PCF Newsletter February 2023

Joanne Southall • February 27, 2023

After a successful coffee morning last month at SPACE. We are delighted to announce the next coffee morning, which will be on Friday 17th February. 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!


Third Sector Meeting 

The PCF where delighted to run another successful third sector meeting, with 10 charities from across Cheshire, who all support parents and carers with children with SEND. The Charites shared their experiences and challenges that their families they are supporting are facing. Our next meeting will be held in June 2023. 

Thank you to Down Syndrome Cheshire for hosting this meeting and for the fantastic tour of their venue.

Thank you to all the charities who attended:



School Rep Meeting

At the beginning of the month, we hosted our second School Reps meeting. It was great opportunity to catch up and to find out what has been working well and what hasn't been working well in schools across Cheshire. If you would like to become a school rep, please click on the link below. 

School Rep Link

Parent Representative Meeting


PCF reps continue to attend meetings, to share your views and opinions. This month those meeting have included:
Updates from the Director Education and Inclusion, Debbie Edwards and

Director of Children's Services, Helen Brackenbury.
Preparation for Adulthood looking at College Courses and gaps in provision
Meeting with Information Advice and Support to share common feedback from parents
Contract review of the short break services for Endorphins and Community Connections.
We also fed back about continued gaps in services that will be included in the Council perceived gaps report. 

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

contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com


NHS Early Year Family Survey 

We are working alongside the NHS to ensure that we are sharing your views and lived experiences.

If you could take 5 minutes to complete this survey to help improve the Early Years process we would appreciate your time.


Complete the survey

After a successful Forum back in November, 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



Further Learning & Employment Seminars

Information about DLA

Mental Health Resources

School Refusal Resources... 
The poster above is available, along with lots of advice and resources at Sunshine Support

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO SUNSHINE SUPPORT RESOURCES



West and Chester's Policy on Emotional Based Schools - see below.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO CWAC RESOURCES


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
Luke Squires, a dad to three neurodiverse children, living with ADHD himself.
By Lucy Kennerley June 8, 2026
Parent Carer Forum for Cheshire West & Chester new blog post - Parent Voices - Luke Squires, a dad to three neurodiverse children, living with ADHD himself.
Parent Carer Forum
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
By Joanne Southall June 1, 2026
Cheshire West Parent Carer Forum (AGM) Working together to improve services and outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.
PCF newsletter May 2026
By Lucy Kennerley May 22, 2026
Welcome Back to Your Parent Carer Forum Update đź’› From shaping national SEND reform to influencing local services right here in Cheshire West and Chester, this newsletter is packed with your voice!
By Lucy Kennerley May 18, 2026
We will be discussing SEND Reform National Consultation Schools White Paper: Education, Inclusion and Mental Health Forum on 12th May at Vicars Cross Golf Club, Tarvin, Chester
Results from the CWaC PCF Survey 2026
By Joanne Southall May 18, 2026
Your feedback will shape future SEND services across health, education, social care and the community. Read the results from our Survey 2026.
By Lucy Kennerley May 18, 2026
An informative and supportive session designed for parents, carers of young people with SEND in Cheshire West &Chester. Find out what short breaks are available.
Education & Mental Health Forum from the PCF Cheshire West & Chester
By Joanne Southall May 16, 2026
Education & Mental Health Forum from the PCF Cheshire West & Chester. Local education and mental health services. SEND Reforms – What You Need to Know.
New PCF CWaC Newsletter Out Now!
By Lucy Kennerley May 11, 2026
New PCF CWaC Newsletter Out Now! Catch up on upcoming events, SEND reform consultation news, practical resources, coffee events, webinars and support for families. Lots of opportunities to stay informed, get involved and have your voice heard.
Supporting Education: SEND Parent Training Webinar
Gain practical advice and confidence
By Joanne Southall May 5, 2026
Supporting Education: SEND Parent Training Webinar Gain practical advice and confidence to support your child in school. PCF Cheshire West and Chester Practical • Supportive • Informative Helping you feel confident working with your child’s school
Reasonable adjustments come from a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010.
By Lucy Kennerley April 24, 2026
Reasonable adjustments come from a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010. Schools must remove barriers for disabled pupils by making practical, appropriate changes that allow them to access learning like everyone else.