As England gears up for significant reforms to its special educational needs (SEN) framework, families like that of five-year-old Harvey Hind are left grappling with uncertainties that could jeopardise essential support for disabled children. Harvey, who is both deaf and blind, has faced immense challenges in mainstream education, and his parents are apprehensive that upcoming changes may further complicate access to the help their son needs.
Harvey’s Journey Through Education
Harvey, who recently celebrated his fifth birthday, has shown remarkable skills for his age, from counting to a thousand to reciting the alphabet both forwards and backwards. However, his journey through education has been anything but smooth. Living in Clitheroe, Lancashire, Harvey was diagnosed with severe sight impairment and profound deafness, requiring bilateral cochlear implants to aid his communication.
For over a year, his family battled to obtain an education, health, and care plan (EHCP)—a critical document that outlines the necessary support for children with special educational needs. This process, which ideally should take no longer than 20 weeks, left Harvey without the support he desperately needed at a crucial time in his development.
Struggles in Mainstream Nursery
Initially placed in a bustling mainstream nursery, Harvey’s experience was fraught with anxiety and distress. Despite the dedication of the nursery staff, the environment proved overwhelming for him. His mother, Kimberly Hind, 35, described the situation as “heartbreaking,” noting that Harvey became so anxious that he stopped eating and sleeping, leading to a drastic change in his behaviour. “He just became this little boy that we didn’t recognise,” she lamented.
After three months of escalating difficulties at nursery, Kimberly made the difficult decision to leave her job managing a primary school kitchen to focus on Harvey’s wellbeing. Fortunately, in September, he transitioned to a special school for deaf children, where he has begun to thrive in a nurturing environment tailored to his needs.
The Need for Reform and the Fear of Cuts
While Kimberly acknowledges the necessity for reform within the current SEN system, she is deeply concerned about the implications of the impending government changes. “Yes, we need change, absolutely because it is not working how it is,” she stated. However, her fears centre on potential funding cuts that could reverse the progress they have fought so hard to achieve.
“I fear they will have the power to take back what we’ve fought so hard for in the first place if there’s cuts to funding,” Kimberly explained. The financial support Harvey currently receives has been hard-won, and any reductions could severely impact his educational journey. She worries that the barriers their family has worked tirelessly to dismantle may be rebuilt, leaving vulnerable children like Harvey at risk once more.
Lasting Impact of Early Educational Experiences
Now thriving in his new school, Harvey has shown a marked improvement and a renewed sense of happiness. Despite the long journey to and from school, he eagerly anticipates each day, often expressing his excitement about his teacher, Mr Jones. Kimberly has observed significant cognitive growth in Harvey as well, particularly in his mathematical abilities.
Yet, the emotional scars from his earlier experiences linger. Although he has grown fond of his teachers and siblings, Harvey remains apprehensive around other children and struggles to engage with peers. Kimberly emphasises the critical importance of early educational experiences for children with complex needs, asserting that missed opportunities in their formative years can have enduring effects on their social development.
Why it Matters
The impending overhaul of the SEN system in England holds profound implications for the future of countless children with disabilities. As families like Harvey’s brace for potentially significant changes to funding and support structures, the urgency for a more responsive and equitable educational framework becomes increasingly apparent. Ensuring that every child receives the specialised care they require is not merely a matter of policy; it is pivotal in shaping their futures and fostering a more inclusive society.
