The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) met with the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP on 24th June 2025. The meeting was to discuss the upcoming Schools White Paper and its ambition to deliver excellence for every child. During the meeting, the Secretary of State outlined the government’s broader vision for education reform, including some potential proposals within the Schools White Paper, developments in post-16 education, and the Best Start in Life programme.
The Minister acknowledged that key decisions regarding the direction of the White Paper are yet to be finalised but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that any reforms will command the confidence of parents and lead to improved outcomes for children and young people (CYP). The importance of involving families in shaping the education system was a central theme.
The NNPCF were invited to use this opportunity to share the lived experiences of our Board Members, all of whom are parent carers of children and young people with SEND aged 0–25. Most importantly, along with those reflections we also brought forward the voices and experiences of families from local Parent Carer Forums (PCFs) across the country. These forums, provide invaluable insight into the day-to-day realities families face when navigating education, health, and care services. Their lived experience is crucial in identifying systemic challenges and shaping meaningful, parent-led change that reflects the needs of those most affected.
The NNPCF highlighted the importance of clear accountability in the SEND system, along with co-production being vital in ensuring that services achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people with SEND and make the best use of available resources. Working in co-production with children, young people and their parent carers is also essential for families to have confidence in the SEND system.
The NNPCF thanks the Secretary of State for the opportunity to share our views, as well as those of the families represented by our Parent Carer Forums across the country. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to ensure that forthcoming reforms lead to a more inclusive, accountable, and aspirational education system for all children and young people.