An independent investigation into the council’s use of social media in relation to Special Educational Needs and disabled children’s services has now been published by Bristol City Council.
The report examines a difficult period in the relationship between Bristol Parent Carers and Bristol City Council, at a time when SEND inspections described relationships between families and services as “fractured”.
The report concludes that no unlawful surveillance took place. It also confirms that information about Bristol Parent Carers staff and volunteers was gathered by council staff.
We recognise that these events caused concern for many in the SEND community.
Parent Carer Forums are made up of parent carers with a wide range of experiences, backgrounds and perspectives. As recognised in national guidance, alongside their role within a forum, parent carers can continue to support their own disabled children, volunteer within their communities and participate in community and civic life in a personal capacity.
The role of those working within a Parent Carer Forum is to listen to family experiences of local systems. Every day at Bristol Parent Carers, we hear from families at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
We bring together the experiences of families and the knowledge of those working across education, health and social care to help shape services that better meet the needs of local families.
When trust is damaged, this way of working becomes harder for everyone involved.
That is why these events mattered to many people. Beyond questions of legality, they also raise important questions about trust, understanding and strong relationships within the SEND system.
Strong relationships depend on people taking time to understand different perspectives. Parent carers, professionals and leaders will not always agree, but trust is strengthened when concerns are approached with openness, curiosity and a willingness to understand the experiences behind them.
A great deal of work has taken place over recent years to strengthen relationships and improve partnership working between Bristol Parent Carers and Bristol City Council.
We recognise the commitment of current colleagues across education, health and social care who continue to work with us to improve services for children and young people with SEND.
Our focus remains firmly on the future. There is still much work to do, but we are seeing progress through the SEND and Inclusion Strategy, stronger co-production and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and their families.
Bristol Parent Carers will continue to provide an independent parent carer voice, constructive challenge and support, while working alongside partners to build trust, strengthen co-production and improve outcomes for children, young people and their families.
Bristol Parent Carers is a charity that supports families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Bristol. If you are a parent or carer and need support please visit www.bristolparentcarers.org.uk or contact us on info@bristolparentcarers.org.uk.
Further information about the independent investigation is available on the Bristol City Council website.