Let’s Talk SEND and Inclusion Event roundup

In early June, Somerset Council held the first of three Let’s Talk SEND & Inclusion events for this year, hosted by Somerset Parent Carer Forum. We are excited to share a recap of the session with you, to give you a taste of what to expect at these events!

This event was an opportunity for parent carers and practitioners in Somerset to discuss SEND and Inclusion in Somerset and gave them a chance to talk directly to members of Somerset Council, the Somerset Parent Carer Forum and practitioners from the NHS and various voluntary organisations.

The face-to-face session took place at the Cheddar Community Pavilion from 10am to 2pm. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, networked, and enjoyed tea and coffee, and even a cream tea! For those who couldn’t attend in person, online discussions were held from 7pm to 9pm.

These discussion sessions covered topics such as Connect Somerset, the EHCP process, supporting parents, learning support assistants, Somerset’s SEND Local Offer, funding support, and feedback mechanisms. There was a discussion table for each of these subjects -Parent Carers moved around these tables and were given three “discussion questions” to prompt conversation and could ask any questions they liked. All experiences and stories were welcomed.

Some of the table facilitators included Amelia Walker (Service Director Education, Partnerships and Skills), Tim Cockerill (Strategic Manager Principal Educational Psychologist), Louise Palmer (Strategic Commissioner – Children’s Services) and Camilla Hutchings (Designated clinical officer) amongst others.

There were information stalls from providers that support those with SEND and additional needs, including Community Inclusion and Activity Team, The Unstoppables, Somerset Parent Carer Forum, SENDIAS, Healthwatch, The Space, BIBIC, Autism Somerset,Autism Central, ARK at Egwood, Ups and Downs Southwest, In the Mix Project, Beacon NeuroConnect, Nova Sports and Coaching.

There were some challenging, emotional, but crucial conversations around the barriers families had faced, their experience with the system, successes, and points for improvement. The day gave a real insight into the lived experiences of parent carers and families and gave them a chance to speak openly and ask any questions they had. Notes were taken throughout and will help shape how we work moving forwards. We are currently reviewing these and will publish a response to the points raised on the local offer in July.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and shared their experiences with us. We are determined to keep working to improve services and get children and young people across Somerset the best support we can. We look forward to seeing you at our next event, so do spread the word to anyone who would be interested.

Save the Dates!
We are running a further two events to bring together parent carers and practitioners in Somerset to talk about SEND and Inclusion. Please see the dates below and add them to your diaries – more information to be released in due course.

24 October 2024, Taunton St Andrews Church
25 March 2025, Wincanton Memorial Hall

For more information on any of the events, please email admin@somersetparentcarerforum.org.uk or visit www.somerset.gov.uk/somersets-local-offer-live-week.