The PCF represented your voices at Cheshire West and Chester's (CWaC) scrutiny process last week.

Our main purpose was to share your 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.

The following topics are currently under consideration:

1.        Wraparound Care & Short Breaks

2.        Communication & Culture

3.        Waiting Times

4.        Compliance

5.        PCF Survey Data

We will keep you updated on what the panel decides to scrutinise further and any actions that will follow from these discussions.

We would like to thank everyone who filled the survey out for use to provide a robust presentation for the task force to consider and for the third sector for their contributions to the presentation.

Thank you for your ongoing engagement and support. We remain committed to ensuring your voice continues to shape these important conversations.

Understanding the SEND Scrutiny Process and How Your Voices help Shape the Future

At PCF Cheshire West, we have always been committed to ensuring that the voices of parents, carers, and children are heard and acted upon. The results of our recent survey, which gathered critical insights from families navigating the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, were presented during the public scrutiny process. This was a crucial step in holding services accountable and pushing for meaningful improvements within our community.

The Role of the Survey in SEND Scrutiny

The time and trust you placed in completing the survey provided us with more than just data; it gave us a powerful tool for action. The survey results were shared as part of the public SEND scrutiny meeting, helping to initiate thorough investigations into the key issues that impact families in Cheshire West.

The scrutiny process involved a range of "expert witnesses," including professionals, parent carers, and cross-party Councillors. Together, they will analyse the data in detail, allowing the scrutiny committee to ask informed questions and conduct a thorough inquiry into the most pressing issues affecting SEND families.

Key Challenges Presented to Scrutiny 

We presented several significant challenges that families have been facing, including:

• Communication Issues: Delays, lack of responsiveness, and breakdowns in communication between services.
• EHCP Process: Frustrations with delays in assessments, refusals to assess, and lack of support during the Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) process.
• Access to Services: Long wait times and eligibility barriers that prevented children from receiving essential support.
• Emotional Toll: The overwhelming stress and frustration families experienced due to the lack of adequate support.
• Wraparound Care and short breaks: the lack of services for families with send children and young people. 

The Scrutiny Process: Focus Areas

The scrutiny panel will review the key issues raised, and while not every concern may be selected for further investigation, we made sure your voices were at the heart of the discussions. Our primary goal was to present your views and experiences clearly, ensuring that the data from our latest survey was embedded in the scrutiny process. This helps establish quantifiable measures to ensure that your concerns are being heard and addressed. An example of how this can be done was presented to the panel. 

CLICK HERE to see the presentation that we presented for more details. 

We will keep you informed on what the panel decides to scrutinise further and any resulting actions that may follow.

Joint Efforts: Collaborative Action

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the survey, enabling us to present a robust case to the scrutiny panel. Furthermore we would like to thank are charities from the third sector for their input into the presentation presented at scrutiny. Your contributions help provide the evidence needed to advocate for change.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. Together, we will keep working to create lasting improvements for all SEND families in Cheshire West.

To read our 2024 PCF survey and report please

click below

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

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