Bristol Parent Carers is an established charity that works with local services to help improve support for Bristol SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) families. We are not a campaign group, and therefore we are not taking part in any protest activity regarding the SEND White Paper.
We know that many families have raised concerns about the SEND White Paper. This includes worries about the changes to tribunal rights and other legal protections.
These are important parts of the SEND system. They affect how families get the support their children need. We understand why families are concerned and hear this clearly.
As part of our role, we will:
- Help families to understand the proposed changes and the potential impact in real life. As part of this, we have arranged a free, online webinar with Polly Kerr, which you can register for here: https://tinyurl.com/4avp4txy
- Send a formal response to the consultation, based on what Bristol families tell us
- Share clear information about how families can take part in consultations and wider discussions
- Continue supporting families after any changes come into effect
We know there are strong feelings about this. We will keep sharing what families tell us in a clear, honest, and constructive way.
Some families may also want to know about the external #SaveOurChildrensRights campaign, which is sharing information and encouraging people to get involved in SEND issues.
This campaign is separate from Bristol Parent Carers. We are sharing this for information only. If you would like to find out more, you can visit: https://www.saveourchildrensrights.org.uk/
The SEND White Paper is a proposal. This means nothing has changed yet, and the law stays the same for now. The consultation is open until 18 May, so families still have time to share their views.
You can respond to the government consultation directly, or you can share your views through our short survey. We will use what you tell us to help shape a response that we will send on behalf of Bristol families.