What does the charity do?

1. The charity is committed to making sure that parent/carers’ views and experiences are heard, so that they influence and shape the support and services they receive, and create better outcomes for all children, young people with SEND and their families.

Being parents and carers ourselves provides a particular empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by families of children with SEND.

2. NPCF serves as a collective voice for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND, sharing their experiences, challenges and ideas, to inform service providers in the Local Authority, education, health, and social care.

As equal partners, constructive feedback is offered, acting as a critical friend while remaining fully independent.

3. Parent engagement is championed, emphasising the importance of hearing directly from families and working collaboratively with them.

The forum wants as many parent/carers as possible to become involved in the way that is possible for them. The forum consistently encourages parent/carers to get involved whenever possible, whether by participating in surveys or joining focus groups with local SEND providers. They also emphasise to providers and commissioners the importance of hearing directly from families currently using services, to understand their experiences and inform improvements.

This is rooted in the knowledge that children and young people, along with their parents, are the most qualified to determine the services they need in their local area.

4. NPCF engage with local parent/carers in different ways so as many voices as possible can be heard (see our About Us page).

5. The forum encourage the development of local peer support and networking (see our pages on the Autism in School page & the PINS project).

6. Information and resources are shared, and parents are signposted to services and support.

While not a support group, guidance and information are provided to relevant services when meeting with parent carers.

7. Relevant events, training, and support sessions are hosted for parent carers.

Learning and support events are regularly offered.

Our vision is for every child and young person in Nottinghamshire with a disability or additional need to reach their full potential

Who can join?

Any parent or main carer of a child or young person aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who lives or receives services in Nottinghamshire can join NPCF.

This is regardless of their child or young person’s disability, condition, or spectrum, and is not limited to those whose children or young people have a formal diagnosis.

To join: (see our Become a Member page).

If you would like to send a message, or tell us your experience or difficulty, get in touch via our contact form