"Daniela Sponder, whose five-year-old son Luca has a speech delay, said even his school's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) coordinator was "blindsided" by the decision. Ms Sponder added: "She was mortified that she hadn't been made aware by the council. "The SEND coordinator is our go-to person." Another parent, Amy Jones, was also taken by surprise to find her eight-year-old son Harry's SALT had been abruptly cut, despite being a legal entitlement under his EHCP."
"Harry, who has epilepsy which affects his speech, is supposed to have weekly therapy. "He's verbal now, but really struggling to get his words out," Ms Jones said. "He hasn't had therapy for months and he's getting frustrated." Amy Jones EHCPs are documents that outline the support a child with special educational needs must receive. If a child qualifies, the local authority is legally required to deliver every element of support listed in the plan."
Parents in Croydon are struggling to access speech and language therapy after the council cancelled existing privately funded provision without informing families or some school SEND coordinators. The therapy had been delivered under Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and is a legal entitlement when listed in a plan. Affected children, including those with epilepsy, have missed weekly sessions and are experiencing increased frustration and communication difficulties. Croydon Council confirmed a change of SALT provider, with a new service due to start in November, citing the current model's limitations for mainstream school needs.
Read at www.bbc.com
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