News

Alongside the Schools White Paper and SEND Reform consultation, the Department for Education (DfE) has published a series of clear, accessible summary guides outlining the key proposals and reforms. These documents are designed to help parents, carers and professionals better understand what is being proposed — and what it could mean for children and young… Read more: Every child achieving and thriving and SEND consultation supporting information

The Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group report, published on the same day as the SEND Reform Document, was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to examine how mainstream education in England can better support neurodivergent children and young people. The NNPCF was one of the organisations forming part of the sector engagement. The report identifies major… Read more: The Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group report

The NNPCF welcomed the opportunity, alongside other key stakeholders, to attend 10 Downing Street for a roundtable with the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, to discuss the launch of the Schools White Paper and SEND Reform consultation. The NNPCF, Co-Chairs, were pleased to take part in the discussion… Read more: NNPCF attends a roundtable at No 10

The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) welcomes the Publication of the Schools White Paper and the opportunity for families, Parent Carer Forums (PCFs) and stakeholders to comment directly on the Government’s proposals. There is shared acknowledgement across partners and families that system change is needed to improve outcomes for children and young people… Read more: SEND reform: putting children and young people first

The government have announced a 10-year plan to revitalise schools and colleges for every child. Schools are to be inclusive by design, with dedicated ‘inclusion bases’ and new guidance on adaptations to improve inclusivity and accessibility.  The NNPCF is encouraged by the recognition that the physical environment can have a significant positive impact on the wellbeing and engagement… Read more: 10-year plan to revitalise schools and colleges for every child

What has been announced:  The Government has set out how it intends to address councils accumulated SEND deficits, confirming it will cover 90% of these shortfalls. A grant will be provided in Autumn 2026 to enable councils to clear their deficits, subject to each local authority submitting a local SEND reform plan and securing approval from the… Read more: Final Local Government Finance Settlement

What has been announced:  The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a £200 million landmark training programme to help all nursery, school and college staff better support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It’s described as the most ambitious national SEND training offer ever in the English education system.  Why this matters:  Who will get the training … Read more: £200 million landmark SEND teacher training programme 

What has been announced:  The Department for Education (DfE) has announced plans for formal inspections of multi-academy trusts (MATs), groups that run multiple state schools, for the first time. These plans have been added to a new law called the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill currently progressing through Parliament.  Why this matters:  Right now, individual schools are inspected (for example by… Read more: Government to introduce Multi-Academy Trusts inspections 

What has been announced:  The Department for Education (DfE) has pledged at least £3 billion to expand SEND provision across England. The aim is to end the “postcode lottery” for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, so families have good local options no matter where they live  Why this matters:  For many SEND… Read more: £3bn investment to end postcode lottery for children with SEND 

The NNPCF is aware that many Parent Carer Forums (PCFs) are engaging with Local Area SEND Improvement Boards that are chaired independently. We wanted to provide some context about why Independent Chairs have been introduced, how they are intended to function, and to share emerging feedback from PCF areas where Independent Chairs are already in… Read more: Local Area SEND Improvement Boards and the Role of Independent Chairs 

The NNPCF welcomes Ofsted’s reformed approach to inspections, particularly the introduction of a dedicated section on inclusion that highlights the experiences of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged learners. We are also pleased to see the move to accessible report cards, which will give families clearer, more useful information about their… Read more: Ofsted – Improving the way Ofsted inspects education report 

The NNPCF welcomes the Children’s Commissioner’s School Census report, which provides important insights from schools and echoes many of the same concerns consistently raised by families through local Parent Carer Forums. Many of these findings align with what the NNPCF and other stakeholder organisations have highlighted for many years: persistent challenges in securing timely assessments,… Read more: Children’s Commissioner’s School Census report  

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… Read more: NNPCF End of Term Statement – Summer 2025 

The SEND inclusion in education expert group was established in December 2024, by the Department of Education, to advise ministers on how to improve mainstream education outcomes and experiences for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Following a national call for evidence to find examples of effective inclusive practice in… Read more: SEND inclusion in education

Children’s social care includes important services that support some of the most vulnerable children and families.  In December 2023, the Education Committee began a review to look at how well the system is working and what changes are needed to improve support for children and families. After the 2024 General Election, the newly formed committee… Read more: Education Committee: Children’s Social Care 

