Anna Bird
@annabirdfr.bsky.social
CEO of Contact - we support families with disabled children. Chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership. Passionate about social change and social justice.
Reposted by Anna Bird
Our 2nd spotlight session yesterday on kinship families raising children with special educational needs & disabilities.
@lucypeake.bsky.social Kinship
@annabirdfr.bsky.social @contactfamilies.bsky.social
Johanna Bernard #FamiliesInHarmony
Kate Cox #IPSEA
Brian Roberts @nationalfasd.bsky.social
@lucypeake.bsky.social Kinship
@annabirdfr.bsky.social @contactfamilies.bsky.social
Johanna Bernard #FamiliesInHarmony
Kate Cox #IPSEA
Brian Roberts @nationalfasd.bsky.social
September 11, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Our 2nd spotlight session yesterday on kinship families raising children with special educational needs & disabilities.
@lucypeake.bsky.social Kinship
@annabirdfr.bsky.social @contactfamilies.bsky.social
Johanna Bernard #FamiliesInHarmony
Kate Cox #IPSEA
Brian Roberts @nationalfasd.bsky.social
@lucypeake.bsky.social Kinship
@annabirdfr.bsky.social @contactfamilies.bsky.social
Johanna Bernard #FamiliesInHarmony
Kate Cox #IPSEA
Brian Roberts @nationalfasd.bsky.social
Reposted by Anna Bird
Have you struggled to get social care for your disabled child? Refused support, faced delays, or caught in disputes? We want to hear from you 💬
Email [email protected] 📩
Email [email protected] 📩
September 5, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Have you struggled to get social care for your disabled child? Refused support, faced delays, or caught in disputes? We want to hear from you 💬
Email [email protected] 📩
Email [email protected] 📩
Reposted by Anna Bird
Pat McFadden to DWP - which will also take on skills (currently in the DfE).
(Quick education nerd aside: that is actually a big machinery of government change if that includes 16-19 skills because it's includes funding for school sixth forms).
(Quick education nerd aside: that is actually a big machinery of government change if that includes 16-19 skills because it's includes funding for school sixth forms).
September 5, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Pat McFadden to DWP - which will also take on skills (currently in the DfE).
(Quick education nerd aside: that is actually a big machinery of government change if that includes 16-19 skills because it's includes funding for school sixth forms).
(Quick education nerd aside: that is actually a big machinery of government change if that includes 16-19 skills because it's includes funding for school sixth forms).
Reposted by Anna Bird
July 25, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Proud to be part of this campaign, launching today. Please take action and be part of the #FightForOrdinary
It’s time to fix the SEND system. A whole generation of disabled children and those with additional needs are being let down by a broken education system.
bit.ly/FightforOrdi...
#FightForOrdinary
bit.ly/FightforOrdi...
#FightForOrdinary
July 22, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Proud to be part of this campaign, launching today. Please take action and be part of the #FightForOrdinary
Reposted by Anna Bird
Thanks to Bridget Phillipson for meeting our chair and vice chairs, Anna Bird, Katie Ghose and Jane Harris to discuss SEND reform.
A great opportunity to emphasise the need for wide engagement and the importance of putting outcomes for children first.
A great opportunity to emphasise the need for wide engagement and the importance of putting outcomes for children first.
May 23, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Thanks to Bridget Phillipson for meeting our chair and vice chairs, Anna Bird, Katie Ghose and Jane Harris to discuss SEND reform.
A great opportunity to emphasise the need for wide engagement and the importance of putting outcomes for children first.
A great opportunity to emphasise the need for wide engagement and the importance of putting outcomes for children first.
Reposted by Anna Bird
“The idea of scrapping Education, Health and Care Plans will terrify families. The reality parents and children face now is that an EHCP is the only way they can get an education.” @annabirdfr.bsky.social www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
'We're terrified our kids' futures will be destroyed by huge education shake-up'
Parents and disability campaigners. are deeply concerned the government's reform of the SEND system will mean children with EHCPs will not be able to access mainstream education
www.mirror.co.uk
May 19, 2025 at 8:34 AM
“The idea of scrapping Education, Health and Care Plans will terrify families. The reality parents and children face now is that an EHCP is the only way they can get an education.” @annabirdfr.bsky.social www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
Reposted by Anna Bird
'250,000 SEND pupils could lose their legal guarantees of extra support.'
