Question of the Week 14
SEND Reforms: How can the government make sure families’ real experiences are used alongside research when decisions about SEND are made, locally and nationally?
Q1. We want children, young people and their families to be involved in making better, evidence‑based decisions about SEND, both in their local area and across the country.
How can we make sure children, young people and their families have a genuine say in these decisions?
Your voice matters 💬
This could include thinking about practical things like:
- Regular local listening events
- Support to help children and young people to contribute
- Support to help families engage as equal partners
- Parent representation in decision‑making bodies
- Clear feedback loops (“you said, we did”)
- Lived experience from families being treated as real evidence
- Transparency how decisions are made and accountability in how families views are used
answer either a) or b) below — or both if you want!
a) Has your family experienced any of the above in action either locally or nationally?
- Pick one example – was it effective – what went well? How could it be improved and what needs to go?
b) What are the barriers to being involved? for example
- Lack of clear information
- Not knowing how to get involved
- Meetings during working hours
- Lack of childcare or transport
- Short notice or inaccessible location
- Feedback not acted on
- Under-representation of minority ethnic families
- You feel families like yours are under-represented
You do not need to know policy jargon or quote research. What matters most is your lived experience.
💬 Short comments are absolutely fine.
📌 Please avoid naming individual professionals or settings.
🧡 Your lived experience help guide the Forum’s response.
