Working Together for SEND Families

Joanne Southall • September 4, 2024

Our commitment to co-production means partnering with local experts - you, the parents and carers - to shape services based on lived experiences.


Partnering with Local Campaigners

Campaign groups play a vital role in raising awareness and advocating for change on specific issues.

To amplify our collective impact, we encourage campaigners to share the valuable insights and feedback they receive from parents with us. By bringing these concerns to PCF CWAC, we ensure they reach decision-makers who can drive real change.


The Power of Parent Voice

Your voice matters!

The insights you share guide our discussions with local authorities and service providers. We urge campaigners to share concerns and experiences they gather, so we can effectively represent the broader community. Plus, if parents need further support, we ask campaigners to signpost them to our forum, ensuring every voice is heard and every family gets the right support.


Supporting & Collaborating

While PCF CWAC doesn’t directly campaign due to funding and governance constraints, we support campaign groups by sharing information, raising awareness, and collaborating where our goals align. Together, we can achieve better outcomes for the families we serve.


Challenge

The PCF can challenge the Local Authority on issues related to SEND services and advocate for improvements, but it does not have the authority to hold the council legally accountable. The Forum's role is to provide feedback, raise concerns, and work collaboratively to influence positive change, while formal accountability mechanisms are typically the responsibility of regulatory bodies or legal systems.


At PCF CWAC, our open-door policy and commitment to co-production ensure we remain strong advocates for parents and carers. We invite campaigners to collaborate with us, sharing the parent voice so we can drive positive change at every level.


Read more here


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


To see events coming up or to catch up on past events & presentations...

click below

Other 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