor told Derbyshire News, “It took us over a year to get an EHCP, and even then, the provision written into it hasn’t been delivered. I’ve had to chase every single step. I’m fighting for my child every day, while also trying to hold down a job.”
Another parent from Matlock said: “There’s no real communication. You’re constantly passed from one department to another. It’s like they’re hoping you’ll give up.”
⸻
Long Delays and Inconsistent Support
Derbyshire has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of SEND provision. Many schools report they are struggling to meet pupil needs without adequate funding or clear guidance. Meanwhile, parents say delays in assessments, lack of transparency, and inconsistency between cases are widespread.
Although the Council put a formal improvement plan in place before the recent local elections, campaigners and parents say implementation must be swift — and must focus on practical outcomes, not just paperwork.
⸻
Transport Troubles and Funding Gaps
Another major concern is SEND transport. Several families report being told there is “no suitable transport available” for their children, leaving some to make difficult daily journeys themselves or miss out on educational placements altogether.
Meanwhile, stretched school budgets and cuts to wider support services mean that even when plans are in place, they are not always being followed through — leaving children without the resources, therapies or specialist teaching they need.
⸻
MPs and Ministers Now Involved
Last week, Amber Valley MP Linsey Farnsworth met with Derbyshire County Council officials and the new councillor responsible for SEND, pushing for urgent action to deliver the SEND Improvement Plan.
She also joined other Derbyshire MPs in a meeting with Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson MP and Minister for SEND Catherine McKinnell MP.
In her public update, Farnsworth said:
“We discussed the specific issues affecting our area — including delays between EHCPs and actual provision, and ongoing problems with transport for SEND pupils… Local MPs and the Department for Education will continue holding the Council to account.”
Farnsworth is now inviting parents across Amber Valley to share their experiences by emailing her directly at linsey.farnsworth.mp@parliament.uk.
⸻
Have You Faced a Struggle to Access SEND Support?
Have you or someone you know had to fight for your child’s educational needs in Derbyshire?
Are you still waiting for a plan or provision?
Have you been turned away or felt unheard by the system?
Or have you seen real improvements in recent months?
We want to hear your story. Leave a comment below or contact the Derbyshire.News team — your voice matters, and together we can help bring about real change.
⸻
Derbyshire.News will continue to follow this story and share the voices of families navigating the SEND system in our county. All names can be kept anonymous upon request.
Leave a Reply