Today I’ve put in a request under the Freedom of Information Act about the backlog of assessments of children with special needs.

I’m doing this after many parents have complained about long delays in getting Education, Health and Care Plans for their children’s special needs. In one case a parent said the delays were created by the school, but in others they have said that the delays are at County Hall.

The difficulties facing parents whose children have special needs has come up constantly on the doorstep. Parents have difficulties in getting services for the children, and have also faced pressures from schools which lack the resources to cater for complex needs.

Recently Northamptonshire County Council was forced to defer plans to make children at a special school in Northampton walk up to a mile to catch their school transport. And there were widespread objections with Northamptonshire County Council proposed to make cuts in respite care for families.

So I’ve asked the County Council for information about Education, Health and Care Plans. And on Friday 22^nd I’m planning to hold a live facebook discussion on special education. Please check out my facebook page SallyKeebleforNorthamptonNorth for details