Last week, the NNPCF met with Professor Karen Guldberg, Chair of the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group, established in December 2024. The group’s mission is to advise DfE ministers on how best to support neurodivergent children and young people in mainstream education settings. We reviewed the overarching findings of their upcoming report and shared feedback… Read more: NNPCF met with Professor Karen Guldberg, Chair of the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group

The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) welcomes the ISOS Partnerships’ report, The Future of Home to School Transport (HTST) – The future of home to school transport | Local Government Association, as a timely and much-needed exploration of an issue that directly affects the families we represent and their children’s access to education. The… Read more: NNPCF Response to the ISOS Partnerships Report: The Future of Home to School Transport (HTST)

The NNPCF welcome the direction of the NHS Long Term Plan, particularly its focus on early intervention, prevention, and cross-sector collaboration. The recognition of the role of Family Hubs, schools, and Neighbourhood Health Services in supporting children and families, including those with SEND, is a positive step. Commitments to expand Start for Life services from… Read more: The NNPCF welcome the direction of the NHS Long Term Plan, particularly its focus on early intervention, prevention, and cross-sector collaboration

The NNPCF welcomes the new Best Start in Life Strategy and its recognition of the challenges many families of children with SEND face in accessing Early Years placements. We are pleased to see a strong focus on the importance of child development during the Early Years, including for those with SEND. The SEND specialists within family hubs… Read more: NNPCF welcomes the new ‘Best Start in Life’ Strategy

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,… Read more: NNPCF Engagement with the Secretary of State,

“Reform is inevitable—but it must be carefully sequenced and co-produced with those it impacts most. True change will only come when children, young people, and families are fully supported, not through reduced entitlements, but through a system built on accountability, inclusion, and trust.” – NNPCF  NNPCF welcomed the previous ISOS report, July 2024, as a… Read more: NNPCF Response to the ISOS Report: Reform of the SEND system: What might the next stage look like and how can we build consensus?

Recently the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) Regional Directors met with Dame Christine Lenehan and Dr. Karen Guldberg, both appointed advisors to the Department for Education (DfE), currently working closely with the government on SEND reform.  During the meeting, NNPCF Directors raised several key issues on behalf of Parent Carer Forums (PCFs) across… Read more: Press Release: NNPCF Regional Directors Meet with DfE Advisors Dame Christine Lenehan and Dr. Karen Guldberg 

The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) has expressed serious concern following recent media reports suggesting the government may raise the threshold for accessing an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). In response, the NNPCF have met with the Department for Education (DfE) and Dame Christine Lenehan several times, to seek clarity and ensure… Read more: NNPCF Responds to Reports on Potential EHCP Threshold Changes 

The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) acknowledges and welcomes the government’s recent announcement to extend mental health support to nearly one million additional pupils across England. (GOV.UK) We welcome this investment and the recognition of the critical role mental health plays in the overall well-being and educational outcomes of our children. Early intervention… Read more: Press Release: NNPCF Responds to Government’s Expansion of Mental Health Support in Schools

The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) is aware of recent media coverage concerning potential reductions in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). As the national voice of parent carer forums in England, the NNPCF has been actively engaged in a range of roundtable discussions and informal conversations with partners across Education, Health, and… Read more: Press Release: NNPCF Responds to Media Reports on EHCP Reductions and SEND Reforms

The NNPCF are delighted to welcome Claire North from the Northumberland Parent Carer Forum as the new North East NNPCF Regional Director.Upon her appointment, Claire said, “I’m excited to get started in this role. The opportunity means so much to me, both professionally and personally, as I know how vital the voice of parent carers… Read more: New Board Member for North East

The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) has consistently emphasised the importance of understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by children and young people (CYP) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in relation to school attendance. We want all CYP to be able to maximise their attendance in a way that best… Read more: Attendance Campaign by the Department for Education

The NNPCF, along with other key stakeholders, attended a roundtable meeting, on 11th March 2025, with Minister McKinnell, Minister of Education, facilitated by Amanda Allard from CDC which focused on Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND). The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the ongoing speculation surrounding SEND and Inclusive Education. The Minister shared insights… Read more: Roundtable meeting with Minister McKinnell, Minister of Education

