Overview
- More than 90 coordinated Every Pair Tells a Story actions saw families place children’s shoes outside local authority buildings, organised by The SEND Sanctuary UK with Let Us Learn Too and Let’s Make a Difference.
- Campaigners say the displays represent pupils denied places or support through delayed or inadequate EHCPs, with waits frequently exceeding the 20‑week legal limit and locally reported at 30–35 weeks.
- Reports cite over 600,000 children identified with SEND in England and more than 70,000 EHCPs awaiting processing, highlighting the scale of unmet need.
- Councils acknowledge pressure and pledge improvements, pointing to rapidly rising EHCP numbers and severe budget strain, including Norfolk’s forecast £183m SEND deficit and Dudley’s 113% growth in plans since 2019.
- The Department for Education says it has held over 100 listening sessions and will continue engagement led by Minister Gould, with reforms now slated for early 2026 and funding pledged for additional specialist places.