9 members of the Schottelvig family plus special guests are cycling for four days from Hyde Park Bandstand in London to the bandstand in Aberdovey, a small fishing village in Wales.  We are doing so for the thrill and adventure of clocking up 250 miles on pedals, but also to raise funds for IPSEA, a charity which helps families fight for the education their children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) deserve.  

We have experienced this process first hand as a result of Andy and Laura's daughter, Frida, being diagnosed with an extremely rare, complex form of epilepsy aged 4. They have seen the inordinate lengths families have to go to in order to secure the necessary support their children are entitled to, as well as the consequences of when the system fails. In their case, ten highly involved months navigating a convoluted, bureaucratic process through 2020 proved a stressful and all-consuming time. 

Despite their combined knowledge, education, resource and determination, Laura and Andy relied extensively upon dedicated third party professional SEND advice and considerable emotional support to navigate their way through. They threw every resource they had at it, and now appreciate how fortunate they were in being able to do so. Pleasingly Frida, now aged 7, is currently thriving in the right environment, with the right support around her. 

Sadly many families and children are not in the same fortunate position and are often unable to advocate for themselves. Fundamentally, the child is not at the centre of the process, bureaucracy is. 

All too often, the process of securing this support involves protracted discussions and disputes with local authorities, at a time when the family and child are already suffering. It is estimated that local authorities spend £40 million annually taking families to tribunal over educational packages, of which local authorities lose 92% - £36 million annually, as well as the associated time and effort which would be better channelled towards invaluable provision. 

This is why IPSEA is so invaluable. 

IPSEA is a charity who offer free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of SEND. Support IPSEA to use the law to improve access to education for children and young people with SEND. 

Help us help IPSEA support as many families as possible!