SEND in the Spotlight - Specialist schools, John Harris

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Specialist schools are to be reserved for those with the most complex needs, as the government pushes for more inclusive mainstream schools that will cater to pupils with SEND. They say they want to ensure fair admissions and better value for money, including potential fee limits for independent specialist schools. But those proposed changes are causing concern among some parents who worry their child will be left behind.

BBC Education reporter Vanessa Clarke gives us the background, and Nuala speaks to two parents who say their children have thrived in specialist schools.

John Harris is a Guardian journalist, campaigner and author of a memoir about his son James, autism, music and the SEND system called Maybe I'm Amazed.

Chamika is a lawyer and mum to a 10 year old daughter who quadriplegic, has cerebral palsy, is non-verbal and a wheelchair user.

Nic Crossley runs the Liberty Academy Trust of specialist autism schools. She is neurodivergent and has a child with SEND. She gives Nuala her response to the reforms.

And in the spotlight this week is 17 year old Maddie from Kent who recently gained her Level 1 British Sign Language qualification.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern
Produced by Sarah Crawley, with Carolyn Atkinson
Digital producer: Mahima Abedin
Editor: Karen Dalziel

Produced by BBC Audio

Published on Monday, 9th March 2026.

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