Newsletter February 2025
PCF Volunteer Training
Our training journey began with a solid foundation in Week 1, featuring expert contributions from leaders like Cllr Adam Llangan and Lisa Alfred from CONTACT. Building on that momentum, Week 4 broadened the discussion with presentations from the SEN and Autism teams, focusing on the roles of inclusion officers, specialist education placements, and the latest DfE guidance.
In Week 2, IASS led an engaging session that provided practical strategies for accessing the right information and services, while Week 3 offered an in-depth exploration of essential topic’s from social care assessments and mediation processes to the evolving roles of SENCOs and the power of co-production. These sessions not only delivered expert insights but also fostered a safe space for honest conversations, where both professionals and parents shared their real challenges and successes. The training is equipping our volunteers with the skills and confidence needed to support families navigating the SEND system. We are incredibly grateful for the passion and commitment of our volunteers and professionals as they work together to break down barriers and drive meaningful change for SEND families.
If you’re inspired by our work and wish to join our team, please get in touch via our contact page.
🌟 Thank You for Joining the Neurodevelopmental Forum! 🌟
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion on support for neurodivergent children and young people in Cheshire West and Chester.
Check out the blog and slides from the event
#CoProduction #InclusionMatters #Neurodiversity #SEND #ParentCarerVoice
📅 Join Us for our Online Forum-Transitions & Pathways 🌐
Are you navigating the educational transition phases for your child with SEND? Join us on March 13th, 2025, for an insightful online event. This session will focus on key education transition phases and pathways, offering valuable insights and real parent experiences.
We’ll hear from key professionals, including a special speaker from the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTI), funded by the DfE, who have been working with our Local Authority on Preparation for Adulthood.
✨ What to Expect:
• Hear from parents about their real-life experiences.
• Gain insights into the SEND pathway and transition phases.
• Learn about strategies to support smooth transitions from education to adulthood.
• Discover the latest initiatives from professionals working with SEND families.
🔗 RSVP Here:https://www.pcfcheshirewest.org/transitions-march25
We look forward to seeing you there!
#SEND #TransitionPhases #EducationPathways #ParentCarerForum #CheshireWest #NDTI #PreparationForAdulthood
☕ Coffee & Chat – Ellesmere Port (Evening)
Are you a parent carer of a child or young person with SEND? Join us for a friendly and informal Coffee & Chat session on Monday, 17th March, from 6 PM to 7 PM at Theatre Porto, Whitby Park, Ellesmere Port.
This is a great chance to:
✅ Meet other SEND parents and carers
✅ Share experiences in a supportive space ✅ Enjoy a relaxed chat over tea or coffee
No need to book—just come along! All SEND parents, carers, and young people are welcome. 💙
Find out more: www.pcfcheshirewest.org
#SENDSupport #ParentCarerForum #EllesmerePort #CoffeeAndChat #CheshireWest
📢 Coffee & Chat ☕
Join us for an informal Coffee & Chat session on Thursday, 20th March, from 10 AM to 12 PM at Live Cheshire, Chester!
Hosted by PCF - Information, Advice & Support Service (IASS), this is a great opportunity to:
✅ Get impartial advice and support for parents, carers, and young people with SEND ✅ Ask questions and share feedback ✅ Connect with other parents and carers in a relaxed setting
No need to book—just drop in! All are welcome. 💙
#SENDSupport #ParentCarerForum #CheshireWest #IASS #CoffeeAndChat
SAVE THE DATES....
Your Futures Fair - Cheshire West
Are you or someone you know planning for life after school or college? The Your Futures Fair is specifically for young people with EHCPs (Education, Health, and Care Plans) and additional needs, offering tailored opportunities and support!
4th March 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Dee Banks School, Chester
This event is packed with opportunities to explore education, employment, and training options. Meet local providers, learn about support services, and discover the next steps to shape your future in a way that works for you!
Free tickets available here: Your Futures Fair Tickets
Spread the word to ensure every young person with additional needs has the chance to plan their future with confidence!
