Understanding the Role of the Parent Carer Forum

We know that many parent carers across Southend share the same frustrations when it comes to accessing the right support for children and young people with SEND. Southend SEND Independent Forum has submitted a detailed response to the Government’s SEND Reform Consultation, drawing directly on the lived experiences of local families.  Our submission has been shaped by the experiences, views, and feedback shared by parent carers across Southend. Through conversations with families, community engagement, online discussions, and direct feedback, we have highlighted the challenges many children and young people with SEND continue to face, alongside practical recommendations for improving support and outcomes. We would like to thank every parent carer who took the time to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas. Your voices have been central in helping us reflect the realities facing families in Southend and strengthen this response. Our response highlights the areas that parent carers tell us matter most — including early identification and support, inclusive mainstream education, EHCPs, transitions, communication with families, and genuine co-production. It also sets out practical recommendations for creating a SEND system that is more consistent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of children, young people, and their families. While there are examples of good practice, families continue to face significant challenges in securing timely and appropriate support. We believe meaningful reform must focus on improving outcomes, reducing inequalities, and ensuring children and young people with SEND can access education and opportunities on an equal footing with their peers. You can read our full consultation response here:

Healthy Parent Carer Programme – Booking Now Open! We’re so pleased to share that SSIF has been accredited to deliver a brand-new 6-week programme dedicated entirely to your health and wellbeing. As parent carers, you spend so much time looking after everyone else. This programme is a chance to focus on you — to breathe, recharge, and connect with others who truly understand your journey. Starts Monday 8th June 2026 Only 14 spaces are available to keep the group supportive and personal. Over the 6 weeks, we’ll explore ways to: Make time for yourself Connect with other parent carers Learn simple self-care and stress-management strategies Prioritise your own wellbeing Find a little more calm and balance Our sessions are run for Parent Carers, by Parent Carers — a safe, understanding space where your wellbeing really matters. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided, and there’s an onsite café at the Civic Centre. Parking can be limited, so please allow extra time if you're driving. To help you truly switch off and focus on yourself, babies and children can’t be accommodated during the course. Find out more: www.healthyparentcarers.org Book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../healthy-parent-carers-6... - Or Scan the QR Code on the poster.

Southend-on-Sea takes home a National SEND Award 2026! We are incredibly proud to share that the Southend SEND Local Offer Team and Southend SEND Independent Forum (SSIF) have jointly won the Council for Disabled Children 2026 award for Accessible and Inclusive Communications Strategy for SEND. This national recognition celebrates the power of partnership and a shared commitment to improving how families access information and support. At the heart of this achievement are Southend families. Everything we do is shaped by listening, learning, and working alongside parent carers to make sure information is not only available, but genuinely accessible and meaningful. From co-produced resources and varied communication formats, to opportunities for face-to-face conversations, our focus has always been on making it easier for families to find the right support at the right time. This award reflects the dedication, passion and collaboration of everyone involved — from families and practitioners to local partners who continue to champion inclusive communication across our community. It’s a reminder of what can be achieved when we work together with a shared purpose. We would also like to extend a huge congratulations to all of the award finalists. The stories, projects and innovations shared were truly inspiring and highlight the incredible work happening across the country to support children and young people with SEND and their families.  We’re excited to build on this momentum and continue strengthening the way we work alongside families, improving how information is shared and ensuring support is easier to access for everyone who needs it.