Ipswich mum Skye Crawford believes ‘the system is broken’ as she details fight for autistic son Theo’s education

An Ipswich mum who believes the ‘system is broken’ has detailed her fight for her seven-year-old autistic son’s education.

Skye Crawford fears her son, Theo, who was diagnosed with autism aged two, could be left without an education when his school placement ends in July.

She said alleged failures to secure education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) meant a generation of children were ‘being denied what they are legally and morally owed’.

A spokesperson for Suffolk County Council admitted communication with parents had been poor in the past due to low staff numbers and high turnover, although plans to improve this – including spending £4.4 million on staff recruitment – had seen results.

Skye said: “This situation affects every aspect of our daily lives.

“For children like Theo, not having a school placement means more than just missed lessons, it means anxiety, confusion and a lack of stability.

“The impact on families is equally devastating as we are physically and emotionally drained from constantly chasing answers, writing emails, making phone calls, attending meetings and battling a system that often seems to work against us.

“Every year, hundreds – if not thousands – of children with SEND are being let down by our local authority.”

Skye said she felt children like Theo were being left behind due to systems being overwhelmed, disorganised and underfunded.

Uncertainty led to meltdowns, distress or bad dreams for affected children, she said.

Theo, described as bubbly and sociable, with ambitions of becoming a teacher or police officer, has been attending a specialist unit for the past three years.

Skye said filling out education, care and health plans (ECHP) each year and hunting for suitable schools across the county was exhausting.

Some schools only offered visits on set open days or after a child was offered a place, she said.

Skye added: “This system is broken, families are burned out, schools are struggling silently. I have done everything to secure a school place.

“And our children – bright, unique and full of potential – are paying the price.

“We need accountability, transparency and urgent reform because every child, like Theo, deserves a chance to grow, learn and be part of a school community.”

Skye will take her fight to the council directly later this month, having organised a protest outside Endeavour House in Ipswich for June 25.

The county council spokesperson added: “SEND services in Suffolk are delivered by the SEND local area partnership and we remain committed to swift and effective reform of the way we deliver SEND services.”