Parents turn son's SEND struggle into £30,000 lifeline for families in Sheffield and North East Derbyshire

A family who spent three years battling to secure the right education for their son are now funding support for other children left struggling in the same system, writes Neil Anderson

Gavin and Helen Bailey, founders of Qualitas Sport which has a base in South Yorkshire, have announced a £30,000 programme of funded SEND provision for families across Sheffield and North East Derbyshire, following their own experience navigating what they describe as an “overwhelmed and complex” system.

Their son Zak, now eight, is non-verbal, has autism, ADHD and significant learning disability. Despite repeated efforts to secure appropriate support through the system, the family say it took three years to reach a point where his needs were properly recognised and met.

Gavin Bailey said: “We had the knowledge, the contacts and the support around us - and it still took three years. It’s exhausting, and a lot of families just don’t have the capacity to keep fighting.”

The family - who live in Oakerthorpe near Alfreton - were supported throughout the process by specialist legal and educational expertise, including leading SEND advocate Chrissy Meleady OBE.

She said: “Cases like this are sadly not uncommon. Many families find themselves navigating a system that is complex, time-consuming and, at times, overwhelming.

Without access to the right advice and expert evidence, it can be extremely difficult to secure appropriate provision.”

A key turning point in Zak’s case came through commissioning an independent Educational and Child Psychology report, which helped clearly evidence his needs and the level of specialist provision required.

Helen Bailey said: “My passion has always been creating a safe, supportive and fun environment where children can feel happy and free to express themselves.

Zak has such a zest for life, and without him we would never have truly understood how individual every child’s needs are.

“Our coaching staff build incredible bonds with SEND children, regardless of ability, and although we’ve now secured the right place for Zak, we want other families to feel that same sense of hope and support.”

Rather than stepping away once Zak secured a place at a specialist school, the family have chosen to use their experience to support others earlier in the process.

Through Qualitas, which already delivers SEND provision to schools across the region, they will now fund a programme of free sessions designed to support children with additional needs, including swimming-based and sensory activities aimed at improving confidence, communication and wellbeing.

The first funded sessions are due to begin in the coming weeks, with places expected to be in high demand.

The Baileys also hope the initiative will form the foundation of a wider programme, with ambitions to secure additional funding to expand the support available to families across the region.

Gavin Bailey added: “Qualitas is committed to helping bridge the gap within existing provision to better support our three main stakeholders - children, families, and school communities.

“We have delivered similar impactful work through sport over the past 15 years, and we believe this is the right step in helping drive meaningful change and provide greater support for the most disadvantaged within our communities.”

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