In response to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement today regarding NHS England being brought back under the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and placed under direct government control, here is an overview of our understanding so far, inculding a copy of a press release we have been asked to share. Current System:… Read more: Announcement on NHS England being brought back into the Department of Health and Social Care

In 2025/26, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have been directed to prioritize adults, children, and young people with complex health and social care needs who require support from multiple services and organizations. This guidance encourages ICBs to focus on children and young people in 2025/26 while also preparing for the expansion of the neighbourhood approach in… Read more: Guidance on Neighbourhood Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) for Children and Young People

On Wednesday, 5th February 2025, the NNPCF met with Minister Catherine McKinnell, Head for School Standards, which now encompasses Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Historically, SEND did not sit within schools and was managed separately. However, since Minister McKinnell’s appointment, SEND has become fully integrated into School Standards within the Department for Education (DfE). … Read more: Meeting with Minister McKinnell

The Education Select Committee recently convened to address the critical challenges surrounding the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) crisis. As part of this process, the NNPCF was invited to participate in an informal roundtable discussion in November, alongside other stakeholders, to inform the enquiry. The November discussion focused on key areas such as SEND… Read more: Education Committee Inquiry: Solving the SEND Crisis

You may recall that in July, the Local Government Association (LGA) and County Councils Network (CCN), in partnership with ISOS, published a report titled “Towards an Effective and Financially Sustainable Approach to Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) in England.” The report, along with our response, is available here: https://nnpcf.org.uk/2024/07/25/lga-ccn-isos-partnership-send-report/  In our response, we expressed… Read more: ISOS Report Update

HPIG have published the ‘Roadmap for the Healthiest Generation of Children Ever’. The Children and Young People’s Health Policy Influencing Group (HPIG) is an independent membership organisation made up of charities, Royal Colleges and professional associations, including the NNPCF. HPIG’s goal is to improve the mental and physical health of babies, children and young people from… Read more: ‘Roadmap for the Healthiest Generation of Children Ever’

This report is a collaboration between the Council for Disabled Children (CDC) and the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP). The report demonstrates why well-resourced and properly coordinated services must be a priority. You can access the report here.

The Department of Education have now published the Delivering Better Value in SEND Programme (DBV) Phase 1 report and National Toolkit. This was due to be published earlier this year but was delayed due to the election. The Phase 1 report is an aggregation of the findings and insights that were collected from the 54… Read more: Delivering Better Value in SEND Programme (DBV) Phase 1 report and National Toolkit

The report states how children and young people’s unmet needs can tragically escalate to the point of crisis. The report emphasizes, as many other reports have, the need for providing needs led early interventions, and that by providing the right support at the right time enables children and young people to have improved outcomes. We… Read more: Children’s Commissioner Report: Waiting times for assessment and support for autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions

The National Audit Office (NAO) Report, as ordered by the House of Commons, highlights that the current SEND System is not meeting the needs of children and young people (CYP) with SEND. The report is welcome by the NNPCF and much of it echoes what our membership of 153 local Parent Carer Forums have been… Read more: The National Audit Office Report: Support for children and young people with special educational needs

The NNPCF met with the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Philipson, regarding the work of the NNPCF and Parent Carer Forums. We spoke about what is important to our families with children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).  The NNPCF raised key themes such as ensuring there is robust… Read more: Co-Chairs meet with Secretary of State for Education

The NNPCF met with Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Ofsted on 12th September 2024, and were joined by Yvette Stanley, the social care lead and Lee Owston, the education lead for Ofsted.   We welcomed the meeting with Sir Martyn to discuss the recently published Ofsted Big Listen, and how parents and carers,… Read more: Meeting with Ofsted

NHS England have produced a leaflet that helps people to think about whether their child or someone they care for, could be considered to have a learning disability. This leaflet helps you think about whether your child or someone youcare for, could be considered to have a learning disability, and should be on your local GP… Read more: Learning Disability Register

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have published a major new report: ‘From left behind to leading the way: a blueprint for transforming child health services in England’. This calls on the UK government to commit to restoring health services for children in England. Across seven themes, it sets out a series of… Read more: Paediatric and Child Health Report

