CHILDREN with disabilities in Wales are missing out on their education, a Welsh government committee has concluded.
The Senedd’s Children, Young People and Education Committee said those with special educational needs are “being treated as square pegs in round holes” at mainstream schools which do not adjust to meet their needs.
It blames the decision-making structures which allocate resources to meet individual children’s needs — such as extra support at school — for limiting the rights to education of children with disabilities.
The committee gathered evidence from families who it said “have been left exhausted from having to fight for the education and childcare their children are entitled to receive.”
Betsan Gower Gallagher, whose twin six-year-old girls are autistic and are non-verbal, said: “My children have highly complex needs but it’s an endless battle to get the support that we’re entitled to.
“And there’s no childcare support in our area that can facilitate my children’s needs over summer — even activities that are advertised as inclusive don’t have the facilities to support us.
“We’re exhausted from the system working against us.”
Committee chair and Senned member Buffy Williams said: “Through this inquiry, we heard from parents who were desperate for support, desperate for someone to listen to them.
“Many of the stories will stay with me forever.”
After a year-long inquiry the committee has made 32 recommendations to the Senedd, including an end to the “postcode lottery” for levels of care for children with special needs.
A Welsh government spokesperson said: “Disabled children and young people have a fundamental right to access education and we are committed to breaking down barriers so that all learners can reach their full potential.
“Our Education reforms and our Early Childhood Play, Learning and Care Plan are aimed at achieving an inclusive system that works for all learners and reduces inequalities.
“We will continue to work across government and with the Disability Rights Taskforce to listen to families, disabled children and young people to ensure their voices are heard as we consider this work alongside the Senedd Committee’s report and recommendations.”