#CheshireWest #YourFuturesFair #EHCP #AdditionalNeeds #Education #Employment #Opportunities
🚨 SPOTSS Spring 2025 Newsletter is here! 🚨
Check out the latest updates from the Sensory Processing OT Support Service (SPOTSS)! 🎉
📢 Highlights in this issue:
🏆 AHP Team of the Year! - Huge congratulations to the team for their recognition at Mid Cheshire Hospital NHS Trust! 👏
🌐 Website Update! - new site is live with referral info, training links & resources for schools and parents.
📚 Universal Training - Free training sessions for schools —
🌀 Sensory Spotlight: Vestibular System - Understanding movement, balance & how to support sensory needs!
📞 New! SPOTSS Info Line via Eventbrite for Parents Carers Parents across Cheshire West & East can now get information to :
🤝 Discuss:
✅ The SPOTSS service offer
✅ How to access support
✅ What input from the service could look like ✅ Broad sensory advice
#SPOTSS #SensorySupport #SEND #OccupationalTherapy #ParentSupport #InclusiveEducation
🗣️ New Speech & Language Therapy (SALT) Pathway Roadmap! 🗣️
If you’re looking for guidance on Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) support, check out the CCICP SALT Pathway Roadmap! This resource outlines the journey for children and young people accessing SALT services, helping families and professionals understand the steps involved.
📌 What you’ll find in the roadmap:
✅ How to access SALT support
✅ Pathways for different levels of need
✅ Guidance for parents, schools, and professionals
📩 Got questions? Contact ccicp.therapyservices@mcht.nhs.uk for more information.
#SpeechAndLanguageTherapy #SALT #SEND #ParentSupport #InclusiveEducation Sent from my iPhone
PCF BLOGS.....
In order to keep you up to date on all of the workstreams we are attending to ensure that your experiences are heard we are creating a new BLOG area on our website.
Discover the Parent Carer Forum (PCF): Who We Are in 10 Minutes
At the Parent Carer Forum (PCF), we’re always looking for new ways to connect with families and share what we do. To offer a more accessible and engaging way of learning about us, we’ve created a 10-minute recording that highlights who we are, what we do, and how we support SEND families across Cheshire West and Chester.
This recording is perfect if you want to understand the work of the PCF but don’t have time to attend a meeting or read through detailed information.
Here’s a sneak peek inside our Parent Volunteer Handbook:
📄 Welcome Letter– Get acquainted with our community!
💬 What is the Parent Carer Forum? – Discover our mission and how we’re making a difference.
❤️ Core Values – Learn about the principles that unite us.
✅ What We Do…and Don't! – Understand our approach and what you can expect.
👥 Role of the Representative – Your role in supporting and representing parents and carers.
🔗 Key Contacts & Legislation– Essential info at your fingertips!
This is just the start. We offer training and support- all designed to empower our reps in their role. 🌟
Looking forward to an amazing journey together!
🎉 Join Our Growing Team at the Parent Carer Forum – Vacancies Available! 🎉
Are you a parent or carer of a child with additional needs or a disability in Cheshire West and Chester? 🌟 The Parent Carer Forum (PCF CWAC) is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join as school representatives for:
💡 Cloughwood Academy
💡 Hinderton School
💡 Hebden Green School
💡 Various mainstream schools & Resource Provisions
💡Nursery Settings
💡Post -16 Settings
Why Join Us?
📣 Amplify Your Voice: Represent the perspectives of parents and carers in your school community. Your feedback will directly influence local services and SEND policies.
🤝 Make a Difference: Be part of a team that shapes positive changes for children and young people with SEND.
🤸Flexibility: You can get involved at a pace that works for you—whether attending meetings, gathering parent feedback, or simply being a point of contact.
What Does a School Rep Do?
• Act as a bridge between parents, schools, and the forum.
• Share information and feedback with the PCF to support collective representation.
• Contribute to creating better opportunities and outcomes for families in your area.