On 5th September 2024, the NNPCF, along with Dingley’s Promise (Dingley’s Promise – Homepage – Dingley’s Promise) met the Minster or Early Education, Stephen Morgan MP, to discuss the importance of SEND in Early Years.  Minister Morgan was very much in listening mode about what changes needed to happen in Early Years and had a… Read more: Meeting with Stephen Morgan MP

Contact and the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) met the Exchequer Secretary, James Murray MP on Thursday 1st August in relation to the Chancellor’s formal announcement of Monday 29th July 2024 on the Taxation of Private Schools. Thank you to the Parent Carer Forums who contributed their thoughts with us ahead of the… Read more: Joint Open Letter To Minister James Murray MP

The NNPCFs Response to the LGA CCN ISOS Partnership SEND Report – Towards an effective and financially sustainable approach to Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) in England.  A copy of the report can be found here.  The NNPCF agrees that the SEND system is in need of change, in order to for the system… Read more: LGA CCN ISOS Partnership SEND Report

The NNPCF worked with other stakeholders to have input into a new report. The report draws on data from the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) to investigate deaths in children with a learning disability and autistic children, and to draw out learning and recommendations for service providers and policymakers. The report has now been published… Read more: NCMD Report: Learning from deaths: Children with a learning disability and autistic children

A new post has been published on the Education Hub. “The national curriculum is a set of subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools, so children learn the same things. We’ve announced that we’ll be holding an independent review to refresh the curriculum and make sure it meets the needs of every child… Read more: What is the national curriculum and why is it being reviewed?

A new post, “The King’s Speech 2024: What does it mean for education?” has just been published on the The Education Hub blog. During the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday 17 July, the King set out the government’s priorities for the coming months. This included commitments relating to education, including children’s social care, schools,… Read more: The King’s Speech

We would like to welcome Kenton Mee, from North Somerset Parent Carer Forum to the South West NNPCF representative role. On his appointment Kenton said, “I am delighted to be appointed as the NNPCF’s Regional Steering Group Member for the South West. I extend my thanks to Tina for her incredible achievements in developing and… Read more: New Steering Group Member for the South West

The NNPCF team met last week for a planning day at the Department of Education. It was an opportunity, for us to all get together as a team, to plan and to say our face-to-face goodbyes to both Kath and Tina who are stepping down shortly as their appointed terms have come to end. We… Read more: NNPCF meet with DfE

NNPCF welcomed the opportunity to attend the DfE Ministerial Reception on 11th July 2024. We were able to talk directly to the Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson, Stephen Morgan, Catherine McKinnell and Jacqui Smith, highlighting the importance of the lived experience of our SEND families, along with the importance of coproduction and highlight local Parent… Read more: NNPCF meet with new Secretary of State for Education

The Communications Access Symbol is an initiative developed in partnership by charities and organisations that share a vision to improve the lives of people with communication difficulties. The disability access symbol scheme is led by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and was coproduced with a number of stakeholders including the NNPCF. A… Read more: NNPCF become re-accredited with the Communications Access Symbol

We would like to welcome Martin McAndrew, from Bury Parent Carer Forum, to the North West NNPCF representative role. On his appointment Martin said, “I look forward to taking on this role and hope to do half as good a job as Kath has. Really excited about meeting and supporting all of our amazing PCF’s to keep doing… Read more: New Steering Group member for the North West

The NNPCF are delighted to announce that Jo Harrison, Steering Group member for the East of England, has been elected as the NNPCF incoming Co-Chair, as Tina Emery prepares to step down. Tina has been the South West representative for two full terms and has been Co-Chair for five years. Tina will be stepping down… Read more: New Co-Chair Announcement

On 18th April 2024 the NNPCF attended the Working Together to Improve School Attendance event. The presentations covered how important attendance is for our children and young people, particularly highlighting the importance for the most vulnerable and SEND pupils. The pride and enthusiasm from those presenting and in the room about the progress that has been… Read more: Working Together to Improve School Attendance event

As part of the National Wraparound Childcare Programme the Department for Education, with the support of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums, have developed a survey to better understand to what extent the current wraparound childcare offer for primary age children meets the needs of parents and children with special educational needs or disabilities… Read more: National Wraparound Childcare Programme – Survey for Parent Carers

