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Do you run a support group or coffee morning for parent carers in Somerset? We invite you to join us on the evening of Monday 19th June, along with other support group leaders.

The sessions will provide an opportunity to meet with the leads of the Accelerated Progress Plan (APP) and discuss the work that is taking place. Claire and Camilla would like to hear from you, to understand the experiences of families, and if the impact of the work is being felt.

The Accelerated Progress Plan (APP) outlines how Somerset services will address the remaining 2 areas of weakness following the OFSTED and CQC visit in December 2022. You can read the APP on Somerset’s SEND Local Offer in the section Somerset’s plan for improving SEND services.

The session are free to attend and will run online via Microsoft teams.

This session forms part of of our ongoing network of meetings, so if you can not attend this one check out the future dates below:

• 15th September 2023 10:00-14:00 (Face to Face venue TBC)
• 4th December 2023 19:00-20:30 (Online via Microsoft teams)
• 12th March 2024 10:00-14:00 (Face to Face venue TBC)

Join us for this online session to hear about the plans for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Somerset.

With the development of the SEND Strategy and the publication of the Accelerated Progress Plan (APP) this session will focus on what will be happening next. We will be joined by Rob Heart (Assistant Director of Inclusion) and Andrew Keefe (Deputy Director of commissioning) who will provide the update and answer any  questions.

You can find the SEND Strategy and the APP on Somerset’s SEND Local Offer.

Book your space here.

Following discussions and feedback via a poll on our support groups, we have looked at your responses and are pleased to let you know we are now launching get together for parent carers in 3 new locations.

All parent carers in Somerset are welcome to attend our get togethers, which provide a space for you to meet other parent carers, get useful information and have some me time. If you are nervous about coming along, give us a call on 01458 259384 and we can talk you through what to expect and arrange to meet you beforehand.

Don’t forget to check out our events section for more information and to find out about other events we are running.

Between 28th November and 1st December 2022, Ofsted and CQC revisited Somerset to review the work that has been undertaken since the original inspection in March 2020. The revisit was focused on the 9 areas of weakness identified during the original inspection.

The inspectors met with the parent carer forum, and we arranged a focus group with the leads of support groups across Somerset. Over 680 parents completed the OFSTED survey, and families also sent individual emails. Inspectors met with the Unstoppables and spoke to children and their parents during school visits. We are pleased that during the revisit the inspection team heard from lots of parents, and we want to thank you for getting involved.

The report acknowledges the work that has taken place and the commitment to improving how services work with families, which we welcome and look forward to working with teams across the area to develop further, ensuring this becomes common practice.

While the report shows progress across 7 areas, it clearly identifies there is still much to do to ensure families feel the impact of the work that has been done. Ofsted and CQC have identified 2 areas which were deemed not to have made sufficient progress.

1.  Poor assessment and meeting of need caused by inconsistent practice, leading to poor outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
2. Too many children and young people not accessing education because of the disproportionate use of exclusion and poor inclusive practices across the area.

These areas impact on a lot of our families and are areas that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Families need to see real changes and improvement for their children and young people.

The letter identifies that the next steps will be to meet with NHS England and the Department of Education advisors. Representatives from Somerset Parent Carer Forum will be at the meeting, and we will work to ensure your views and experiences help to shape any action plans that are created following this.

We know there is much work to do moving forward and we are committed to making your voice heard and provide opportunities for you to work directly with those delivering services. If you would like to know more about how you can get involved, please contact us at getinvolved@somersetparentcarerforum.org.uk or ring us on 01458 259384.

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