SEND Summit 2026!

Sara Mak • October 19, 2026

What an event! 250 attendees, a whole lot of information, questions and genuine, honest debate and knowledge sharing. The whole day was centred around the three ‘c’s of Culture, Communication and Co-production. That's what the session delivered by our chair Lucy was about, and it's what the 'SEND Our Commitment' is built on. Seven promises that define how we want SEND services to feel and work.

“It's a SEND partnership commitment”

Lucy Kennerley - PCF Chair, speaking at the SEND Summit

There are many positive examples of individual professionals going above and beyond, we especially enjoyed listening to the changes being made at Weaverham High School and Meadow Bank School to support and address children and young peoples' needs on an individual basis. Some of the provision that has been put in place like the ‘Wren Room’ to accommodate children who do not want to attend a school environment but are keen to continue studying were encouraging and with real life positive outcomes.

But too many families still experience a system that is failing them.

During the SEND summit we were able to bring together professionals and families so that we could facilitate open, honest communications about what is already embedded in services, and which ones still need work on.

Key themes still came through as to the challenges the sector continues to face such as lack of resources, money and qualified staff to deliver adequate provision but there was a real determination in the room to positively approach 'SEND Our Commitment'.

With new structures and systems being put in place in early years provision and Experts at Hand being rolled out, there was a marked air of hope in the room that changes would be supported. More importantly, it was reassuring that that there is the potential to work together to introduce the culture of community at the outset for a child’s educational journey.

Some of the most valuable moments came from parents and professionals hearing each other's experience at the same table. Thank you to everyone for listening, sharing and making your voices heard.

SEND Summit video