Parents are working together to see better provision for children with special educational needs in Cumbria.

Jenny Beddows from Distington, is one of the parents who received a letter last week denying her child a place at Mayfield School, which offers specialist education to children with severe and complex disabilities.

Sebastian, 3, has severe autism, global development delay and a learning disability. Like others in his situation, Jenny’s son is non-verbal, he is not toilet trained and he is prone to hurting himself and others when he becomes overwhelmed.

Jenny said: “He has no safety awareness so he can be a risk to himself and other people. He climbs up to high places.”

Despite his complex needs, Sebastian has not been given a place at Mayfield. Jenny has joined a group of parents in their campaign for more SEN provision in West Cumbria.

“It’ll bring awareness to it and hopefully pressure the council to put pressure on the Government.”

Jenny has spoken to Copeland MP Trudy Harrison to help get the word out.

“She’s carrying that forward and having meeting with the council.”

After hearing her story, Mrs Harrison got in touch with Jenny from the House of Commons.

“She’d been at Prime Minister’s questions in the Houses of Parliament, she’d been with Boris Johnson when she phoned me.”

Jenny hopes that the campaign will result in more places and special needs schools for those who need them.

Councillor Sue Sanderson, cabinet member for schools and learning, said: “Unfortunately, overall demand for places at the county’s Special Schools exceeds the number available each year.

“We understand parents’ frustration and we are lobbying central Government to provide the additional funding that is needed to meet the growing demand.

“This situation is not unique to Cumbria, across the country Local Authorities are struggling to meet increasing demand due to inadequate Government funding.

“Where children do not secure a place they will normally be supported to attend mainstream school.”