CAMPAIGNERS are marching to make a stand against the school funding crisis.

The charity SEND National Crisis believes a lack of funding in schools is heavily impacting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

As well as campaigning for more funding to meet SEND children's needs, the charity is asking for one consistent SEND process across all local authorities.

A march is taking place through Colchester town centre tomorrow.

Louise Richards, Colchester march co-ordinator, said there are many parents and carers battling an "unfair system".

She said: "In 2016 only 55.7 per cent of new Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were issued within the 20-week time limit and there is rarely any action taken to ensure local authorities are adhering to procedures correctly and on time.

"Instead we are told there is no money to support our children and so they continue to struggle unsupported."

EHCPs are issued to children with special educational needs to keep track of their progress and make sure they get the right support at school.

Louise said funds given to support children with SEND are not ring-fenced due to the overall lack of funding in schools.

She said: "We have now decided to act. Across the country people from all walks of life will be marching to protest about these failings."

The aim is for the SEND legislation to be reassessed with parents in mind.

The charity is asking for parents to be included on independent panels to ensure lawful and ethical practices by local authorities.

The march will start at Colchester Baptist Church in Eld Lane and will loop around the town centre and high street, finishing at Castle Park.

It will start at noon and guest speakers include the former president of the National Education Union Louise Regan and Jenny Jackson from Autism Anglia.