NHS England have co-produced a set of young people Dynamic Support Register (DSR) and Care Education and Treatment Review (CETR) guides for Autistic young people aged between 16 and 25 years. These leaflets are aimed to empower young people to better understand the process and benefits of deciding whether to be on a DSR, have… Read more: NHS England Guidance

I’m a researcher at the Department for Education, and we are running a short research project about how to improve access and experience of early years childcare for children with SEND. I found details of your organisation which supports parents of children with SEND/additional needs or concerns, and I wanted to ask if you would be able… Read more: Early Years Research Project

My name is Rosemary and I am a producer with BBC Newsnight.  I’m getting in touch as we are looking to cover SEND Funding for new schools. We are hoping to make a film with a school and a family who are struggling to get the right support for their child and help them thrive.… Read more: Media Request

We were all so excited about coming to Newcastle on 29th February 2024 for our conference this year, and Newcastle you didn’t disappoint.  The buzz and chatter of old friends and new ones being made filled the air. This year the National conference hosted by Sarah Clarke, NNPCF Co-chair and Carolyn Deveney, Head of parent… Read more: Working Together Conference 2024

There has been a proposal to change A levels and T levels. Recently, our cochair’s, accompanied by one of our London reps, went to see what it was all about at two Department for Education engagement events. The Advanced British Standard is a new framework, expected to be introduced in about 10 years’ time, to… Read more: The Advanced British Standard

On Tuesday, 6 February 2024, the NNPCF attended the launch of the Disability Action Plan, presented by Mims Davies,the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work. The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including supporting ministers and representatives from various segments of our community. It provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and… Read more: Disability Action Plan

The following webinar was recorded for the London Region Parent Carer Forums. The presentation is consistent with the four London Local Areas that have been inspected, however, it may not be reflective on national experience. Please register for the webinar recording by following this link The password is: x1Xii=8^

Every year we seem to start our annual report with ‘What a year!’ and this year is no exception.We have started this year with a team like no other. We are now getting into the groove of what it’s like being a community interest company and we are grateful to our members, our steering group,… Read more: NNPCF Annual Report 2022/2023

Alternative provision in local areas in England_ a thematic review – GOV.UK.pdf

Jo Harrison, represents the  NNPCF as a member of the Health Policy Influencing Group (HPIG), which is hosted by the National Children’s Bureau. HPIG is a is a strong, independent voice, which advocates for improvements to the health of babies, children and young people. As a group of influential organisations, charities and Royal Colleges, HPIGs’s… Read more: Health Policy Influencing Group (HPIG) update

We have been asked to share the following information from the SEND Dispute Resolution Steering Group. The College of Mediators (COM) and the Civil Mediation Council (CMC) hold a joint register of accredited SEND mediators. This comes about as a result of standards specific to SEND mediation practice that were drawn up by a panel… Read more: SEND Mediation Standards consultation

On 27th September 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care issued a Patient Safety Alert regarding the shortage of specific ADHD medications. It has been reported in the press that the disruptions are expected to continue, and so we have written to the Ministers outlining our concerns, and what steps the government is taking to… Read more: ADHD Medication Safety Alert

Consultation closed 18 January 2024 This consultation seeks views on revised versions of the non-statutory elective home education (EHE) guidance for local authorities and parents. The EHE guidance was last updated in 2019 and is due for review. Both sets of guidance are a vital resource for parents and local authorities to help them understand… Read more: Elective home education consultation

Parliamentary consultation , closes 02 January 2024 The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee is looking at how better planning and urban design in England could enhance the health and well-being of children and young people. It will look at how children and young people can use outside public spaces and move around their neighbourhoods:… Read more: Children, young people and the built environment

Ros Luff is one of the NNPCF regional representatives for the London region, and has now served nearly 4 years and has completed her first term in office.  In line with our policies and procedures, we now have an opportunity to re-tender her position. Ros would like to continue in her role, and we need… Read more: London region update

Sarah Clarke, the South East regional representative and steering group member for the NNPCF, has now served nearly 4 years and has completed her first term in office.  In line with our policies and procedures, we now have an opportunity to re-tender her position. Sarah would like to continue in her role, and we need… Read more: South East update

