What do SEND families want to see from government?

Oluyinka says her son Lolu has settled in well at the SEND group and she wants everyone to feel welcome

The mother of a four-year-old boy with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) fears families are being priced out of educational provision.

Michelle, from Bedfordshire, said the level of care people can give their children is being restricted depending on their financial circumstances.

She is one of a number of people who spoke to BBC News at a SEND community group in the county.

What do they want from any incoming government when it comes to SEND?

'There are restrictions'

Michelle hopes the cost of providing activities for SEND children, like her son Brody, can be reduced

Michelle attends the group, which provides activities for SEND children, with her four-year-old son Brody.

She says her biggest fear ahead of the general election is that youngsters such as Brody will not be on the political agenda.

"The cost of things has gone up and it makes lot of parents not able to access provisions, especially if they have to get a bus or a taxi somewhere," Michelle says.

Michelle gives the example of soft play centres, claiming that parents are being priced out of taking their children to the facilities.

"For different activities, the prices have gone up and it makes you think about the things you can do and what is accessible to you," she adds.

"There are restrictions depending on your circumstances, and hopefully [any government] can look at reducing costs."

'Parents need a break'

Sonny Masih says parents need to have some respite from the care they deliver to their children

For Sonny Masih, who helps to facilitate activities at the SEND group, there are not enough safe spaces like theirs in Bedfordshire.

He visits schools and hosts workshops to give families and teachers alike some respite, but he worries that there is a general lack of provision.

"We need more places like this for children to come and visit and partake in activities," he tells our reporter.

"It's not just for the children though, it's for the adults as well.

"They are doing great work at home but sometimes they need a break too."

'Make everyone feel welcome'

Oluyinka wants any future government to ensure there is widespread access to SEND provision

Oluyinka visits the group with her son, Lolu, who is one of more than 1.5 million SEND pupils in England.

She says Lolu has settled in well but it is the first time she has visited in the six years she has been living in the area.

For Oluyinka, any incoming government must ensure children like her son are not forgotten about.

"For everyone with special needs, [the government needs to make sure] everyone is welcome," she says.

"Whoever gets in there needs to make provision and make sure everyone is OK."

'I'm always worried'

Ayesha and Ranjna say it has become less safe for children in wider society to go out and about

Ayesha Jassi and Ranjna Ladher both volunteer at the group, they are passionate about giving youngsters the best possible chance in life.

They fear for both children in mainstream education and those with SEND over how safe they are in society.

The volunteers cite crime as a major concern and want to see the next government address it.

"Recently there has been a lot of crime, knife crime, in children which is really sad," Ms Jassi says.

"I think there is not a lot out there for kids to do. There used to be youth clubs - a place where people could go - and now they don't really have that."

Ms Ladher adds: "With my children, I wouldn't let them go out because I am always scared they're going to go out and something is going to happen.

"I'm always worried, we need something where children can be safe."