In a recent development regarding the Reform UK party, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who is the candidate for the first mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, has expressed differing views on children with special educational needs (SEND) compared to her party leader Nigel Farage. Dame Andrea, a former Conservative minister, has openly shared her personal experience with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for both herself and her young son.
During a press conference last week, Nigel Farage raised concerns about the excessive number of diagnoses of special educational needs in children. He remarked that many of these diagnoses, whether it be for SEND before 18 years old or for the disability register after 18, were conducted remotely via Zoom with the family GP. Farage voiced his opinion that there might be an over-diagnosis of mental illness and general behavioral disabilities in children.
When Dame Andrea was asked to address Nigel Farage’s comments, she acknowledged the difference in perspectives between them. She pointed out that disagreements within a party are common, drawing from her experience of being a vocal critic within the Conservative party. Dame Andrea emphasized her personal background as a parent, someone who is neurodiverse, and a former MP who witnessed the struggles of children being left behind without timely diagnoses and educational support.
Reflecting on her personal journey as a parent, Dame Andrea shared instances where children had to wait three or four years to receive a diagnosis, leading to significant delays in educational progress. She recounted making the decision to enroll her child in private school after realizing he was falling behind in mainstream education. Dame Andrea emphasized the importance of ensuring every child, irrespective of their background, receives adequate support to thrive. Additionally, a source close to Nigel Farage clarified that he was highlighting concerns about potential overdiagnosis of mental health issues in children
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