Calls for government action as families ‘on edge of crisis’

Amaze, a charity in Brighton working to provide information, advice and support to families with disabled children across Sussex, is also a member of the DCP and said it has been hearing from several local families who are ‘on the edge of crisis’.

Many are now wanting their child with an Education Health and Care plan to return to school, but have been told this is not possible yet, it said, despite this group being a priority.

“We are working closely with local schools and other services to share what we are hearing they desperately need on the ground,” said CEO Rachel Travers.

“We are also hearing from many families who are really worried about their child’s (with SEND) worsening mental health – with increasing levels of anxiety and challenging behaviour.”

Families and the DCP are demanding that the government recognises and respects disabled children’s increasingly vulnerable situation during the pandemic and provides resources, acknowledging health, social care and education funding was already inadequate before the pandemic. They are also asking it prioritise disabled children and their families as the most in need; produces a practical plan to support families caring for vulnerable children at home and a medically-sound route map for their eventual return to school and society.

Regular funded support with care and emotional and physical well-being needs at home or in the community is also needed, they said, and priority must also be given to those children who cannot attend school due to complex health conditions or who are needing to shield with their families.

Sussex-based charity Kangaroos, offers fun clubs,