Child Autism UK CEO Suzy Yardley joined campaigners and cross-party MPs at 10 Downing Street this week to hand in a petition signed by more than 132,000 parents, carers and supporters calling on the Government to protect the legal rights of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The petition was delivered on behalf of the Save Our Children’s Rights (SOCR) campaign, a coalition of SEND organisations including Child Autism UK, Special Needs Jungle, IPSEA and others who are calling on the Government to retain Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the legal protections they provide for children and families.

The hand-in at Downing Street marked a further escalation of the campaign, with cross-party MPs joining SEND organisations and parent advocates to urge the Prime Minister to listen to the families at the heart of the system.

“Great to see cross-party support from MPs,” said Suzy Yardley. “And a privilege to support such an incredible group of parents and advocates.”

Child Autism UK is proud to stand alongside the SOCR campaign in its call to protect the rights that autistic children and their families depend on. For more than 40 years, children with SEND in England have had a statutory right to an education that meets their needs. We believe those rights must be strengthened, not weakened.

You can find out more about the Save Our Children’s Rights campaign at saveourchildrensrights.org.uk.