A changing landscape – key issues for SEND families
Report of survey results
The Sussex Parent Carer Forum Collaborative (SPCFC), which ESPCF is part of, today publishes the results of our survey asking parent carers across Sussex about some of the big changes happening in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at the moment.
Our report includes the key messages you told us and our recommendations for policymakers. Your views also directly informed our responses to the government’s SEND reforms consultation.
We asked you about: the Schools White Paper & SEND reforms consultation; the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act; proposed changes to NHS integrated care boards (ICBs); and devolution and proposed changes to local government. We also asked how you feel about the formation of the SPCFC, which is the recently-formed partnership between the three parent carer forums in Sussex.
The overwhelming message from the survey responses is that parent carers are anxious and unsure about what the changes will mean for their families. SEND families regularly report feeling overwhelmed with the stress and struggle of securing appropriate services and support. Now, proposed changes to the provision of health and education, and the organisation of local government, are causing uncertainty and worry that already stretched services will be even further reduced.
Read the full report: A changing landscape (PDF)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. The survey report will be shared directly with the three local authorities and with NHS Sussex. Your voice matters and we want to make sure it’s heard.