As we reach the end of another challenging term, the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) would like to express heartfelt thanks to the thousands of dedicated parent carers that run their local Parent Carer Forum (PCF)s across England. With over 156,000 parent carers part of our network nationally, all of us bringing our own powerful stories of navigating the SEND system. This work continues to give voice to families, challenge systemic failings, and drive forward the case for urgent and meaningful reform.
The NNPCF acknowledge the deep and growing anxiety from families about the future of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and the wider direction of SEND reform. We want families to know: we hear your concerns and share your concerns, and we are continuing to raise them at the highest levels and at every opportunity. Reform is needed but it must be sequenced with care, and co-produced with those it affects most. True and lasting change will only come when children, young people, and their families are supported by a system built on accountability, inclusion, and trust.
As a national network, the NNPCF holds no decision-making powers or formal authority. While we are not responsible for approving policy, we continue to reflect the lived experiences and views of parent carers and engage in solution-focused dialogue at every opportunity. We choose to work in a solution focus way because we believe that leads to positive and lasting change.
The Department for Education has confirmed that the White Paper is still under development, and that they remain open to listening, adapting, and shaping proposals based on the feedback and experiences of families. The NNPCF represents these voices at the national level, working with key stakeholders to influence policy and system design.
The NNPCF, welcomed recent engagement with families and children and young people from ministers, we would now like to see these introductory meetings evolve into a structured programme of co-production; one that recognises and validates the voices of families and works alongside them to develop concrete, accountable proposals.
The NNPCF would like to call on everyone involved in the SEND system, to recognise the importance of collective voice and shared purpose. We may differ in our approaches, but each voice matters. Now more than ever, we must stand together and build each other up.
The NNPCF reaffirms our unwavering commitment to representing the lived experience of families with SEND working with all partners to improve the outcomes for SEND. We remain ready to work with all partners to put children, young people, and families at the heart of meaningful change. We will continue to relentlessly challenge where families voice is not at the heart of decision making.
Together, we will continue to advocate and challenge for a SEND system that works for everyone.