By Fatma Younis
Shelley White, whose 13-year-old daughter Eivie died by suicide in 2023 after Kent County Council failed to provide adequate support for her severe mental health needs, criticized the government's response during Prime Minister's Questions.
PMQs clash over SEND reforms
Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan raised Eivie's case, accusing the government of using special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms to further downgrade children's rights. He cited 205 avoidable child suicide cases and 1,253 testimonies of misconduct across 134 local authorities, with police now involved.
Government response
First Secretary Louise Haigh, deputising for the Prime Minister, expressed sympathy and emphasized the importance of SEND reform. She offered a meeting between Coghlan and Education Secretary Lucy Powell, stating that education, health and care plans would remain and the tribunal would stay a legal backstop.
Mother's reaction
White said the answer felt like families were being "fobbed off again." She hoped to be included in any meeting with Powell, stressing that direct communication had been lacking throughout her daughter's case.
Background on Eivie's case
Eivie was diagnosed with severe autism, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder. Kent County Council initially denied support, and her secondary school did not fully implement required provisions. The council opposed a move to a specialist school. After her death, the family was initially refused relocation, forcing Eivie's sister to sleep in the room where she died.
Council statement
Kent County Council acknowledged the tragedy and regretted any failure to meet expected standards, citing a 2022 inspection that identified areas for improvement and ongoing work to address recommendations.