Chair of the DCP, @annabirdfr.bsky.social is quoted by @theipaper.com following reports that EHCPs could be restricted in mainstream schools. inews.co.uk/news/250000-...
Chair of the DCP, @annabirdfr.bsky.social is quoted by @theipaper.com following reports that EHCPs could be restricted in mainstream schools. inews.co.uk/news/250000-...
250,000 SEND pupils could lose their legal guarantees of extra support
Parents 'terrified' by idea of EHCPs being cut from mainstream schools, saying they are the only way many disabled children can get the support they need to thrive
inews.co.uk
May 15, 2025 at 5:07 PM
'250,000 SEND pupils could lose their legal guarantees of extra support.'
Chair of the DCP, @annabirdfr.bsky.social is quoted by @theipaper.com following reports that EHCPs could be restricted in mainstream schools. inews.co.uk/news/250000-...
Chair of the DCP, @annabirdfr.bsky.social is quoted by @theipaper.com following reports that EHCPs could be restricted in mainstream schools. inews.co.uk/news/250000-...
Reposted by Anna Bird
DCP Chair, @annabirdfr.bsky.social is quoted in this article alongside other voices in the sector following reports that the Government is considering legal changes to the criteria for EHCPs. inews.co.uk/news/politic...
More SEND pupils could go to mainstream schools as support shake-up is considered
Tighter rules on which children with special educational needs should get EHCPs - guaranteeing support - are being considered, amid SEND cash crisis
inews.co.uk
March 14, 2025 at 9:35 AM
DCP Chair, @annabirdfr.bsky.social is quoted in this article alongside other voices in the sector following reports that the Government is considering legal changes to the criteria for EHCPs. inews.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Anna Bird
Help us to support more families with disabled children.
This week we have launched our Lifeline Appeal in partnership with the Big Give. Until Tuesday 10 December, the Big Give will double every pound donated to our Lifeline appeal 👉 bit.ly/big-give-social
This week we have launched our Lifeline Appeal in partnership with the Big Give. Until Tuesday 10 December, the Big Give will double every pound donated to our Lifeline appeal 👉 bit.ly/big-give-social
December 5, 2024 at 1:36 PM
Help us to support more families with disabled children.
This week we have launched our Lifeline Appeal in partnership with the Big Give. Until Tuesday 10 December, the Big Give will double every pound donated to our Lifeline appeal 👉 bit.ly/big-give-social
This week we have launched our Lifeline Appeal in partnership with the Big Give. Until Tuesday 10 December, the Big Give will double every pound donated to our Lifeline appeal 👉 bit.ly/big-give-social
Reposted by Anna Bird
Also aware of families sent letters by school threatening fines for absence ...
When the absence was solely due to the children being suspended by the school ...
And the suspensions arose from incidents that happened because the school was not meeting the child's (EHCP specified) needs.
When the absence was solely due to the children being suspended by the school ...
And the suspensions arose from incidents that happened because the school was not meeting the child's (EHCP specified) needs.
We hear this all the time on our helpline @tomshakespeare.bsky.social It’s causing huge amounts of distress.
Hearing today about parents of children with special educational needs being fined for non-attendence, when school has failed to meet those needs. Outrageous.
December 5, 2024 at 12:13 PM
Also aware of families sent letters by school threatening fines for absence ...
When the absence was solely due to the children being suspended by the school ...
And the suspensions arose from incidents that happened because the school was not meeting the child's (EHCP specified) needs.
When the absence was solely due to the children being suspended by the school ...
And the suspensions arose from incidents that happened because the school was not meeting the child's (EHCP specified) needs.
