Update from Cabinet Member for Children and Families Adam Langan on becoming an Inclusive Borough

We recently asked Cllr Adam Langan for an update on the progress made so far. He highlighted key developments, including significant investment in the SEND team, improvements in EHCP processing times, and the establishment of a new governance framework to strengthen partnerships. There is still work to do, but steps are being taken to drive meaningful change. 

Read the full update here: https://www.pcfcheshirewest.org/update-adam-langan

If you have any questions about any of the above or just want to give your feedback of yours and your child’s experience, feel free to email Adam on Adam.langan@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

You can view the details motion ‘ Becoming an Inclusive Borough’ including watching the parents' carers speak here 👇

PCF UPDATES…….

In order to keep you up to date on all of the works we are involved in to ensure that your experiences are heard, we have created a new BLOG area on our website. Here are some of the latest updates….

Transitions & Pathways 

On March 13th, 2025, an informative session took place to guide families navigating key life stages for their children. This blog highlights the session's critical insights and available resources to support families in Cheshire West and Chester. 

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the recent Transitions & Pathways forum! 
Your time, insights, and contributions made the event truly valuable. A special thank you to the parents who shared their experiences and stories! 

 For those who couldn’t attend or would like to revisit the discussion, you can catch up on the recording here

 PINS Update – Access Free Online Training & Resources! 
Parent Carer Forum Cheshire West is continuing to support families through the PINS (Partnership Inclusion Nurodiversty Schools) Project, helping to strengthen relationships between parents, schools, and professionals.

We’re excited to share a range of online training recordings and training resources designed to support understanding and collaboration.

Explore the latest updates & training materials here: 👇

Empowering Parents, Transforming Services: Our Unique Parent Volunteer Training
At the Parent Carer Forum Cheshire West, we believe that lived experience is the key to improving SEND services. Our recent six-week Parent Volunteer Training Programme was designed to equip parent carers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work alongside professionals, advocate for families, and influence real change.
A huge thank you to all the parent carers who attended our free training sessions! We covered key topics to help navigate the SEND system, understand rights, and build confidence in supporting children and young people with SEND.

If you missed out, don’t worry! You can view our Blog and training materials 👇

Neuro-Affirmative Language in Cheshire West And Chester

Have your settings embraced neuro-affirmative language? Are professionals across all sectors using it in their work?

Please take a moment to remind them of the importance of neuro-affirmative language and how parents and carers have shaped this approach. 

Let’s ensure the voices of families are reflected in the way we communicate.

Read the blog here and view more resources see

Exciting Update! The CWAC Autism Service Family Support Padlet is Now Live!

We’re pleased to share that after some working with Parents & Carers the CWAC Autism Specialist Teaching Service Family Support Padlet is now live on the Cheshire West and Chester Live Well website! 

The Padlet is designed to be a central hub for families, offering helpful resources, guidance, and support for those navigating life with autism. For now, you’ll find the link on the autism service page, but we expect it to evolve over time, adding links to other key pages based on what parents tell us they need.

CLICK HERE to Read more about the Autism service here:

We’d love to hear your feedback—let us know what you think and if there’s anything you’d like to see included! 

The latest Cheshire West and Chester Council SEND Newsletter is out, and there are some updates from Amanda Perraton, the new Executive Director for Children and Families!

Working Together for Positive Change

This newsletter reflects real progress, with a clear commitment to improving SEND services. By increasing specialist support, making EHCP processes more efficient, and strengthening co-production, there are real opportunities for families and professionals to continue working together.

So, how can we keep shaping services?

📣 Keep sharing your experiences – whether things are working well or need improvement, feedback helps shape the system.

🤝 Engage with the Parent Carer Forum – the PCF is a key link between families and decision-makers.

📚 Stay informed – as services develop, staying up to date ensures we can all make the most of what’s available.

With a shared commitment to inclusion and support, we can continue to build a SEND system that works for everyone.

IASS (information advice support service)

 Free, Impartial, and Expert Advice for SEND Support!

Did you know that the IASS (Information, Advice, and Support Service) offers free, impartial, and expert advice for families navigating SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) issues? From advice on EHCPs, school placements, attendance and exclusions and much more!

The IASS team is fully trained ensuring that families receive top-quality guidance based on the latest regulations and best practices.

