SEN parents' forum

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What is Wiltshire’s SEN Parents' Forum?

The SEN Parents' Forum is a constructive way for parents/carers and voluntary sector groups to discuss special educational needs (SEN) related issues with the local authority (LA). It provides a non-confrontational setting for these partners to discuss and explore SEN issues and mutual areas of concern.

How is it organised?

The SEN Parents' Forum meets twice a year. Before each forum four district pre-meetings take place for parents/carers and support group representatives. These enable countywide representation when drawing up the issues to be considered at the forum.

The aim of each pre-meeting is to prioritise questions to be taken forward to the SEN Parents' Forum meeting. The questions directly relate to SEN issues, policies and practices rather than individual children.

Following the pre-meetings the questions generated are circulated to the relevant LA staff and posted on both the ask and Wiltshire Council websites.

Up to five members of each area pre-meeting attend the SEN Parents' Forum meeting. Ideally, there is representation from a variety of parents/carers, support groups and those who have asked questions. Appropriate LA officers attend, to provide answers and participate in discussion. Representatives from health and schools are invited, as appropriate, to attend the county forum.

All the meetings are organised and facilitated by representatives of Wiltshire’s Parent Partnership Service (at ask).

Why have a forum?

This opportunity for direct discussion improves the knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding SEN by all partners and informs future developments. The overall aim is to achieve improved outcomes for Wiltshire children.

What has been discussed at the forum so far?

Regular forums have been taking place since November 2006. Feedback from those attending has been very positive. For full details of issues discussed at the forums so far, please go to notes of SEN forum. For updates on developments and activity since the last two forums, go to Update Bulletins.

SEN forum - dates and venues

The next series of forums would usually start at the end of February. As indicated at the forum in November, Wiltshire Council and the parent partnership service are currently looking at alternative ways to access the parents’ voice.

In light of this, it would be unrealistic to hold the planned spring meetings. This will allow time to agree a new format and also to allow the local authority and schools to implement some of the changes required after the SEN review.

The joint aim of the parent partnership service and Wiltshire Council is to find the most efficient and effective way of accessing parental views. If you have any ideas about this, we would be very pleased to hear from you - please see the details below.

Related information

• SEN - What does it mean?
• What if I think my child has SEN?
• Assessment & Provision
• SEN in Wiltshire - What's new?
• SEN Homepage

Related documents

• SEN Leaflets
• SEN Strategy for Wiltshire
• Wiltshire IPD
• Annual Review Documents 2008
• Notes of SEN Forum
• Update Bulletins

Related links

• SENSS (Parent Partnership Service)
• Children & Young People's Services Partnership

These are external/partnership sites which you may find useful. Wiltshire Council is not responsible for their content.

Last updated: 15 February 2011