You can hear me for @dcpcampaign.bsky.social on Woman’s Hour this morning, discussing today’s announcement that they are allocating £740m from the schools capital budget for SEND facilities- from 7 mins in www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Woman's Hour - Pumeza Matshikiza, Josie Lloyd, CensHERship - BBC Sounds
South African soprano Pumeza Matshikiza performs live in the studio.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 4, 2024 at 2:31 PM
You can hear me for @dcpcampaign.bsky.social on Woman’s Hour this morning, discussing today’s announcement that they are allocating £740m from the schools capital budget for SEND facilities- from 7 mins in www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The gvt’s Child Poverty Strategy must centre the needs of disabled children and their families. Our findings highlight the dire poverty many are experiencing www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1984...
Parents of disabled children face over £20,000 annual income loss, study reve...
A leading charity is calling for the Government's Child Poverty Strategy to recognise that families caring for youngsters with physical or mental disabilities are being forced out of work and into har...
www.express.co.uk
December 4, 2024 at 8:14 AM
The gvt’s Child Poverty Strategy must centre the needs of disabled children and their families. Our findings highlight the dire poverty many are experiencing www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1984...
'I may have to give up my job to care for my son' www.bbc.com/news/article...
The findings of @contactfamilies.bsky.social latest #countingthecosts research are a grim read. 🙏🏼 @bbclondonnews.bsky.social for shining a light on the inequalities families with disabled children face
The findings of @contactfamilies.bsky.social latest #countingthecosts research are a grim read. 🙏🏼 @bbclondonnews.bsky.social for shining a light on the inequalities families with disabled children face
Camden mum says she may have to give up work to care for her son
Bisi Daniels pays up to £1,500 a month on specialist babysitters for her son Shaka, who is autistic.
www.bbc.com
December 4, 2024 at 7:18 AM
'I may have to give up my job to care for my son' www.bbc.com/news/article...
The findings of @contactfamilies.bsky.social latest #countingthecosts research are a grim read. 🙏🏼 @bbclondonnews.bsky.social for shining a light on the inequalities families with disabled children face
The findings of @contactfamilies.bsky.social latest #countingthecosts research are a grim read. 🙏🏼 @bbclondonnews.bsky.social for shining a light on the inequalities families with disabled children face
This makes me want to scream
I saw these at the local recycling centre today and sighed. I might check if you can upload photos to the NHS Plan engagement website…
November 29, 2024 at 7:53 PM
This makes me want to scream
Reposted by Anna Bird
A remarkable stat: Heidi Alexander’s appointment as Transport Secretary means the cabinet is now 100% state-educated for the first time in history.
November 29, 2024 at 1:52 PM
A remarkable stat: Heidi Alexander’s appointment as Transport Secretary means the cabinet is now 100% state-educated for the first time in history.
Reposted by Anna Bird
I wrote about the way the SEND crisis is quietly unpicking women's lives - destroying careers, dismantling relationships, damaging physical and mental health.
And all this goes on unacknowledged.
Long read for The i Paper:
inews.co.uk/inews-lifest...
And all this goes on unacknowledged.
Long read for The i Paper:
inews.co.uk/inews-lifest...
'I quit to fight for my son': how the SEND crisis is wrecking women's careers
Four in 10 parents of children with special educational needs have stopped working, and mothers are hit the hardest
inews.co.uk
November 26, 2024 at 3:41 PM
I wrote about the way the SEND crisis is quietly unpicking women's lives - destroying careers, dismantling relationships, damaging physical and mental health.
And all this goes on unacknowledged.
Long read for The i Paper:
inews.co.uk/inews-lifest...
And all this goes on unacknowledged.
Long read for The i Paper:
inews.co.uk/inews-lifest...
Reposted by Anna Bird
We've had a go at one of those starter pack things! The DCP has more than 120 members - here are thoseon Bluesky (DCP members - please let us know if we've missed you out!)
go.bsky.app/4QNiZEF And if your organisation is interested in joining them: email [email protected]
go.bsky.app/4QNiZEF And if your organisation is interested in joining them: email [email protected]
November 25, 2024 at 3:56 PM
We've had a go at one of those starter pack things! The DCP has more than 120 members - here are thoseon Bluesky (DCP members - please let us know if we've missed you out!)
go.bsky.app/4QNiZEF And if your organisation is interested in joining them: email [email protected]
go.bsky.app/4QNiZEF And if your organisation is interested in joining them: email [email protected]
Reposted by Anna Bird
Pleased to see @probonoecon.bsky.social’s research into SEND appeals featured in @pmdfoster.bsky.social’s newsletter this week.
