A mother’s emotional journey with her ‘miracle twins’ has hit a roadblock, leaving them without a school place. But is this just an unfortunate delay or a sign of deeper issues in the system?
The Story of Resilience:
Jade, a mother from Heanor, Derbyshire, gave birth to twins Harry and Harley at just 22 weeks and five days, making them among the most premature survivors in the UK. These ‘miracle twins’ defied the odds, weighing barely over a pound each at birth in October 2021. Now, at four years old, they were set to start at a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school, a crucial step in their development.
A Frustrating Halt:
However, Jade’s excitement turned to frustration when their school places were unexpectedly put on hold. The reason? A building control firm, responsible for signing off on a new modular classroom, went into insolvency. This meant the school couldn’t accommodate the twins, who are nonverbal autistic, as planned.
Jade shared her disappointment with the BBC, “It’s disheartening to see them without the social interaction they need with their peers.” The twins were eagerly awaiting a transition day at their new school, but an email the night before shattered those plans. The school explained that due to the building firm’s liquidation, they couldn’t sign off on the new classroom, leaving the twins without a place.
A Mother’s Determination:
Jade, 43, had meticulously prepared for this milestone, even ironing their names into their uniforms. She doesn’t blame the school but feels frustrated by the situation. The twins had one-to-one support at their mainstream nursery and accessed vital services like speech therapy, all of which are now on hold.
Securing these school places was already a battle for Jade. She fought for two years after an education, health, and care plan (EHCP) suggested her daughter could respond to questions, leading to offers at schools 20 miles apart. Jade successfully appealed, but now feels back at square one.
Systemic Delays or Individual Misfortune?
The BBC’s investigation reveals that the building firm’s insolvency occurred before the final safety inspection on November 2nd, affecting eight new pupils. Councillor Simon Mabbott, responsible for SEND and education, acknowledged the challenges, citing a delayed report on new government policy.
The Derbyshire Local Area SEND Partnership’s Priority Impact Plan highlights issues like lengthy waiting times for assessments, children missing school, and poor communication. It apologizes and promises improvements. But is this enough?
Controversy and Questions:
Are these delays an isolated incident or indicative of broader problems in SEND provision? Should there be more support for families navigating these complex systems? Share your thoughts below, and let’s explore this sensitive topic together.