Isle Of Wight Families Set To Join National ‘Every Pair Tells A Story’ Campaign

Families across the Isle of Wight will come together on Monday morning (November 2) as part of Every Pair Tells a Story — a national campaign highlighting the struggles faced by children failed by the education system.

The event, organised by The SEND Sanctuary UK in partnership with Let Us Learn Too and Let’s Make a Difference, will take place outside County Hall in Newport from 10.30am to 1pm.

Pairs of children’s shoes will be displayed outside the building to represent every child across England whose educational needs have been ignored, misunderstood, or dismissed.

Organisers say the movement stands for all children — including those missing from education, waiting for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), or struggling in schools without the right support.

“These shoes tell the stories of children who want to learn, play and be included,” said Aimee Bradley, founder of The SEND Sanctuary UK.

“No child should be left behind because the system decided their needs were too complex or too inconvenient.

"This is about every child failed by broken promises and endless red tape.”

More than 60 events will take place across England on the same day, each one aiming to make visible the families who feel they’ve been left behind by a system that promises inclusion but often delivers isolation.

Parents are also calling for urgent action from both local authorities and central government. With national SEND reforms on the horizon, they say any changes must reflect the lived experiences of families.

“The government must listen to parents,” Aimee added.

“We are not the problem — we are the evidence of the problem. Our children deserve more than words. They deserve real change.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend the Isle of Wight event or donate a pair of children’s shoes to be displayed on the day.

After the event, all donated shoes will be given to local charities supporting children and families in need.

Event Details:

📍 County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO40 1UD

🗓 Monday 3 November 2025

⏰ 10.30am – 1pm

👟 Public welcome to attend or donate a pair of children’s shoes

About The SEND Sanctuary UK:

The SEND Sanctuary UK is a parent-led national community of over 35,000 families campaigning for accountability, inclusion, and real change for children with special educational needs and disabilities.