Rachel Filmer | SEND Rights Alliance
@Rachel_SENDRA
Followers
685
Following
2K
Media
253
Statuses
2K
SEND parent and campaigner. Founding member of #SaveOurChildrensRights campaign.
Poole, England
Joined February 2015
We cannot sit back and allow the government to take crucial legal rights from disabled children - sign the petition here: https://t.co/gIGyhy2j2n
#SEND @LBC @SpcialNdsJungle
3
33
42
POV: #SEND reform policy meeting. Replacing individual provision with predetermined specialist provision packages for children with the most complex needs? Yes and ho! Don’t forget the demountables #SENDReform #SENDParents #SaveOurChildrensRights #UKEducation #UKPolitics #Satire
0
5
11
Worked hard on this one, please do read - the specific interview in question is linked at the end if you haven’t heard it
NEW POST: SNJ's @CutScenesUK on keeping your composure when managing challenging interviews with people who've been taken in by SEND misinformation https://t.co/KjLcXN1HJh
0
1
3
If you’re unsure whether the recent narrative on SEND transport costs is starting to reverse the progress we’ve made highlighting the importance of #SEND legal rights, here’s a recent LBC segment. Brace yourselves… #SaveOurChildrensRights @SpcialNdsJungle
0
6
4
Rees stating that SEND as a category should not exist, and implying early intervention would mean we can move away from “targeted support” for disabled children… so this is going well then
Rum SEND stuff from two insiders here. "There's a lot of worry in the system," says one. No, there are a lot of worried parents. Who, re the screenshot, know that targeted provision based on assessment is what SEND is (or was?). Which is why we're worried https://t.co/4TFflXHG3g
2
10
12
We’ve got #SEND legal rights on the agenda, but @Keir_Starmer claims no decisions have yet been made. Are we about to see a delay in the white paper? #SaveOurChildrensRights @SpcialNdsJungle @IPSEAcharity @samcarlisle
2
12
10
“A huge rebellion is coming - we will fight for our children’s rights”. Last week showed the strength of support for protecting SEND legal rights. #SaveOurChildrensRights campaign partner, John Harris, writes about about it in @guardian👇 https://t.co/6X832FHaZA
theguardian.com
From mooted Whitehall cost-cutting to the bigoted views of Reform, parents of children with special needs see the latest threats, and we are mobilising, says Guardian columnist John Harris
0
8
18
Now is the time to get involved. Head over to the #SaveOurChildrensRights website, write to your MP, join in with our photo and video campaign. But take a moment today to reflect on how far we have come in just a few months.
0
1
0
We cannot celebrate yet or get complacent. The white paper could contain anything and we have to be ready to fight. But now we know there are many MPs who’ll fight too “no matter what the consequences are”. Finally our voices are being heard.
1
1
0
I am so proud of the #SEND community for turning this fear and panic into action. I know it often feels fruitless but this is a substantial change in narrative, because of all of you. Because we are all showing what these rights can do for our kids.
1
1
0
Strategic SEND Advisor Lenehan’s comments took many families by surprise but they didn’t shock us - we see it coming, which is why I submitted the petition way back in December 2024. These comments certainly helped the campaign! https://t.co/HkHOebvMrK
schoolsweek.co.uk
The plans - or a new alternative - could be 'narrowed' to special schools only, adviser suggests
1
0
0
This is a far cry from what MPs were telling us in May, when comments about EHCPs potentially being restricted hit headlines - back then we were told it was inevitable. But we did not accept that, and we set up #SaveOurChildrensRights in response.
saveourchildrensrights.org.uk
The legal rights of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are under threat. We must act now.
1
0
0
All of you did this. Every signature on the petition, every roundtable, every rally attendant and email to an MP helped them understand and be motivated to stand up for your children. You should all be proud - and if you haven’t already, you can still sign
petition.parliament.uk
Support in education is a vital legal right of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We ask the government to commit to maintaining the existing law, so that vulnerable...
1
1
0
“I’ve been an MP 15 years. I’ve never seen so many people in a Westminster Hall debate. There was more than 120 people in that debate, most of whom had wanted to speak… Very rarely on any issue would you get anything like as many people into a Westminster Hall debate.”
1
0
0
Today’s @theipaper article details the strong response of an increasing number of MPs on SEND issues. It mentions the hugely effective @DCPcampaign rally and the unprecedented debate: https://t.co/B3tb79Twid
inews.co.uk
Backbenchers are setting out their red lines over funding and children's individual legal rights. They warn a SEND revolt could be bigger than welfare reversal
1
0
1
Can we take a minute to acknowledge the incredible shift in narrative that has occurred since May towards #SEND legal rights? This is what happens when we all speak together 🧵 @SpcialNdsJungle @IPSEAcharity @samcarlisle @letuslearntoo
1
5
12
Absolutely right. And MPs are increasingly on the side of vulnerable children and their families despite their efforts #SaveOurChildrensRights
There are broadly two SEND camps lobbying @educationgovuk right now. 1. Those lobbying directly to save children's rights: parents, practitioners, charities, even MPs. 2. Those lobbying indirectly to reduce them: MATs, execs, consultants. Only one side can win this fight. 🧵
1
4
5
I wish everyone had an MP who turns up and speaks up for them. Huge thanks to Neil as always for his endless hard work, and all the other MPs who stood up for our children on Monday #SaveOurChildrensRights
The SEND strategy must be shaped by the needs of children and families, and retain personal legal protections. If it’s treated as a cost-cutting exercise, it’s doomed to fail. The voices of those with lived experience must be at the heart of policy-making.
2
5
20
If you’re worried about wasted public funds, start here: unrepresented parents of severely disabled children up against solicitors, dragged to court to appeal incorrect DLA decisions, overturned before the parent even gives evidence. Unacceptable and an absurd waste of money.
I won my son’s DLA appeal at tribunal today. Almost a year after I first appealed, and with 300+ pages of evidence submitted, the actual hearing lasted just 2 minutes. I suppose I should be used to this by now, but in the waiting room overwhelm hit me out of nowhere and I
0
7
18
This is so disturbing
This piece has been getting a lot of attention, which is worrying for any SEND family. The result could well be a worse education for many SEND kids, and increased exclusions too. And the timing, as parents fight to save kids' legal rights, is worrying too. Let me explain... 🧵
1
1
11