On 6th November 2023, our co chairs met with the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education, Susan Acland-Hood.Susan is the most senior civil servant within the Department for Education ( DfE) .This was the NNPCF’s first meeting with Susan Acland-Hood, which went very well and provided an opportunity to raise the profile of the… Read more: Co chairs meet Susan Acland-Hood

We have received the following communication from the Association of Educational Psychologists. EPs will be taking industrial action (striking) this winter.Why?Every year, tens of thousands of children and young people and their families are helped by an educational psychologist (EP).EPs work with education professionals in nurseries, schools and other settings and with colleagues in youth… Read more: Educational Psychologist strike action

Our joint virtual conference with Contact will take place on 14, 15 and 16 November. We have planned the conference on the survey results we received from our membership. We are pleased to share that this conference will take place via Microsoft Teams. This change from our usual Zoom platform and has been made due… Read more: Working Together virtual conference 2023

Neurodiversity means that across the population there is variation in people’s brains. Having people in society who see the world differently and have unique skills is an important part of life to be celebrated. The term “neurodivergent” refers to people whose brains work differently to the typical cultural standards. Neurodivergence includes conditions that people are… Read more: NHS Childhood Neurodiversity workshops

Academies regulatory and commissioning review The NNPCF have recently been involved in the development of the DfE Commissioning Guidance in the academies regulatory and commissioning review which is available to read below Commissioning High-Quality Trusts The following publication explains how the Department for Education takes decisions about the creation, consolidation and growth of academy trusts

We would like to welcome Jo Harrison, from Essex Family Forum to the East of England representative role. On her appointment Jo said, ”I am excited to be joining the NNPCF steering Group, representing the eleven Parent Carer Forums of the East of England. As well as working for my local PCF, Essex Family Forum, I… Read more: New Steering Group member for the East of England

The Change Programme Partnership was launched last month in London with representatives from the Department for Education (DfE), the REACh Consortium, Local Areas involved in the Change Programme Partnership, the NNPCF Co-Chairs and other Parent Carer Forum representatives. The launch introduced the delivery partner the REACh Consortium, a team formed of four organisations; PA Consulting,… Read more: SEND & AP Change Programme Launched

In response to the concerns being raised by PCFs recently about the SEND work, Delivering Better Value for SEND (DBV), Department for Education (DfE) advisors and in particular the Change Programme Partnership (CPP) our co-chairs arranged a meeting with the DfE on 11 September. The NNPCF had been made aware that there was a change… Read more: DBV update

In December 2022, we informed you of a new programme, funded by Health Education England called the National Autism Peer Education Programme. The lead organisation for this programme was announced as the National Autistic Society (NAS) and whilst we informed you of the programme, it was in very early development, and we wanted to update… Read more: NNPCF Autism Central update

On 31 Aug 2023 we learnt that a new minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing had been appointed, David Johnston OBE. Co-chairs Tina Emery and Sarah Clarke had an introductory meeting with the minister on 5 September. The meeting went very well, giving Tina and Sarah a chance to highlight the importance of parent carer… Read more: Co-chairs meet the new Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing

On 5th September 2023, NNPCF co-chairs Tina Emery, and Sarah Clarke, took part in the Attendance Action Alliance meeting, chaired by Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education. At the start of this academic year, the alliance renewed its pledges at 10 Downing Street, to support children and young people to get back into… Read more: Attendance Action Alliance

Over a thousand more children and young people with SEND are set to benefit from access to high-quality specialised learning, with seven new special free schools in Cambridgeshire, Kent, Merton and Norfolk selected to be built alongside the existing 83 already committed to opening, located across England from Devon to Darlington. Once complete, this investment… Read more: Government announces more support for children with SEND

Our consultation update includes the current live government consultations, which can be completed by forums or as an individual parent carer. More details on each consultation and parliamentary inquiry can be found below: Working Together to Safeguard Children is the multi-agency statutory guidance that sets out expectations for the system that provides help, support and… Read more: Consultation update

Welcome to the Participation Summer update. In June, our team came together, in person or online for our annual National Representative day, which this year was in London. We started the day with a quick team building exercise, then our co chair, Tina Emery gave an update on the areas of work that the NNPCF… Read more: Participation news

