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Jersey SEND System Failing Families, Mother Claims
22 Jun
Summary
- Mother states Jersey's education system is failing her child with special needs.
- Her 10-year-old son, non-verbal with autism, has been out of school since Christmas.
- Significant cost increase in SEND support, with £38m spent in 2025.
A Jersey mother has described the island's special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system as "failing" her 10-year-old son. The boy, who has high-functioning autism, is non-verbal and has been out of school since Christmas. His mother faces uncertainty about his transition to secondary school in September, calling the experience a "rough rollercoaster."
Concerns raised by the mother about her son's education were reportedly ignored, prompting her to remove him from school. This decision has had a significant financial impact, forcing her to leave her career. The education department is currently rewriting his record of need, a document crucial for his support.
This situation reflects wider challenges in Jersey's SEND provision. Government figures show the cost of supporting children with SEND increased by 120% over five years, reaching approximately £38 million in 2025. While some exemplary SEND education exists, the overall system is under "significant strain," according to a local tutor. Newly elected deputies and a former education minister acknowledge the need for more effective support and better utilization of funding to ensure children receive the best possible education.
