New forum for SEND parents to help shape services

The forum is run by families of children with extra needs, the council said

A new forum has been set up for parents and carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND).

SEND Wolves Parent Voice in Wolverhampton replaces Voice4Parents, which closed earlier this year after a decade of supporting families, the council said.

Run by family members of children with SEND, the forum aims to give parents and carers a say in shaping local services, opportunity to share experiences and access information and liaise with the SEND Local Area Partnership.

Parents have also been asked to give their feedback in a survey focusing on the city's provision, to help the council evaluate the effectiveness of its services.

In June, Wolverhampton West MP Warinder Juss called for the government to review funding, after statistics found nearly one in five pupils in England were receiving support in the classroom.

He said there were nearly 9,000 pupils receiving support within his constituency, about 18% of the total pupil population.

Last month, the council agreed to keep transport for SEND students over the age of 16 free-of-charge after a public consultation.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for children, young people and education, said the forums played an important role, empowering parents to influence decisions.

"It's really important that we have a strong parent carer forum to advocate for SEND children and young people, to ensure their families' voices are heard, and to help the SEND Local Area Partnership develop the best possible services for every child and young person in our city who has additional needs."