£60-80mn wasted by LAs and courts fighting EHCP cases LAs almost invariably lose
👀 www.probonoeconomics.com/wasting-mone...
£60-80mn wasted by LAs and courts fighting EHCP cases LAs almost invariably lose
👀 www.probonoeconomics.com/wasting-mone...
November 22, 2024 at 9:12 AM
Pleased to see @probonoecon.bsky.social’s research into SEND appeals featured in @pmdfoster.bsky.social’s newsletter this week.
£60-80mn wasted by LAs and courts fighting EHCP cases LAs almost invariably lose
👀 www.probonoeconomics.com/wasting-mone...
£60-80mn wasted by LAs and courts fighting EHCP cases LAs almost invariably lose
👀 www.probonoeconomics.com/wasting-mone...
Reposted by Anna Bird
Shocking news. 36% of UK children are living in poverty according to the latest Social Metrics Commission research (I am one of the Commissioners)
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
November 18, 2024 at 6:19 PM
Shocking news. 36% of UK children are living in poverty according to the latest Social Metrics Commission research (I am one of the Commissioners)
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
We hear this all the time on our helpline @tomshakespeare.bsky.social It’s causing huge amounts of distress.
Hearing today about parents of children with special educational needs being fined for non-attendence, when school has failed to meet those needs. Outrageous.
November 15, 2024 at 12:25 PM
We hear this all the time on our helpline @tomshakespeare.bsky.social It’s causing huge amounts of distress.
We at the Disabled Children’s Partnership welcome the additional £1 billion for SEND, which could make a huge difference for millions of children struggling to get the right support in school if it is spent on recruiting new specialists, training, and speeding up access to support.
October 31, 2024 at 7:51 AM
We at the Disabled Children’s Partnership welcome the additional £1 billion for SEND, which could make a huge difference for millions of children struggling to get the right support in school if it is spent on recruiting new specialists, training, and speeding up access to support.
We at Contact were pleased to hear the Chancellor acknowledge the challenges carers face and increase the earnings limit of Carers Allowance. Many parents have campaigned for this change over many years 👏
October 31, 2024 at 7:44 AM
We at Contact were pleased to hear the Chancellor acknowledge the challenges carers face and increase the earnings limit of Carers Allowance. Many parents have campaigned for this change over many years 👏
Reposted by Anna Bird
Budget reflections a few hours on... 🧵1/7
In her statement the Chancellor said 'change must be felt' - she's right. And it's people experiencing hardship who most need to feel it.
Today's budget contained some necessary actions and some problems...
In her statement the Chancellor said 'change must be felt' - she's right. And it's people experiencing hardship who most need to feel it.
Today's budget contained some necessary actions and some problems...
October 30, 2024 at 7:03 PM
Budget reflections a few hours on... 🧵1/7
In her statement the Chancellor said 'change must be felt' - she's right. And it's people experiencing hardship who most need to feel it.
Today's budget contained some necessary actions and some problems...
In her statement the Chancellor said 'change must be felt' - she's right. And it's people experiencing hardship who most need to feel it.
Today's budget contained some necessary actions and some problems...
Listened to most of it with my 2 children, during their half term. It’s the first time they’ve listened to the budget, feels great that they will always find it totally normal to have a woman holding court on budget day (while the chaps moo in the background).
I feel quite emotional at having a woman with such presence and authority publicly talking *hard numbers*. A really good day for gender role models.
October 30, 2024 at 1:57 PM
Listened to most of it with my 2 children, during their half term. It’s the first time they’ve listened to the budget, feels great that they will always find it totally normal to have a woman holding court on budget day (while the chaps moo in the background).