Messages from the eight Local Area SEND inspection reports published July 2023 We have received feedback regarding the eight area’s who have been recently inspected under the new framework. The report highlights that co production is crucial and lies at the heart of everything that is going well. There are two evaluation criteria in the… Read more: Co-production and SEND Inspections

On Friday 30 June, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) published their Joint Forward Plans. These outline their priorities and strategies for the next five years. This will be a key document for the development and delivery of health and care services including for children with SEND. Parent Carer Forums should review the plans published by their… Read more: Integrated Care Boards Joint Forward Plan

Free NHS eye tests for children and young people who attend special schools will be introduced from next year. The NNPCF have been part of an ongoing piece of work as part of the NHS Long Term Plan where Sensory Checks (sight, hearing and dental) are to be put in place for children and young… Read more: Free NHS eye tests in special schools introduced

The Children’s Commissioner has expressed her concerns about lack of support for children with Special Educational Needs in mainstream education and long waiting times for EHCPs as demand reaches new highs. The NNPCF, welcome this report, which has confirmed what we have said for quite some time, that the 2014 reforms had good intentions, but… Read more: Commissioner calls for radical rehaul of the SEND system

Earlier this month co-chairs Tina Emery, Mrunal Sisodia, with the incoming co-chair Sarah Clarke, met with Attendance Action Alliance, chaired by Minster Gillian Keegan, as Secretary of State for Education. This meeting had a keen focus on those children and young people who are Children in Need (CIN) and SEND, and the impact of low… Read more: Attendance Action Alliance

Co-chairs Tina Emery, Mrunal Sisodia, with the incoming co-chair Sarah Clarke, recently met with SEND AP Implementation Board. Which was chaired by Minster Claire Coutinho. This was the first meeting to be held. The Board will be jointly chaired by the children’s Minster Claire Coutinho and the mental health Minster Maria Caulfield.  The Board is… Read more: SEND AP Implementation Board

We are super proud to share that our excellent co chair Tina Emery has been awarded an OBE for services to Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in King Charles Birthday honours list. On receiving the news Tina said, ‘This has come as a bit of a surprise. I didn’t ever… Read more: NNPCF co chair, Tina Emery,receives OBE

There are lots of opportunities for forums to represent the experiences of their members! More details on each consultation and parliamentary inquiry can be found below. Currently open inquiries and consultations that may be of interest to forums and included in this briefing: Improving support for children missing education The Department for Education is seeking… Read more: May Consultation briefing

The Communications Access Symbol is an initiative developed in partnership by charities and organisations that share a vision to improve the lives of people with communication difficulties. The communication access symbol scheme is led by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and was coproduced with a number of stakeholders including the NNPCF. A… Read more: NNPCF become accredited with the Communications Access Symbol

The Department for Education has recently launched a Call for Evidence on Improving Support for Children Missing Education. Children missing education (CME) are children of compulsory school age who are not registered pupils at a school and are not receiving suitable education otherwise than at school (for example, through elective home education). This comprises a… Read more: Call for Evidence on Improving Support for Children Missing Education

The NHS recently published guidance on key roles within Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) that have direct relevance to the work of parent carer forums. You can find the document here: NHS England » Executive lead roles within integrated care boards The purpose of these roles is to ensure that the core responsibilities of ICBs when… Read more: NHS publishes guidance for executive lead roles in ICBs

Sarah Clarke appointed NNPCF Co-Chair as Mrunal Sisodia steps down We are delighted to announce that Sarah Clarke, steering group member for the South East, has been elected as NNPCF Co-Chair by the board at a meeting on Tuesday 25 April. Sarah has served on the steering group for the last three years. This means that… Read more: New NNPCF Co-Chair

Phase two report published on abuse in residential special schools in Doncaster This report has been shared by our colleagues at the Council for Disabled Children. Yesterday, Thursday 20 April, The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel published the phase two report on safeguarding children and young people with disabilities and complex health needs in residential… Read more: Safeguarding children with disabilities in residential settings

Our 2022/23 conference this year was a two part event, with a digital offering as well as an in person conference in Bristol. Face-to-face conference Our face-to-face conference was held on 28 February 2023 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Bristol City Centre. The day was jointly organised and facilitated jointly the Contact and NNPCF… Read more: NNPCF & Contact joint conference 2023