We made four clear recommendations off the back of the survey — and we’re proud to say we are well on our way to achieving them. As always, there is still work to do. And, as always, key pieces of work have emerged along the way that weren’t part of the original plan but couldn’t be ignored — these are reflected under 4 Key Pieces of Work.

A huge thank you to our volunteers for all the hours you’ve given, often in challenging and messy spaces. Looking back at this timeline is a testament to how far we’ve come — not just as a Parent Carer Forum, but as a borough. Together, through trust and challenge, we’ve started to build stronger relationships and more visible structure.

The role of the Parent Carer Forum is not to deliver services, but to work hard to influence change by reflecting where the gaps in provision are, highlighting poor communication, and showing how these issues impact our families.

Now, after years of hard work, we can finally see the foundations taking shape — and a more positive, purposeful, and structured 12 months ahead.

Survey Results Summary Published

In May 2024, we published the findings from our most recent parent carer survey. Sadly, many of the key concerns raised by families back in 2022 remained unresolved. Communication continued to be a major theme — a longstanding issue that’s been a top priority since our very first survey in 2016.

The responses revealed a growing sense of frustration among families, particularly around the lack of meaningful co-production. Despite the efforts of the Parent Carer Forum, there was limited engagement from professional partners in supporting or promoting the survey. Parents reported longer waiting times across every stage of the SEND journey — from initial concerns and referrals through to diagnosis and the EHCP process.

Many families shared that they still feel like they’re having to fight to get their child’s needs identified, understood, and met. This ongoing battle is not only affecting outcomes for children but also having a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of families. The data made it clear: families are calling for urgent and sustained action to improve services, rebuild trust, and ensure their voices are genuinely heard and acted upon.

PCF recommendations:

1. Develop a new Co-production Charter
2. Culture change commitment
3. Communication
4. Key Pieces of work
   

PCF Speaks at Full Council Meeting — Motion Passed to Become an Inclusive Borough, with PCF Written In

Vice Chair, Lucy Kennerley, spoke at the Full Council meeting in Winsford alongside partners and parents to highlight the lived experiences of families in Cheshire West. A motion, proposed by Cllr Andrew Cooper, acknowledged the “profound disappointment” of some families and committed to making Cheshire West a more inclusive borough for children and young people with SEND. The motion passed, with the PCF formally included — marking a significant step forward for co-production and system-wide accountability.
Click to read our BLOG -  Becoming an Inclusive Borough

Survey Recommendations:
2. Culture change commitment

PCF Chair Julie Duff Leads First Roundtable with Council Leaders and Parent Carers

The Parent Carer Forum was invited to chair the first roundtable meeting with leaders from the council — a significant step in recognising the value of parent voices at the heart of local decision-making. At this meeting, the PCF shared key projects already in development and, crucially, brought forward some of the most pressing and valid concerns raised by families across the borough. In response, a draft roadmap for improvement was created, underpinned by a collective commitment have the PCF at the heart of future decision making, leading to better communication, stronger co-production, and meaningful culture change.

Survey Recommendations:

2. Culture change commitment



PCF Survey Recommendation Sparks Independent Review of SEND Customer Experience

Following the PCF survey recommendations, independent stakeholder Just Libra facilitated a series of customer service training focus groups with parent carers.

This engagement was a significant step forward in recognising the lived experiences of families navigating the SEND system. It helped bring to light the emotional toll and systemic faced by both families and professionals.

The feedback reinforced the urgent need for systemic reform, greater capacity and resource planning, and stronger, more visible leadership to drive meaningful and lasting change.

Survey Recommendations:

2. Culture change commitment 

3. Communication

PCF Annual Planning Meeting

Parent Carer Survey & Poll Summary: Shaping Future Events

Alongside the PCF survey results we conducted a poll to understand what skills and key issues parents and carers would like us to focus on for the upcoming academic year. The results of this poll directly shaped our upcoming events and training sessions for the year, ensuring that the PCF meets the needs and priorities of our community.

Survey Recommendations:

1. Co-production

3. Communication



AGM invited director of children’s services to answer your questions

Survey Recommendations:

2. Culture Change Commitment

3. Communication

Approaches to Support Autistic Children and Young People in Cheshire West and Chester- information for parent carers and professionals. Read our focus group blog here.

