Scientists from the UK government’s Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST) have been gathering evidence on the experience of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The report highlights the dire state of provision in the UK and the growing number of assistance. The situation has worsened considerably in recent years, the impact of cuts and then the devastation of services during the pandemic taking its toll.

Impact on working parents

The impact of the current SEND crisis on working parents should not be underestimated. Special Needs Jungle reports that Educational appeals courts are won 98.7% of the timebut this does not translate into unlocking the correct provision. Parents trying to navigate the system, advocate for their children and get the right support experience stress levels similar to those of combat veterans. Yes, you read that right – stress is similar to that of combat veterans as measured by cortisol levels. Many parents cannot overcome these obstacles and dead ends, end up leaving the workforce, and the burden falls disproportionately on women. A report by the SEND Kids Support charity found that 41% of parents struggling with the system had to leave work or cut back hours, and that the ratio of women to men was almost 10:1.

Autistic children constitute a disproportionate number of those without provisions, indicating the struggle we still have getting proper adjustments for basic issues like sensory sensitivity. To be clear, it is not the children themselves who are causing the parents stress. The lack of support and the amount of work required to obtain basic services is what causes the extreme stress. And we’re losing talented employees in the process.

What does this mean for employers?

ONE: Although progress has been made towards gender parity in the workplace in recent decades, the crisis limits the potential of mothers of children with disabilities. We cannot achieve our ambition for women if we ignore this group.

TWO: Even those still working, both moms and dads, face levels of stress that are unsustainable and likely to cause harm. Our wellness insurance needs to incorporate this group, offering preventive and remedial options.

THREE: There is 1.7 million children in the UK with identified special educational needs. There will be more yet to be identified, where parents and carers are still fighting for recognition. It’s not something we can ignore in the workplace.

What changes did POST recommend?

With the Labor government signaling sweeping education reforms, this was the perfect time to make policy recommendations. POST recommended three main changes: (1) co-production of plans with parents, children and carers, (2) streamlining of service pathways; and (3) increased accountability on the part of service providers. All three recommendations are very welcome, putting families at the center of discussions through co-production will hopefully create the necessary change in direction. Streamlining services will reduce the painful reiterative explanations that currently start over in every interaction. However, changes will take a long way from report to adopted policy, and there are many barriers in their way. Educational pedagogy around children always being ‘best at school’ and discriminatory attendance targets is a fixed mindset for many providers and decision makers.

Can HR help?

Employees with children in the system will need ongoing support for their care tasks. I recommend a proactive approach rather than waiting for them to fall. Invite the parents who are affected to a discussion, either one-on-one or in a group. Ask them how you can support them to stay in the job, if that will work best for them. Create some flexibility in terms of hours, location and the need to be on call during the work day, temporary sabbaticals. When your daily experience is one of conflict with a cold and unforgiving system, kindness and flexibility will breed trust and loyalty. Don’t underestimate the long-term rewards of supporting parents during this difficult time, both financially and morally. If you value your colleagues, now is the time to show them.