Campaigners in Solihull have launched a nationwide petition to Parliament calling for urgent reforms to safeguarding and social care referral practices for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), in the wake of the abuse scandal involving jailed teaching assistant Daniel Clarke.
The petition — which already has over 400 signatures — calls on the Government to investigate what campaigners describe as the misuse of safeguarding procedures and social care referrals that they say too often penalise families instead of protecting vulnerable children.
Daniel Clarke, 29, from Walsall, was sentenced in May to seven years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to a series of child sex offences involving boys with SEND. Police believe his abuse may have spanned a decade, with over 80 potential victims, some of whom he met while working at Forest Oak School and through the Solihull-based charity Social Life Opportunities (Solo).
Now, parents and campaigners are warning that the systems meant to protect children — particularly those with additional needs — are not just failing, but may be actively harming families through misdirected safeguarding referrals, particularly when schools struggle to meet pupils’ needs.
“We believe families supporting vulnerable young people deserve compassion, protection, and appropriate services — not suspicion, blame, or gaslighting when systems in place do not meet their legal duties,” a campaign spokesperson said.
The Parliament petition, titled Investigate safeguarding & social care referral practices for SEND children, urges the Government to ensure duties under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 are upheld, and for schools to adopt trauma-informed practices before triggering safeguarding actions.
Growing cross-party support
The petition has received support from across the political spectrum in Solihull, including MP Saqib Bhatti MBE, Conservative MP for Meriden and Solihull East, and members of all major political parties on Solihull Council.
Among those backing the call are:
- Cllr Samantha Gethen, Solihull Independents – Chair of the Children’s Services and Education Scrutiny Board
- Cllr Sarah Philips, Liberal Democrats – Vice Chair of the same board
- Cllr Michael Gough, Leader of Solihull Independents
- Cllr Max McLoughlin, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of Solihull Green Party
- Cllr Shahin Ashraf MBE, Deputy Leader of the Green Party in Solihull
- Cllr Hazel Dawkins, Labour Party councillor for Kingshurst & Fordbridge
The campaign warns that SEND families often face unjust social care referrals, particularly neurodiverse mothers, when support systems break down. They say many are pushed toward Elective Home Education (EHE) or Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) — protective measures which are then used against them in social care assessments.
“As mental health concerns and unmet needs among children and families continue to rise, many parents are left with no option but to withdraw their children from school settings in order to protect their wellbeing and safety,” the petition reads.
Call for signatures
The petition must reach 10,000 signatures to trigger a formal government response, and 100,000 for a potential Parliamentary debate. Campaigners are urging supporters to sign and share widely.
“This situation must change. Please take a moment to support this important cause,” they said in a statement.
You can view and sign the petition here:
🔗 https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727229