Whether you need help understanding your rights, navigating the education system, or accessing support services, the IASS is here for you – completely free of charge.
To learn more about how IASS and PCF work together read latest Sip and Learn Coffee Event with IASS and parent carers and on how IASS can support below 👇

SIP & LEARN Drop-in Coffee Event📅 Date: 24th April
⏰ Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
📍 Location: Down Syndrome Cheshire

Come along for a cuppa and a chat at our friendly drop-in session! This is a great chance to:
Find out about key health services that can support you and your family
Speak directly with professionals from the Sensory Processing Team, Starting Well, and Speech & Language Therapy

Get advice, ask questions, and access support in a relaxed and welcoming space

No need to book—just drop in! We look forward to seeing you there.

For more info, contact: contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com 
TELEPHONE: 07900 840 867

Coffee & Chat Online 24th April 6pm-7:30pm (Evening)Relaxed and Easy going Vibes! 
Meet other parent carers and share experiences in a safe supported space

Join our online coffee chat—a friendly space to connect, share, or simply relax.
Pop in or out whenever it suits you—no pressure!

Bring your favourite brew, sit back, and let's chat!

SAVE THE DATES....

New Financial Toolkit for Parents & Carers!
Friday 16th May 10:30am - 11:30am
We know that navigating the financial challenges of raising a child with additional needs can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re excited to share the Parent Carer Forum Cheshire West Financial Toolkit—a resource designed to help you find the support, benefits, and grants available to families like yours!
Topics Covered:

Benefits & financial support
Grants & funding opportunities
Help with energy bills & cost of living
 Wills & trusts

Transition to adulthood & decision-making
Local and national resources

What does Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) mean?

PfA’s four key areas:

Employment – Work experience & career goals
Independent Living – Daily life skills & responsibilities
Friends, Relationships & Community – Social opportunities & networks
Good Health – Managing healthcare transitions & well-being

Planning early—not just from Year 9 but even in early years—creates more opportunities for children to explore, grow, and gain independence.

   The SEND Code of Practice 2015 Chapter 8 “Preparing for Adulthood from the Earliest Years” provides a clear description of agencies’ responsibilities.”

Let’s plan with intention!
Join us to shape a future where young people with SEND have independence, opportunity, and choice.

  More details coming soon!

Easter Holiday Fun!
Join us for a fantastic Easter Eggstravaganza—a fun and inclusive holiday session designed for children and young people with SEND! 🐣🎨🎉

Expect lots of fun activities, including:
🐰 Scavenger hunt & Easter egg hunt
🐣 Making cornflake chick nest cakes
🎨 Easter crafts & decoration
🎯 Classic games like pin the tail on the bunny
🏃 Mini Easter-themed physical activities

💡 Sessions are FREE, but booking is essential!
📧 Email bookings@endorphins.uk to secure your spot.

Come along, have fun, and make some wonderful Easter memories! 🌸🐰✨

New Support for Families: Dynamic Support Keyworkers 
Does your child or young person have a learning disability and/or autism and is at risk of mental health inpatient admission?

The Dynamic Support Keyworker service is here to help!

What do Keyworkers do?
🔹 Work closely with families and professionals to prevent hospital admissions where possible.
🔹 Ensure support is in place for a smoother transition if a hospital stay is necessary.
🔹 Help coordinate care and make sure services work together effectively.
🔹 Offer advice and guidance to empower families and improve access to the right support.

📌 Who is eligible?
 • Children and young people up to age 25 with a learning disability and/or autism.
 • Those at risk of placement breakdown or needing Tier 4 mental health support.

📩 How to get a Keyworker?
Referrals can be made for those on the Dynamic Support Database (DSD). To find out more, contact:
📞 01925 944443 (Option 2)
📧 handw.cyp@cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk

💡 This service aims to improve outcomes, reduce crisis situations, and ensure families feel heard and supported.

If you think this could help your family, reach out today!

Important Update on Disability Benefit Changes

The National Network Parent Carer Forum (NNPCF) understands that many families are deeply concerned about recent changes to key benefit entitlements, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit, and the impact on Carer’s Allowance.

While the Green Paper primarily focuses on benefits for disabled adults, DLA (Disability Living Allowance) remains unaffected, except for a proposed increase in the upper age limit to 18. However, families with young disabled adults receiving PIP or Universal Credit may be particularly worried about how these changes could affect their loved ones.

Find out more:
 Useful information from Contact on the Pathways to Work Disability Reform Green Paper:

Click here to read

Contact have also created an article answering key questions on disability welfare reform:

Click here to read

The NNPCF is committed to raising these concerns and will provide a response to the consultation. We will continue advocating for the needs of families and young people.

Contact have created social media posts for both links. You may find these posts useful to share with your families. A link to their Facebook account can be found here

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:

Specialist Schools 
 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:

Learn More: Watch Our Video 

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