Care review leaves questions unanswered, parents say

Parents of children with complex disabilities say a review into a therapy service has failed to answer key questions about their children's care.

The report identified failings including staffing shortages and communication breakdowns within Sirona Care & Health's children's therapy service. But families say it does not fully address the issues that led them to speak out.

In a statement, Sirona chief executive Jo Beer said it was a "balanced assessment" and the organisation was focused on "learning and improving".

In December, families of children with scoliosis - curvature of the spine - said Sirona was failing to supply experienced physiotherapists to Claremont School in Bristol.

This followed a decision from the healthcare provider to reduce the number of physiotherapists at the school and instead instruct unqualified teaching staff how to manage the condition.

Among the parents is Claudia, whose son Matei attends Claremont School. She said she had faced a "huge battle" to make sure Matei's needs were fully met by his education, health and care plan (EHCP).

An EHCP is a legal document for children and young people aged up to 25 who need more support, and identifies educational, health and social needs. On this basis, it sets out the support a child or young person is entitled to.

With a number of complex physical disabilities including cerebral palsy, double scoliosis and a history of major hip surgery, Matei's family said they had to challenge the level of physiotherapy provision included in his EHCP.

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Source: BBC News, 21 August 2026