Working Together for SEND Families

Joanne Southall • September 4, 2024

Our commitment to co-production means partnering with local experts - you, the parents and carers - to shape services based on lived experiences.


Partnering with Local Campaigners

Campaign groups play a vital role in raising awareness and advocating for change on specific issues.

To amplify our collective impact, we encourage campaigners to share the valuable insights and feedback they receive from parents with us. By bringing these concerns to PCF CWAC, we ensure they reach decision-makers who can drive real change.


The Power of Parent Voice

Your voice matters!

The insights you share guide our discussions with local authorities and service providers. We urge campaigners to share concerns and experiences they gather, so we can effectively represent the broader community. Plus, if parents need further support, we ask campaigners to signpost them to our forum, ensuring every voice is heard and every family gets the right support.


Supporting & Collaborating

While PCF CWAC doesn’t directly campaign due to funding and governance constraints, we support campaign groups by sharing information, raising awareness, and collaborating where our goals align. Together, we can achieve better outcomes for the families we serve.


Challenge

The PCF can challenge the Local Authority on issues related to SEND services and advocate for improvements, but it does not have the authority to hold the council legally accountable. The Forum's role is to provide feedback, raise concerns, and work collaboratively to influence positive change, while formal accountability mechanisms are typically the responsibility of regulatory bodies or legal systems.


At PCF CWAC, our open-door policy and commitment to co-production ensure we remain strong advocates for parents and carers. We invite campaigners to collaborate with us, sharing the parent voice so we can drive positive change at every level.


Read more here


If you have any question about PCF, please email us at: contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com or call 07900 840867


To see events coming up or to catch up on past events & presentations...

click below

Other PCF Events
Understanding Mental Capacity Webinar for Parents & Carers of Young People with SEND
By Lucy Kennerley February 10, 2026
SEND - mental capacity & decision-making webinar key legal principles around mental capacity, Court of Protection, Deputyships vs Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
SEND Benefits & Support Service
By Joanne Southall February 9, 2026
SEND Benefits & Support Service is here to help you understand what you’re entitled to in Cheshire West and Chester.
Endorphins January 2026 News - available to download and read
By Joanne Southall February 1, 2026
Endorphins January 2026 News - available to download and read.
By Lucy Kennerley January 26, 2026
Parent carers in Cheshire West & Chester newsletter. From vital updates on the 2026 PCF Survey, to details on upcoming SEND events, webinars and training.
PCF Cheshire West & Chester: National SEND Discussions – Brief Update
By Lucy Kennerley January 25, 2026
National SEND discussions. National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) as part of the Department of Education’s current work on SEND reforms.
By Joanne Southall January 22, 2026
Coffee Events for parents & carers. Everyone is welcome! Parents will be able to catch up with other parents. Children are welcome!
This event is for parent carers of children and young people (aged 0–25) with SEND in Cheshire West
By Joanne Southall January 22, 2026
Planning for adulthood can feel overwhelming — you don’t have to do it alone! Our Preparation for Adulthood Marketplace Event is a chance for parent carers and young people to find information, ask questions, and connect with services that can support the journey ahead.
Naming Schools in Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs)
By Lucy Kennerley January 22, 2026
This guide explains your rights, the difference between Section 41 and non-Section 41 schools, and what the council must do when naming a school in an EHCP.
By Joanne Southall January 19, 2026
Helping Families Navigate the SEND System Parent Carer Forum, Cheshire West SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) SEN Support, Quality First Teaching
By Lucy Kennerley December 19, 2025
Parent Carer Forum Newsletter for December 2025. Latest news, updates, and insights from the PCF team in Cheshire West and Chester.