Page 33 - SEN113 SEN Magazine July-August 2021-V3

SEN publisher Petition watch Continuing with opportunities to become more involved in areas which are of importance to you. Replace “Special Educational Needs” within the Children & Families Act (2014) The Birmingham Youth Forum proposes that the use of “Special Educational Needs” in the Children & Families Act (2014) and Code of Practice (2015) is outdated. It does not accurately describe the provision that many children need. It should be replaced with the more appropriate term “additional needs”. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/584547 Provide funding to increase school places for students with special needs I’m sure there’s many parents out there that are or have been in a similar situation. It should not be a fight to get our children in to a suitable special needs school, there should be enough places available for those who need it without all the hassle! My son has not been offered a place at all! petition.parliament.uk/petitions/585658 Make British Sign Language a language option in the national curriculum I would like the national curriculum to make British Sign Language an option for students to study at school. The standard Spanish, French or German are quite limited in a society that should be inclusive of all languages whether that be spoken or signed. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/579898 Prioritise special school staff in Covid 19 vaccinations The unique requirements of working with children with additional needs means that social distancing and effective use of PPE is virtually impossible. Vaccinating special school staff will also offer protection to the children and their families. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/566217 33 senmagazine.co.uk SEN113