Thank You to IASS and Our Parent Carers – Helping Families Navigate the SEND System

We would like to say a huge thank you to the Cheshire West SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) for delivering such an informative, practical and empowering session to our parent carers this week.

The session focused on helping families better understand and navigate the SEND system – from SEN Support and Quality First Teaching, through to the EHCP process, timescales, rights and routes for resolving disagreements. IASS shared clear, accessible guidance grounded in the SEND Code of Practice, helping parents to understand not only what should happen, but why, and where the law supports their child’s needs.

What really stood out was IASS’s commitment to empowering parents, rather than speaking for them – giving families the confidence, knowledge and tools to participate meaningfully in decisions about their child’s education. The honest discussion around common challenges, delays and disagreements was invaluable, as was the practical advice on preparing for meetings, understanding paperwork and knowing when and how to escalate concerns.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the parents and carers who attended. Your engagement, thoughtful questions and willingness to share experiences are what make sessions like this so powerful. These conversations not only help individual families, but also strengthen the collective voice of parent carers across Cheshire West and Chester.

Events like this underline the importance of partnership working between parent carers, IASS and the Parent Carer Forum. Together, we can ensure families are informed, supported and better equipped to navigate what can often feel like a complex and overwhelming system.

Thank you again to IASS for your time, expertise and continued support for families – and to every parent carer who joined us and continues to advocate for their child every day.

You can watch the video and view the slides back here

Here were some questions from parents that have been answered
Questions from parents

Other links and resources discussed:

IASS_LEAFLET_

Quality First Teaching | Live Well Cheshire West

Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSN)

Funding Framework:

Early Years

Primary and Secondary

Post-16



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