Ritika Janiya
In Birkenhead, staff members who help children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are going on strike. They are unhappy with how things are run and say the system is “broken.” This situation has caused many families to feel upset and stressed. Today, we will explore why these staff members are striking, what they hope to achieve, and how it affects the children and families they support.
What’s Happening?
The staff strike is part of a series of planned protests by the SEND team of Wirral Council. They are worried about their pay and the heavy workload they face. Many of them are overwhelmed because they are trying to support over 100 children each. This is a lot for anyone to handle! Bora Oktas, a union representative from the National Education Union (NEU), stood with the staff on the picket line, urging the council to listen to their concerns.
What Do Parents Think?
One parent described the current SEND system as “broken.” They explained that families have been through a lot of stress and trauma because they are not getting the support they need. Many parents feel helpless and frustrated, which is heartbreaking. The situation has become so serious that it feels like the whole system is “on its knees,” struggling to keep up with the needs of the children.
The Council’s Response
The council says they are trying to make things better. They claim they are working hard to improve the SEND services, including bringing in an extra £4 million for support and restructuring the team. They hope that these changes will help reduce the number of cases each staff member has to handle, cutting the workload in half. This sounds like a step in the right direction, but not everyone is convinced.
Mixed Feelings About Changes
While the council believes their plans will lead to improvements, some staff members and parents feel disappointed. Bora Oktas mentioned that the restructuring led to pay cuts for some staff, which makes the situation worse. He wants the council to come to the table and talk about these issues. “If we don’t address this now, it will only get worse in the future,” he warned.
On the other hand, the council argues that these changes give staff a chance to apply for better-paying, more senior positions. They say they are committed to working with the unions to resolve any disputes, but there seems to be a big gap between what the staff want and what the council is offering.
Government Involvement
The situation has attracted attention from the government as well. Earlier this year, the government issued an improvement notice to the council. This notice said that the council needed to do better after a poor inspection of their SEND services in 2021. The council has had two years to make improvements, but parents and staff feel like nothing has changed. They are frustrated and tired of waiting for help.
Voices from the Frontline
Sue Peacock, who runs a group that supports parents with SEND issues, spoke out about the emotional toll this situation has taken on families. She described how many parents feel “traumatized,” “gaslit,” and “lied to.” It is painful for parents to hear about the struggles their children face, especially when they feel that the support system is failing them.
Ferdushi Mohshin, the president of the Wirral NEU and a teacher, expressed her deep concern for her colleagues and the students. She highlighted how losing the support of SEND staff would be devastating. “These staff members are the lifeline for many families. They need to be listened to,” she emphasized.
The Human Side of the Story
It’s important to remember that behind every statistic and every case, there are real people—children, parents, and dedicated staff members—trying to make the best of a tough situation. The emotional struggle for families can be intense. Many parents feel alone in their battle for their children’s education and support. They often have to advocate fiercely for their kids, facing a system that doesn’t always make it easy.
Looking Ahead
So, what happens next? The staff will continue to strike until they feel their concerns are addressed. They want better working conditions and fair pay so they can provide the best support possible to the children and families who need it most. The council and the union must work together to find solutions that benefit everyone involved.
The strike by SEND staff in Birkenhead shines a light on the ongoing struggles in the special education system. While the council claims to be making improvements, many staff members and parents are still feeling let down. The hope is that by standing up and speaking out, these staff members will bring about the change needed for a better system. After all, every child deserves the best support possible, and those who care for them deserve to be heard.
In the end, it’s about creating a brighter future for children with special educational needs and disabilities—one where they can thrive and feel supported every step of the way.
