Kellie Bright on BBC One Panorama, 6th October - Autism, School and Families on the Edge
- jendot1978
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
As the government draws up plans to reform the system of special education needs (SEN) support in schools and beyond, BBC One’s Panorama programme brings them food for thought. Presented by Eastenders’ actress Kellie Bright, whose child is autistic, the episode showcases the struggles that children and families face when the existing school system doesn’t work for them. Parents describe their feelings as frustrated”, “angry”, “powerless”, and “I feel a bit broken by it all”. They explain how they have fought with local authorities for years to get a legally binding EHCP document that is then not adhered to by schools due to lack of resources. Their children have spent months out of education and there are not enough specialist school places and not sufficient funding to go around. Statements from the local authorities themselves are included for BBC balance but are largely distant and seem removed from the everyday struggles that the individual families face. This is emphasised by the parents relating how difficult it can be just to communicate with authorities. Because they are parents they keep on trying and fighting, as we know you do too.
The programme ends with a short snapshot of how inclusive schooling can work and can benefit everyone if it is done correctly. This is something that so many of us would welcome.
Here at Spectrum Autism Services, we found the programme really hard to watch, simply because it showed what we see and help families deal with every day. We are called in when a diagnosis [https://www.spectrumautismservices.org/assessment-process] is needed for EHCP applications (even though legally these documents are based on need not diagnosis). We work with schools and teachers to help them understand and implement the support your child needs [https://www.spectrumautismservices.org/post-diagnosis], and we also work with children themselves to help them understand what their autism means for them. We know what children go through just to get into school. We know what parents go through in fighting for what their children are entitled to. Get in touch[https://www.spectrumautismservices.org/contact] to see what we can help you with.
Kellie Bright’s investigation is undoubtedly a tough watch for anyone reading this blog, and may be triggering for some. However, this is one to share with friends and relatives so they can understand what you are up against. Hopefully those in positions of power will watch it too so that they can gain insight into the lives and everyday battles of children and families in these circumstances.