Summer 2024: Strategic Conversations and National Advocacy

Over the summer, we held several meetings with Leaders to help shape the upcoming SEND Summit — including the announcement of plans to invest in creating more specialist places for children and young people with SEND. PCF get parents carers questions answered from the Council. CWAC answers your questions

At the same time, our Chair, Julie Duff, met with local MPs to ensure the voices of families in Cheshire West are heard not just locally, but all the way to Downing Street. These meetings marked a vital step in raising national awareness of the challenges our families face — and the urgent need for change. Julie’s collaboration over the summer

Survey Recommendations:
2. Culture change commitment 

3. Communication

Launch of the Blogs Page

In response to feedback that people were unsure about our actions and methods, we created a Blogs Page to improve communication. This page serves as a dynamic platform to connect, inform, and empower. We provide key updates, resources, and insights to keep parents and carers informed. Our content includes practical advice, personal stories, and collaborative pieces that offer guidance and highlight partnerships aimed at improving services for SEND families. We showcase the lived experiences of parents and carers to drive meaningful change and ensure that their voices are heard. Our Blogs Page is where information meets inspiration, fostering a stronger, more connected community.

PCF Steering Group Terms of Reference Reviewed

We reviewed existing Terms of Reference for the PCF Steering Group, we reviewed membership and embedding our shared vision and core values. This formalised how we work together — as parent carers and professionals — in equal partnership, grounded in co-production, respect, and inclusion.

Survey Recommendations:

1. Co-production

2. Culture Change Commitment

3. Commitment

Presented to Cheshire West and Chester SEND scrutiny committee.

The PCF represented your voices at Cheshire West and Chester's (CWaC) scrutiny process. Our main purpose was to share views and experiences with the panel whilst ensuring that the data from our latest survey was written into the scrutiny process to ensure that quantifiable measures are put in place to ensure that your voices are being heard.

Survey Recommendations:

2. Culture Change Commitment

3. Communication

Part of the interview panel for director of children’s services (ensuring parents are at the heart of leadership decision-making)

The Parent Carer Forum was invited to participate as a key stakeholder in the recruitment process for the new Director of Children’s Services. This opportunity allowed the Forum to directly question prospective SEND leaders on their commitment to listening to parent feedback — and to challenge them on whether they would truly place the experiences of parents and young people at the heart of their decision-making.

Survey Recommendations:

2. Culture Change Commitment

The start of the Partnership of Inclusion in of Neurodiversity in Schools Project

The PINS (Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools) project is almost at an end of phase 1. NHS England and the Parent Carer Forum is working together with 4 schools in Cheshire West and Chester. The PCF is part of the Steering Group for the project, and we have been working with our SEND colleagues in the NHS and the Local Authority to plan and implement the project. It is a partnership approach, and the aim of the Parent Carer Forum is to help to build on and strengthen the relationship between schools and parent carers.

Survey Recommendations:

1 Co-production

2. Culture Change Commitment

3. Communication

4. Key Pieces of Work

National SEND/AP Leadership Programme

Karen Cove, SEN Team Manager, and Lucy Kennerley, Vice Chair were endorsed by the Director of Children Services to embark in the National SEND/AP Leadership Programme led by the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTI). This program’s focus on systemic transformation, collaboration, and co-production providing timely insights to complement the recommendations from the PCF survey. Read Lucy's blog here..

Survey Recommendations:

1. Co-production

2. Culture Change Commitment

3. Communication

4. Key Pieces of Work

First SEND summit

We had the privilege of presenting at first the SEND Summit 2024, held on October 10th, which turned out to be an incredibly successful and impactful event. With 270 attendees, including parent carers, educators, local authorities, and healthcare professionals, the day was a testament to the commitment and passion of all stakeholders working to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Click here to learn more about the SEND Summit

SIP and Learn Coffee event with Information Advice Support Service (Northwich)

Support, Information, and Participation (SIP) and Learn Coffee event, joined by the Information, Advice, and Support Service (IASS), was a wonderful opportunity to bring together parents, carers, and professionals committed to supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). For many years, our Parent Carer Forum (PCF) has collaborated with IASS to provide families with guidance and empower them in navigating the educational system. This event underscored our mutual goal: to equip parents and carers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their child’s support and educational journey.

NEW PCF School's Representatives Lead

Introduces evening coffee events (Ellesmere Port)

Survey Recommendations:

1. Co-production

2. Culture Change Commitment

3. Communication

We Host first Successful Mental Health Forum (Chester)

70+ parent carers attended our Mental Health Forum! The event was packed with valuable insights and important discussions surrounding mental health and communication.

Drop-In Coffee event with Short Breaks & Wraparound Care Professionals (Chester)

Parents Carers meets professionals around short breaks and wrap around care while having a cuppa.

