CWaC becoming a SEND inclusive borough and the work of the PCF to hear the voices of parents via our 2024 survey.

Our Vice Chair Kennerley Lucy spoke at the Council meeting in Winsford last night. She was there to talk about the work of the PCF and how we amplify the voices of our parent carers in Cheshire West. Speaking alongside her was Mary from Live Cheshire CWaC SEND Accountability and Jen Ifer a parent representative from Greenbank school.  Cheshire West and Chester Council were proposing to pass a motion to become an SEND inclusive borough. The motion passed and an agreement to include the results of the PCF survey were included in the motion.

We would like to thank counsellors for passing this motion and look forward to implementing the recommendations of our report.

Lucy's Speech from the council meeting...

Good evening,

I'm Lucy, a proud parent of two children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  I’m honoured to represent the Parent Carer Forum (PCF) in Cheshire West and Chester.

We are a group of passionate parent carer volunteers, dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for all SEND children and young people. We achieve this by working collaboratively with the professionals', ensuring co-production is at the heart of our ethos.

Recently, the PCF conducted a survey to amplify the voices of parent carers and their children, shedding light on their experiences, concerns, and challenges regarding SEND provisions in the borough.   The survey revealed persistent communication issues, sparking a growing sense of frustration among families. It highlights the urgent need for collaboration, transparency, and empathy within the system. In response, we've recommended the establishment of a new co-production charter, enhancing staff training, and nurturing a culture of empathy and respect.

We thank leaders for their commitment to working with us in implementing our recommendations to address the challenges that our families endure.

 We all acknowledge the widespread disappointment felt by SEND families in our borough. That's why today, we proudly stand in support of the motion to Become an Inclusive Borough.

This motion will enhance all our efforts to support individuals with SEND in our community. It reaffirms the PCF's recommendations, underscoring the importance of working in equal partnership with leaders from all sectors of SEND services. It demands ownership and accountability, enhanced accessibility, and better training for educators and professionals.

Together, we affirm our dedication to building an Inclusive Borough where individuals with SEND are not just included and valued, but truly supported.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our PCF volunteers who have dedicated themselves tirelessly over the years to advocate for the best outcomes for children and young people. They have done so, whilst balancing their own responsibilities and caring duties.  Additionally, I extend deep appreciation to all parent carers who, on a daily basis, work tirelessly to champion the rights of their own children.

Finally, I’d like to thank the Council for supporting the cause to make Cheshire West and Chester an inclusive borough.

Thank you.

Thanks also to the parents reps and every parent who has trusted us with your stories over the years. Change doesn’t happen over night but with good relationships and a commitment to co production anything is possible.

You can watch the speeches below

Coverage from the meeting can be found in the Northwich Guardian

'Councillors back plan for greater SEND inclusion and support'...

If you need any question about our survey please email us at: contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com or call 07900 840867

To see other events coming up in 2024 or to catch up on past events & presentations...

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