CWaC SEND latest Newsletter

Joanne Southall • July 23, 2025
SEND July newsletter

July 2025 Edition

Introduction from Amanda Perraton, Executive Director for Children and Families

Hello everyone
Welcome to our latest SEND Newsletter.
This newsletter shares updates on our SEND Improvement Plan, service developments, local successes, and new resources. It is here to help us all work together more effectively to support children, young people, and families.
Thanks to all of you - schools, health colleagues, care professionals, parent carers and partners, for your ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Cheshire West and Chester.
Your ideas, partnership and hard work are central to delivering the changes our children, families and communities need.
Thank you for everything you do.
Amanda Perraton, Executive Director for Children and Families



OUR IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND STRATEGY 

Supporting Every Child to Thrive: Focus on Attendance and Inclusion

Cheshire West and Chester Council is highlighting the vital role that school attendance and inclusive practices play in helping all children and young people achieve their potential.

Regular attendance is strongly linked to improved academic outcomes, better social connections, and positive mental health. Inclusive schools build a sense of belonging, reduce stigma, and ensure tailored support for children and young people with SEND, enabling them to flourish.

Promoting attendance and inclusion also brings wider benefits—supporting smoother transitions to adulthood, reducing the number of young people not in education, employment, or training, and strengthening our communities and local economy.

Sal Thirlway, Director of Education and Inclusion, said: “School attendance is more than just turning up - it lays the foundation for everything from learning outcomes to mental wellbeing. When children with SEND are included meaningfully, we not only uphold their rights, but we also enrich the learning environment for all. And crucially, consistent attendance provides stability that helps young people build the confidence and skills they need for adulthood.

“Investing in attendance and inclusive practices delivers smart returns. It reduces future spending on interventions, keeps young people in education or employment, and helps us meet legal responsibilities. The economic case is clear: inclusive education supports not only the individual child—but society as a whole.”

This approach reflects our commitment to creating a fairer, more sustainable education system that supports all learners. 


Other Stories....

  • SEND Improvement Plan: Demand Continues to Rise
  • New Strategy Sets Priorities for 2025 to 2026
  • Strengthening Governance and Partnerships
  • Boosting Capacity with the SEND Inclusion Support Service
  • More Specialist Places for Local Children
  • Training and Co-Production in Focus

and many more....

Read the full SEND newsletter here


Please email us at: contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com



Join us and have your voice heard at any of our events...

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