PCF Annual General Meeting (AGM)

PCF Annual General Meeting (AGM) - July 9th

Joanne Southall • July 16, 2026

PCF Annual General Meeting (AGM) from Thursday 9th July 2026

We had a good turnout to our AGM which was held online on Thursday 9th July.

A huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in one of our forums or responded to our posts - it’s so important that we get to share your voices to drive change. Collectively, we have achieved so much, and we are immensely proud of the changes made.

Our guests from the CwaC SEND Transport team Vikki Williams - School organisations and Transport Policy Manager and Lynee McGonigle from the Transport Commissioning Team gave an update on SEND Home to School Travel Assistance at the AGM.

Thank you to everyone who submitted their questions in advance or during the session.

Please find the answers to your questions below:

Transport Communication – Parent Concerns

When will parents/carers receive formal confirmation of September transport arrangements for their child?
We have started to send out letters and will continue to do so, if there is no change to transport those letters will all be out by the end of next week If families have not heard by 3 August they should contact the transport team SENtransport@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Some parents have been told by current drivers that they don't yet know if they'll be retained for September, can you confirm whether driver/route allocations for the new academic year have been finalised?
The majority of routes have now been agreed at the moment 3% of pupils do not have routes allocated, but these were only made known to us recently. Another tender phase is going out on Monday. We have no control over allocation of drivers, this is a decision made by the transport operators
What is the process (and timeline) for notifying families if there is a change of driver, escort, or vehicle from the current arrangement?
All transport information will be contained in the letter which is sent out to parents during the summer. The transport operator will then contact families to arrange a meet and greet. If you have not heard from the Driver/PA by 21 August please telephone the transport operator using the number on the letter sent out from us
Where a change is confirmed, will parents be given the opportunity to meet the new driver/escort before the first day, particularly for children who need continuity or additional support?
See previous response
Is there a single point of contact families can reach out to directly with transport queries in the run-up to September?
There is not one single point of contact as there are various teams involved through the whole travel assessment process. We have provided appropriate contact details for the various scenarios on the last slide of the presentation
Can you share any confirmed information now with members to help ease anxiety, even if full details aren't finalised?
As of today 82% of pupils will not experience a change of transport, although this does not mean that the driver and PA will necessarily stay the same. There are times during the planning process where it is necessary to split contracts where there are a number of new pupils in the same area attending the same school. There will continue to be new pupils and the team will endeavour to put in place travel for them but this may not be in time for the start of the academic year

There was also a question raised about Personal Travel Budgets and you can find out more and how to apply here: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/school-and-college-transport/personal-travel-budget

Remember: If you have not heard about travel arrangements for your child by 3rd August contact the transport team SENtransport@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

As we wrapped up the end of another academic term during the AGM, we also had some changes to announce here in the PCF team - including the appointment of our new chair Lucy Kennerley - previously vice chair for the group. Lucy is proud to build on the strong foundations Julie Duff has laid down and to continue championing families’ voices with the same passion and dedication.

Our outgoing chair Julie Duff gave an update on the growth of the group, actions taken and 2026/2027 plans. But she also reflected on the achievements made by PCF Cheshire West during her tenure as Chair.

“Leading the forum has been one of the greatest privileges of my life… It has been an honour to carry your voices into the rooms where decisions are made.”

The good news is this isn’t goodbye, Julie will be staying on with the Forum in a volunteer capacity, continuing to support specific pieces of work as well as helping out with Forums and events. We are so grateful that her wisdom and experience will remain part of our community.

A recording of the AGM is available to watch online, also a link to the presentation slides and our Annual Report for those unable to attend, or who may want to revisit some of the content - please click below: