By Islam El-Sakka
Shelley White, whose 13-year-old daughter Eivie took her own life in March 2023, has accused ministers of dismissing campaigners demanding reform of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision. The criticism follows an exchange in prime minister's questions where Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan highlighted Eivie's case and warned that planned reforms could weaken children's legal protections.
PMQs confrontation
During the session, Coghlan told the House of Commons that Eivie died after eight years of refusals by Kent County Council to support her autism. He cited 205 cases of avoidable child suicide and 1,253 testimonies of misconduct across 134 local authorities, adding that police are now involved. First Secretary Louise Haigh, deputising for the prime minister, expressed sympathy and said Education Secretary Lucy Powell is leading work to strengthen the system. Haigh offered Coghlan a meeting with Powell to discuss the issue.
Mother's criticism
White, from Maidstone in Kent, said the offer felt like another attempt to "fob off" campaigners. "I did not think much of the answer. It felt like we were being fobbed off again," she said. She hopes to be included in any meeting with Powell to speak directly about her family's experience.
Eivie's story
Eivie was diagnosed with severe autism, ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder at primary school. Her family was initially denied support by Kent County Council and only received help after her primary school intervened. At secondary school, she was placed in isolation when bullied and teachers did not always read her care documents. The council opposed a move to a specialist school. After her death, the family was initially refused a request to move homes, forcing Eivie's sister to sleep in the room where she died; relocation took four months once agreed.
Council response
Kent County Council said it deeply regrets any occasion where services fell short of expected standards. A spokesperson noted that a 2022 inspection identified areas for improvement and that the council and its partners have worked to address those issues.
Wider campaign
Coghlan has encouraged parents to report councils to the police for criminal misconduct where children have been failed. He has compiled 1,253 cases covering 134 local authorities and said Haigh did not deny his charge that the government plans to downgrade children's rights further in the SEND reforms, which reports suggest have been delayed until at least 2027.
