Newsletter June 2025

Lucy Kennerley • July 23, 2025

PCF NEWS

In order to keep you up to date on all of the works we are involved in to ensure that your experiences are heard, we have created a new BLOG area on our website

PCF Blogs...

Here are some of the latest updates…..

A range of new and improved resources are now available to support neurodivergent children, young people, and their families across Cheshire and Merseyside. These include local and national directories, practical guides for families and professionals, and the trial of a new Neurodiversity Profiling Tool designed to ensure needs-led, timely support without the need to wait for diagnosis.

There are also updates on local services such as SPOTTS (Sensory Processing OT Service), the development of a new GP-led Adult ADHD model in West Cheshire, and professional feeding support for children on the autism pathway.

Read the full update from the link below.

Cheshire Neurodevelopment Clinical Network Update

Neurodiversity Profiling Tool Update: PROFILE STUDY (CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL PARTNERSHIP NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)

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.

Find out more by tapping the link below.

Tap here to register your interest!

Trust, Inclusion, and Leadership in SEND

Navigating the complexities of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is a journey of challenge, learning, and opportunity. This programme’s focus on systemic transformation, collaboration, and co-production provided timely insights that complement the ongoing work in Cheshire West and Chester, including the SEND Strategy Plan and the newly formed SEND Strategy Partnership Board. Tap the link below to find out more.


Reflections on Leadership in SEND and Alternative Provision with the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTI)

Book your Place Here!

Professional Updates & Engagement

New Cheshire and Merseyside neurodevelopment pathway, including the This is Me profiling tool to better support neurodivergent children and young people. Find out from the link below.

Neurodevelopment Pathway Update

Join the Conversation on School Uniforms! 


Cheshire West & Chester are bringing together parents, carers, young people, schools, and organisations across Cheshire West to shape the future of school uniform policies, making them fair, affordable, and supportive for all families.


Upcoming Sessions – Choose the one that suits you:


Online: Thursday 3rd July, 12:30–1:30pm 


Winsford (Wyvern House): Monday 7th July, 9:30–10:30am

Chester (HQ): Thursday 10th July, 2:30–3:30pm


Before joining, please take 5 minutes to complete our School Uniform Survey and share your views — even if you can’t attend a session!


Find Out More Here!



FREE support from Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP NHS)

If your child attends a Mental Health Support School, you’re invited to join a series of supportive and friendly sessions this summer to help you understand and manage your child’s emotional wellbeing.

Various sessions across the borough over summer!

Please ask the providers if your school is signed up with them. 

To find out more, email: cwp.cheshiremhstadmin@nhs.net


Koala North West’s Thriving Families programme offers one-to-one, tailored support for parents, carers, and children aged 0–19 (or up to 25 with SEND). Whether it's parenting guidance, mental well-being, or strengthening family relationships, we're here to assist you in a way that works best for you.

Find Out More Here!

Listening Ear service offers hour-long 1-1 telephone appointments with a family support adviser. 


Where our helpline provides information and advice, Listening Ear is for parent carers looking for emotional support and reassurance – though we can provide practical help too.


Freephone telephone


Tel: 0808 808 3555 


Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5pm.


Listening Ear Information here!

Preparation for Adulthood – Your One-Stop Padlet

A helpful, easy-to-use online noticeboard designed to support young people and their families in navigating post-16 services.

Whether you’re looking for information on education, employment, independent living, or health and wellbeing, this ‘one-stop shop’ Padlet brings together key resources, services, and guidance to make the journey to adulthood clearer and less overwhelming.

Preparation for Adulthood Padlet

Finding the right social opportunities and support for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be a challenge. That’s why the Cheshire West and Chester Youth Service provides free, inclusive, and engaging youth provisions across the borough.

Find out More Here!

Need a Break? Carefree Can Help!

Through Carefree, hundreds of hotels across the country donate short stays to unpaid carers — giving you the chance to rest and recharge. You can book a 1–2 night hotel stay with a companion, at a time and place that suits you.

Find out more and book your break here!


Join Our Growing Team at the Parent Carer Forum – Vacancies Available
Are you a parent or carer of a child with additional needs or a disability in Cheshire West and Chester?

The Parent Carer Forum is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team!


Why Join Us?
Amplify Your Voice: Represent the perspectives of parents and carers in your school community. Your feedback will directly influence local services and SEND policies.

Make a Difference: Be part of a team that shapes positive changes for children and young people with SEND.

Flexibility: You can get involved at a pace that works for you—whether attending meetings, gathering parent feedback, or simply being a point of contact.

Find out more about being a PCF Representative here!

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...


Copyright © 2025 CWAC PCF, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is: 
contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com

CONTACT US
New date released for our online training session
By Joanne Southall October 20, 2025
New date released for our online training session - virtual parent training on empowerment and communication
By Joanne Southall October 16, 2025
Coffee Events for parents & carers. Everyone is welcome! Parents will be able to catch up with other parents. Children are welcome!
Disability Services Advocacy Team Sessions
By Joanne Southall October 16, 2025
Disability Services Advocacy Team Sessions
The full Cheshire West & Chester SEND Strategy 2025/26.
By Lucy Kennerley October 14, 2025
You can read the full Cheshire West & Chester SEND Strategy 2025/26 here. You can also view the results from our most recent PCF Survey.
By Joanne Southall October 14, 2025
This free online session is open to all parents and carers in Cheshire West and Chester who care for a child or young person aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). Join us to learn about the support available for families across the early years.
September Newsletter
By Lucy Kennerley September 26, 2025
This month’s newsletter includes updates on local services, events, and SEND news for families. Take a look and stay connected with your SEND community!
By Joanne Southall September 24, 2025
Who is this for? This event is for parent carers of children and young people (aged 0–25) with SEND in Cheshire Wes and Chester. It’s a chance to hear from professionals, ask questions, and get practical strategies to support your child at home and in school.  What’s on the day: Understanding Neurodiversity & Support in Cheshire West & Chester What neurodiversity is and why it matters Updates on CWAC’s Neurodiversity Profiling Tool and diagnostic pathway Parent introduction on using the neurodiversity tool Speakers include Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, Educational Psychologist, Autism Team. Information on accessing external support services Partnership Inclusion Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) How schools in CWAC are becoming more inclusive for neurodiverse children Parent and student perspectives Resources, blogs, and practical advice from PCF involvement in the project How the learning from the project can support other schools Marketplace Meet local services and support organisations, including Autism Team, SALT, SPOTSS, OT, CWP (reasonable adjustments), Information Advice Support Service, Disability Positive, and more Opportunity to speak directly with professionals and other parent carers Food & Refreshments Tea, coffee, and cake will be provided. Please bring your own lunch. 📌 Important: This event is only open to parent carers of children/young people with SEND aged 0–25 in CWAC. Spaces are limited – book your place now!
By Joanne Southall September 11, 2025
Join us for an informative online session with IASS (Information, Advice and Support Service) to learn how they can help you navigate the SEND system. Find out: · Who IASS are and the support they provide to parent carers · How to access clear, impartial information about SEND processes · Practical tips and resources to help you advocate confidently for your child or young person
By Joanne Southall September 2, 2025
Who Are We? – PCF Forum & Meet the Director of Education & Inclusion We recently hosted our first virtual forum, where parent carers had the chance to: • Meet some of our PCF representatives • Hear from Contact’s Participation Advisor, Lisa, who explained how PCFs fit nationally • Meet Sal, the Director of Education Inclusion A huge thank you to everyone who joined us! Missed it? You can watch again on our YouTube channel or view the slides - links below...
By Joanne Southall September 2, 2025
To see other events coming up or to catch up on past events & presentations... click below