Newsletter April 2023

Joanne Southall • May 10, 2023

We had a lovely first week back after the Easter break at SPACE coffee morning. 


 We are delighted to announce the next coffee morning this month, will be held on:

  Friday 28th April at Down Syndrome Cheshire
It will be an informal session, where parents will be able to catch up with other parents. 

At each of our events through the year we will have people from education, health and charities. Pop along so you can ask them any questions about accessing their services.

Children are welcome!


PCF Wednesday 22nd March Forum

At our 'Meet the Professionals' forum we had short presentations from a whole range of professionals working locally in SEND. They introduced themselves and spoke about what they do and how to access their services. There was also time for the parent carers who attended to speak to them during the coffee and lunch breaks and there was a lot of great sharing of experiences and information. We were also very grateful to Debbie Edwards, the Director of Education and Inclusion, presenting on 'One year on from the Local Authority SEND Ofsted Inspection'. As always, the forum was a great opportunity for parent carers to meet and share experiences and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone who came along.
Thank you to everyone who attended for all your feedback. 


A Roadmap to Special Educational needs and where to find support online forum

PCF reps continue to organise forums to share your views and opinions. This month we had a successful online forum presented by Emma Walker and Tracy Millington. Emma talked about the Roadmap to special education needs and how to navigate on LiveWell. Tracy talked about the new CATCH app and how it helps support families from early years. We also had Lucy from SPACE, talking about the support they provide and their upcoming events. Emma Meekin and Sarah Mcgrady attended to gather feedback from parents carers about the emerging needs of families with 0-5 year old children to capture lived experience for their assessment work.
We would love families to complete the survey below:

0-5s with SEND Emerging Needs Parent / Carer Survey

If you couldn't make this event, or would like to watch it again. Please find the link at the bottom of this email under signposting. 

AGM
Our AGM is on Wednesday 12th July 10:30-12pm. If you would like to come along and discuss what you would like us to focus on for future events please click on the online booking link under events. 


Monthly Meetings
Our reps continued to attend our monthly meetings, these range from meeting with Information, Advice and Support Services to attending Special School heads meetings.

If there is anything you would like to raise with us about issues or concerns, then please feel free contact:  

contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com


After a successful Forum in March we have more fantastic events coming up for you to put in your diaries.
Please see below for more information on our upcoming events.

Dates For Your Diary
All our Forum events are listed on the What's On page, with lots of information about each event.

You can book online.

WHAT'S ON PAGE

Register for Transport Focus Group

Book your place today

Register for our AGM

We would appreciate your feedback on your personal experiences with Endorphins and Community Connections. Please click below to register your feedback.

Endorphins Feedback New Button
Charlie Waller Webinars Info

Early Years Pathway & Introduction to Special Needs

Please click the button below to direct you to our PCF April online forum presentation. 

April online forum - watch again
Live Well Early Years Roadmap

Scan the QR code below to download the Catch app to your phone




Further Learning & Employment Seminars

USEFUL CONTACTS....


Live Well Cheshire West - www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Information Advice and Support Service (IASS) - Tel 0300 123 7001 

www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Services/1279 

SEN Team - Tel 0151 337 6505

senteam@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Starting Well - 
www.startingwell.org.uk/

West Cheshire 0-16 CAMHS Tel - 01244 393200
www.cwp.nhs.uk/services-and-locations/services/west-cheshire-0-16-camhs/


IPSEA- Call-in Helpline Tel- 0300 22 5899
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/Pages/Category/service-overview

CONTACT Advice Line -Tel-0808 808 3555
https://contact.org.uk/ 


Click here for more...


Get Involved with the PCF.... 

 

We are always looking for new parents and carers to join us. You can attend meetings, give feedback to influence the services your child or young person uses or help us to identify the gaps in services. Also, a chance to meet other parents and learn about what's on offer in Cheshire West & Chester. 
 
email 
contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com
or join us for one of our meetings. We hope to see you soon!


Copyright © 2023 CWAC PCF, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is: 
contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com

CONTACT US
By Lucy Kennerley January 26, 2026
Parent carers in Cheshire West & Chester newsletter. From vital updates on the 2026 PCF Survey, to details on upcoming SEND events, webinars and training.
PCF Cheshire West & Chester: National SEND Discussions – Brief Update
By Lucy Kennerley January 25, 2026
National SEND discussions. National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) as part of the Department of Education’s current work on SEND reforms.
By Joanne Southall January 22, 2026
Coffee Events for parents & carers. Everyone is welcome! Parents will be able to catch up with other parents. Children are welcome!
This event is for parent carers of children and young people (aged 0–25) with SEND in Cheshire West
By Joanne Southall January 22, 2026
Planning for adulthood can feel overwhelming — you don’t have to do it alone! Our Preparation for Adulthood Marketplace Event is a chance for parent carers and young people to find information, ask questions, and connect with services that can support the journey ahead.
Naming Schools in Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs)
By Lucy Kennerley January 22, 2026
This guide explains your rights, the difference between Section 41 and non-Section 41 schools, and what the council must do when naming a school in an EHCP.
By Joanne Southall January 19, 2026
Helping Families Navigate the SEND System Parent Carer Forum, Cheshire West SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) SEN Support, Quality First Teaching
By Lucy Kennerley December 19, 2025
Parent Carer Forum Newsletter for December 2025. Latest news, updates, and insights from the PCF team in Cheshire West and Chester.
Neurodiversity Profiling Tool pilot Study Team would really value your views.
By Lucy Kennerley December 15, 2025
The Centre for Autism Neuro Developmental Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities (CANDDID) study team are evaluating the Neurodiversity Profiling Tool pilot and would really value your views.
Have Your Say on SEND Services with the PCF Survey 2026
By Joanne Southall December 10, 2025
Have Your Say on SEND Services with the PCF Survey 2026 - Your feedback will shape future SEND services across health, education, social care and the community.
CWaC Newsletter
By Joanne Southall December 7, 2025
The Live Well Newsletter will be published bi-monthly to provide you with latest updates and information. It is also your opportunity to get involved, have your say and improve our Live Well/Local Offer Cheshire West Website.