In Andalusia, where political disagreements often stall decision-making, a rare moment of unity has unexpectedly emerged. In an election year, with parliamentary tensions running high, all regional parties have agreed to launch a sweeping reform of inclusive education. Driving this move are not only political leaders but also persistent pressure from parents, united in the Codapa confederation, who are tired of waiting for change for their children.
At the center of attention are children with special educational needs. In Andalusia, their numbers have already reached 180,000 and continue to grow. Parents, teachers, and experts insist that the current system is failing and that the legal framework is long outdated. As a result, many families face a shortage of specialists, are forced to take their children to other cities, or settle for minimal attention from schools. In some cases, according to Codapa president Martina Jiménez, the situation becomes desperate.
A rare consensus
In the Andalusian parliament, representatives of all political parties—from left to right—have signed a jointly agreed document that will form the basis for a new strategy on inclusive education. For the first time in years, the opposition and ruling party have found themselves united. The talks included not only lawmakers but also unions, family associations, experts, and even representatives from organizations that work with children with special needs.
The document proposes revising regulations, reducing the student-to-specialist ratio, increasing the number of teaching staff, and introducing new roles such as school nurse. Special attention is given to supporting children even after they finish compulsory education—in upper grades and vocational training. Parents demand that support should not end with graduation from school.
The battle for resources
Despite reaching a consensus, disagreements remain. The main debates center on funding and staffing. Left-wing parties call for increasing the budget and strengthening public schools to ensure inclusion becomes a reality, not just words. They point out their previous initiatives to reduce teacher workloads and improve conditions for children with special needs had been blocked by the ruling party’s majority.
For their part, right-wing party representatives defend the steps already taken: increasing funding, reducing class sizes, and hiring more specialists. However, parents and experts consider these measures insufficient, as the number of children with special needs has tripled in recent years while resources struggle to keep up.
The parents’ voice
Codapa, which brings together parent associations, has become a true catalyst for change. Their persistence forced politicians to come to the negotiating table and seek compromise. Parents share stories of children who have to wait for help for months, and sometimes do not receive any support at all. The lack of school nurses, shortage of specialists for children with hearing and speech impairments, and constant transfers between schools have become the norm for many families.
Martina Jiménez doesn’t hide her emotions: “The problems are so acute that sometimes you just want to go out into the street and protest.” She emphasizes that the agreed document is only the beginning, and parents will closely monitor how authorities keep their promises.
What’s next
Andalusia faces a tough challenge: turning political promises into real change. The region has already allocated 636 million euros to support children with special educational needs, but parents and experts believe this is not enough. They are demanding not only funding, but also a clear strategy that will allow for planning the development of the system for years to come.
The question of how exactly the parties will incorporate the new measures into their election programs remains unresolved. Codapa has pledged to support any steps aimed at real improvements, but also makes it clear that it will not ignore attempts to stall the process. Parents and experts expect more than just promises—they want concrete action and are ready to speak out again if change is put at risk.