How to Get Involved
📲 Contact Us to express interest or find out more:
👉 https://www.pcfcheshirewest.org/contact
🎥 Learn More: Watch Our Video https://youtu.be/vcfmJHiGoKw
Don't forget that you can keep up to date with the latest PCF news and signposting information by checking our website and following us on Facebook.
📢 Have Your Say on Ofsted’s Proposed Changes! 📢
Ofsted has launched a consultation on its proposed changes to education inspections, aiming to make them fairer and more transparent. One of the key proposals is to replace single-word grades with a more detailed report card system, assessing areas like curriculum, teaching quality, student achievement, leadership, and values.
However, there are concerns that these changes could increase pressure on schools and may not fully reflect the diverse needs of students, especially those with SEND.
📌 This is an important opportunity for parents, carers, and professionals to have their voices heard.
🔗 Read about the proposals here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ofsted-sets-out-proposals-for-fairer-education-inspections-and-new-more-detailed-report-cards
🔗 Share your views in the consultation:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-way-ofsted-inspects-education
🔍 For a critical review of these changes, read Special Needs Jungle’s analysis here:
https://www.specialneedsjungle.com/
Your feedback can help shape a more inclusive and effective inspection system. Let’s make sure the SEND community is part of this conversation!
#SEND #OfstedConsultation #HaveYourSay #EducationMatters Sent from my iPhone
Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to let you know that the Department for Education and the Council for Disabled Children have just published two sets of guidance to support school governing boards in understanding their role and responsibilities in relation to children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities and empowering them to hold their schools to account.
We would like to invite you please to help raise awareness and use of these publications:
SEN and disability duties: guidance for school governing boards
This guidance from the Department for Education provides a high level summary of the expectations of boards in relation to disability and SEN. It includes a checklist for governors/trustees and suggestions about how to use school performance data and build an evidence base to underpin its strategic oversight.
Equality Act 2010 and disabled pupils: A guide for governors and trustees
The Council for Disabled Children guide which was commissioned by the Department, focuses in more detail on the Equality Act duties to disabled pupils. It sets out the individually owed duties and the more strategic duties; and again it promotes a discussion about the evidence that governing boards need in order to understand how well the duties are being met in their school.
To illustrate how the duties work in practice, the guide uses examples from schools and from case law where claim
Research Opportunity for Parents of Autistic Children moving to Adult Mental Health Services
Are you a parent of an autistic young person who has experienced the transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS)?
A doctoral research study from Royal Holloway, University of London, is looking for at least eight participants to share their experiences in a remote, one-hour interview.
Existing research highlights that autistic young adults are more likely to fall through the gap between CAMHS and AMHS, often leaving parents to provide additional emotional support. This study aims to explore how parents experience this transition and the impact it has on them.
This research has been ethically approved and is not affiliated with the NHS.
If you’re interested or would like more information, please get in touch with Charlotte Roche, Trainee Clinical Psychologist.
Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested!
#Autism #CAMHStoAMHS #ParentCarers #ResearchOpportunity #SEND
CATCH is a free mobile app for expectant mums, parents & carers of children aged 0-5! Download today to access reliable health information with health reminders like vaccination dates, guidance for your child's age range and local support services!
USEFUL CONTACTS....
Live Well Cheshire West - www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Information Advice and Support Service (IASS) - Tel 0300 123 7001
www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Services/1279
SEN Team - Tel 0151 337 6505
senteam@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Starting Well - www.startingwell.org.uk/
West Cheshire 0-16 CAMHS Tel - 01244 393200
www.cwp.nhs.uk/services-and-locations/services/west-cheshire-0-16-camhs/
IPSEA- Call-in Helpline Tel- 0300 22 5899
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/Pages/Category/service-overview
CONTACT Advice Line -Tel-0808 808 3555
https://contact.org.uk/
Get Involved with the PCF....
We are always looking for new parents and carers to join us. You can attend meetings, give feedback to influence the services your child or young person uses or help us to identify the gaps in services. Also, a chance to meet other parents and learn about what's on offer in Cheshire West & Chester.
email contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com
or join us for one of our meetings. We hope to see you soon!
Copyright © 2024 CWAC PCF, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com
