The postcode lottery in UK's SEND system isn't just frustrating—it's devastating families. This raw, eye-opening conversation with Rebecca Harrison reveals the shocking truth about educational inequality across neighboring boroughs.

Rebecca brings a uniquely powerful perspective as both a former SENCO and mother to two neurodivergent children. Despite her professional background and intimate understanding of the educational system, she's been unable to secure appropriate schooling for her autistic son—all because of where they live. While her local authority offers minimal provision through converted village halls and makeshift attachments to mainstream schools, just a mile away in neighboring boroughs, dedicated autism schools and comprehensive support services exist.

The conversation exposes the painful reality many families face: diagnosis delays stretching years, mainstream schools excluding children after mere weeks, and the agonizing choice between relocating or accepting inadequate support. Rebecca shares her discovery of hidden NHS diagnostic quotas that arbitrarily limit autism diagnoses per financial year and reveals how government "Safety Valve Agreements" incentivize local authorities to keep children in-borough at any cost—even when appropriate educational settings don't exist.

Yet this isn't just a story of systemic failure. Rebecca has transformed her frustration into action by creating the SEND Home Ed Circle, an online community providing resources, lessons and support for families educating neurodivergent children at home. Her three powerful tips—never give up, recognize that neither you nor your child are broken, and "don't let the bastards get you down"—offer a rallying cry for parents fighting similar battles.

Join our WhatsApp community to connect with parents who understand these struggles. Together, we can support each other through the challenges of raising neurodivergent children in a system that wasn't built for them.

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