Peterborough parents ‘anxious over lack of clarity’ on lockdown schooling for children with disabilities

Family Voice Peterborough is calling for the Department for Education to issue guidance to local authorities after hearing that there is confusion over what provision schools need to provide children with SEND.

The charity - which helps to improve the lives of children and young people with disabilities or additional needs - said is supporting families and sharing their problems with Peterborough City Council.

However, it is concerned about rising anxiety levels among parent-carers after the first lockdown saw families reach crisis point.

The charity’s chief operating officer Louise Ravenscroft said: “We urgently need to see more guidance from the Government as there is a lot of confusion over what education provision should be provided during the current lockdown for pupils with SEND.

“We’ve heard from families who have become very distressed and don’t know what to do.

“We’re in regular contact with the local authority which is working tirelessly to address any issues which are raised, and we would urge parents to get in touch with us so we can pass their concerns on.

“We have provided constant support since the pandemic began and will continue to be there for families who need us.”

Family Voice Peterborough can be contacted by calling 01733 685510 or via social media.

Its website is: http://www.familyvoice.org/.