In a moving display of desperation, parents across England and Scotland are taking their fight for special educational needs support to the streets—literally. The powerful 'Empty Shoes' campaign has seen families placing pairs of children's footwear outside council buildings, each representing a child being failed by the current system.
The Silent Story Behind Every Pair
Organised by the campaign group SEND Crisis, this visual protest aims to highlight what parents describe as "heartbreaking" delays in assessments, inadequate support, and devastating funding cuts affecting children with disabilities and special needs.
One parent from Warwickshire shared their family's struggle: "My son has been waiting over two years for an Education, Health and Care Plan assessment. He's falling further behind every day while the system fails him."
A Cross-Border Crisis
The campaign has gained momentum across both England and Scotland, demonstrating that this isn't an isolated local issue but a nationwide emergency. From Manchester to Edinburgh, the same stories of frustration and bureaucratic barriers emerge.
Key concerns raised by parents include:
- Lengthy waiting times for essential assessments
- Insufficient funding for necessary support in schools
- Lack of appropriate school placements
- Parents forced to give up work to advocate for their children
- Emotional and financial strain on families
Council Responses Under Scrutiny
While some local authorities have acknowledged the challenges, parents say words aren't enough. They're demanding immediate action and proper funding to ensure every child receives the education and support they're legally entitled to.
The empty shoes serve as a stark reminder of the children who are missing out on their right to education and the childhood they deserve. As one campaign organiser stated, "Each pair tells a story of a child waiting, struggling, and being let down by the system meant to protect them."
