Posted on Wednesday 9th October 2024
Deb Ryan from the Staffordshire Parent Carer Forum and Cllr Jonathan Price talk at the event.
More than 400 people with an interest in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have met to share their knowledge and experiences at the second annual “Together We Thrive” event.
Parents, professionals and others with an interest came to the free event organised by the dedicated parents of children with SEND through the Staffordshire Parent Carer Forum.
This free event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to discuss, share insights, and explore a wide range of SEND services.
Jonathan Price, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for SEND, attended the event and said:
The event has been a great opportunity to connect the whole SEND network in Staffordshire.
It shows the power of coming together to support our SEND community. The wealth of information and resources available will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the lives of many families.”
The event featured vibrant marketplace of stands from NHS and Local Authority Teams, Family Hubs, Education Providers, Charities, and Community Groups.
Throughout the day, awareness workshops were held, offering valuable information and resources to attendees. Keynote speakers included Halit Hulusi, Head of SEND at Staffordshire County Council, and representatives from Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS), who delivered insightful presentations on the latest developments and support available for children, young people and families with SEND.
Event organiser Deb Ryan from the Parent Carer Forum (PCF) expressed her enthusiasm and pride, stating, “One of the event organiser's Deb Ryan from Staffs Parent Carer Forum expressed her enthusiasm and pride, stating:
It makes what we do at Staffs PCF so important to see everyone come together in one place, discussing, listening, sharing their knowledge and lived experiences of SEND in Staffordshire, together we can make a difference for our families.”
Efforts to enhance SEND support are ongoing throughout Staffordshire, however funding from central government remains a challenge both locally and nationally.
In the past five years, Staffordshire has seen a nearly 30% increase in the number of children with special educational needs or disabilities, now surpassing 22,800. Despite this rise, government funding has not matched the growing demand.
Local authorities are now seeking ways to optimise available resources to better support these children in their education, social interactions, and overall development.
Jonathan Price added:
The event provided an excellent opportunity for open discussions with parents and professionals about the system’s challenges. There was a genuine commitment to collaboration, aiming to enhance the system for the benefit of children and families.”