Parent Forum Participation Using Survey Data to Drive Change

Lucy and Julie shared how their bi-annual parent carer survey has made a big impact on building an inclusive SEND community in Cheshire West. In a chat with Contact Associate Laura Burling, from CONTACT a Family they discuss how the survey data has strengthened partnerships and influenced meaningful changes in the area. They’re passionate about inspiring other forums and proving that together, we can make a real difference! Listen here

CWAC Scrutiny Report Approved

Scrutiny Report was approved, marking a significant step forward in improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND in Cheshire West. This report is the result of extensive collaboration, bringing together the voices of families, the Parent Carer Forum (PCF), council officers, schools, health professionals, and other key stakeholders. SEND Scrutiny Report Approved

Survey Recommendations:

1. Co-production

2. Culture Change Commitment

3. Communication

#you said we did



What are panels and how decisions are made Online (you said we did)

Karen Cove, Senior SEN Leader, who shared her expertise on SEND panels and their critical role in decision-making. This session aimed to demystify the process for parents and carers. Click here to read the blog

Part of the interview panel for the role of Inclusion Officers (ensuring parents are at the heart of leadership decision-making)

Proud to be part of the interview panel for the new Inclusion Officers—great to help shape a team committed to making a real difference for children and young people.

A workshop for PDA, Masking & Autism in Girls Online (you said we did)

We organised an insightful online workshop focused on a topic that Parent Carers told us they want to know more about.

Survey Recommendations:
1. Co-production

2. Culture Change Commitment

3. Communication

PCF parent volunteer six-week training and program started

Our six-week Parent Volunteer Training Programme was designed to equip parent carers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work alongside professionals, advocate for families, and influence real change. Parent Volunteer Training

Drop-In Coffee event with Short Breaks & Wraparound Care Professionals (Northwich)

Parents Carers meets professionals around short breaks and wrap around care while having a cuppa

ICB coproduction charter signed with other north-west parent career forums

Link to ICB charter

Appointment of new director of children’s services

Survey Recommendations:
1. Co-production

2. Culture Change Commitment

3. Communication

4. Key Pieces of Work

Neurodevelopment Forum (Hartford)
(you said we did)

Survey Recommendations:
3. Communication

PCF part of the shaping of the new SEND strategy with PCF survey results written in to accountability measures

Online forum for transitions and pathways Online (you said we did)

An informative session took place to guide families navigating key life transitions for their children.

SIP and Learn Coffee event with Information Advice Support Service (Chester)

We host another SIP & Learn with IASS

First send partnership board meeting to review new strategy with PCF at top table ensure the voices are hearted decision-making

Survey Recommendations:
1. Co-production

2. Culture Change Commitment

3. Communication

4. Key Pieces of work



SIP and Learn Coffee event with Health Professionals (Northwich)

Parent carers meet other parent carers and a range of health professionals including Sensory Occupational Therapist, Speech & Language Therapist, Staring Well, Sleep services and more!

PCF to lead on comms culture and co-production delivery group in the strategy process

Summary of setting the scope of the delivery group, members and focus groups. The SEND Strategy for Cheshire West and Chester sets out key principles in SEND, each supported by a dedicated delivery group made up of representatives from all sectors. 

As a Parent Carer Forum, we are proud to be active members across all six groups — and especially proud to be leading the Communications, Culture and Co-production delivery group.

This group is focused on refreshing our Co-production Charter and embedding a culture of meaningful collaboration, which will influence and shape the work of all the other delivery groups.

Send Partnership Board Meeting

PCF to present to Board members – building confidence in parent carers

Survey Recommendations:
1. Co-production

2. Culture Change Commitment

3. Communication

4. Key Pieces of work

SIP and Learn Coffee event Charity Support (Northwich)

Parent carers meet the amazing charities in our borough

Preparation for Adulthood Forum (Ellesmere Port)

A Preparation for Adulthood Event- Supporting Young People with Additional Needs to Thrive Beyond School. To find out more, read 'Preparation for Adulthood: A Shared Vision for the Future' Published by: Lucy Kennerley

Free Financial Planning Online Training for parents and carers

Rhiannon Gogh—carer, Chartered Financial Adviser, and founder of the Carers Academy lead a powerful webinar on financial planning for SEND parent/carers.  Parents described the session as “eye-opening,” “empowering,” and “finally, someone who gets it.” Learn more about this session and Rhiannon here...

Conclusion

This past year has shown what’s possible when families and services come together with shared purpose. While there’s still work to do, we’re proud of the progress made and the stronger foundations now in place. The feedback from 369 parent carers helped drive change — not just in plans, but in mindset. As we move forward, we remain committed to listening, learning, and working in true partnership to create a SEND system that works for every child and young person in Cheshire West.

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

Join us and have your voice heard at any of our events