09/03/07 - Swindon SEN Network meeting brings together parents and experts

Between 30 and 40 parents, teachers and volunteers came and participated in group discussions at Thursday's Swindon SEN Network meeting at the Croft Sports Centre.

Swindon SENN Co-ordinator and South Swindon Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Robert Buckland said: " I was particularly pleased to welcome Maria Chivers, of the Swindon Dyslexia Centre, who has published many books on dyslexia and its associated conditions.  The work that is being done by people like Maria deserves the widest praise and publicity - I am very glad to welcome her to the Network."

Some of the themes that emerged from the meeting were concerns about the “tapering off” of SEN provision at secondary level towards Key Stage 4.  There was a feeling that far too many young people are just being left to fend for themselves by the time they reach school leaving age.   There was a real thirst for more information about the legal framework surrounding SEN provision.

"Local interest groups are able to advertise their facilities at the meetings.   The Swindon Carers Centre at Wood Street is a vital resource for those seeking respite and assistance, and I was very glad that Christine Rogers of the Swindon and District Autism and Aspergers Syndrome Parents Support Group was there to make a valuable contribution to proceedings." added Robert.

The date of the meeting co-incided with a Vigil at Parliament by mothers of children with SEN to mark International Womens’ Day.  Charlotte Leslie, who is Conservative PPC for Bristol North West and is Special Adviser to David Willetts MP, Shadow Education Secretary, was present at the Vigill.  Charlotte has been organising a campaign against the proposed closure of Special Schools in Bristol and is in regular touch with Robert about SEN issues.

ENDS.