PCF Mission, Vision and Values

Joanne Southall • October 16, 2024

Our vision statement reflects the core values and goals of the Parent Carer Forum (PCF). Here's what it means:

Compassionate and Inclusive Environment: The PCF is committed to creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued, ensuring that all voices, especially those of parents and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), are heard and respected.


Empowerment and Respect: The PCF aims to empower individuals by ensuring their opinions and experiences are not just acknowledged but actively considered in decision-making processes. Respect is central to this empowerment, recognizing the worth and dignity of every individual involved.


Professionalism and Diligence: The forum's team of parent volunteers is described as professional and hardworking, meaning they approach their responsibilities with seriousness, dedication, and a commitment to high standards.


Driving Positive Change: The PCF is focused on making meaningful improvements in the lives of those with SEND. This involves being open, honest, and transparent in their actions and communications, fostering trust and clarity.


Collaboration and Accountability: Working together is key to the PCF's approach. They believe in collaboration, both within their team and with external stakeholders, to achieve their goals. They also hold themselves accountable, meaning they take responsibility for their actions and the outcomes of their efforts.


Inclusivity and Compassionate Support: The PCF promotes an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice matters. They encourage a compassionate approach, supporting each member of the community and ensuring that different perspectives and needs are considered.


Representation and Advocacy: The vision emphasises the importance of representing the diverse needs of the community. The PCF seeks to be a voice for parents and young people with SEND, advocating for their interests and working towards solutions that benefit them.


Commitment to Improvement: The statement concludes with a commitment to continuous improvement and making a positive impact. The PCF is dedicated to creating a better future by addressing current challenges and adapting to the evolving needs of their community.

Mission Statement: Here's a breakdown of the purpose and goals of what the PCF Mission statement means:

Voice for Parents and Carers: The primary goal of the PCF is to represent as many parents and carers as possible, ensuring that their concerns, needs, and perspectives are heard by decision-makers. The PCF serves as a collective voice for the community, advocating on their behalf.


Influencing Service Decisions: The PCF aims to impact decisions related to services for families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). By highlighting gaps or deficiencies in these services, the forum seeks to influence changes that better meet the needs of the community.


Providing Information and Signposting: A key role of the PCF is to offer valuable information to parents, carers, professionals, and voluntary organisations. This includes guiding them to the right resources, services, and support systems that can help them navigate the challenges associated with SEND.


Co-Producing Improvements: The PCF is dedicated to working collaboratively with local authorities, service providers, and other stakeholders to develop and improve SEND services. "Co-production" means they actively involve parents and carers in the process of creating and enhancing services, ensuring that the changes reflect the real needs and experiences of those they represent.


If you have any questions, please email us at: contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com or call 07900 840867



Join us and have your voice heard at any of our events in 2024/25...

PCF Events
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