Open Meetings – Spring 2015 Summary Report & Actions Introduction From 17th April until 21st May*, Richmond SEND Family Voice (RSFV) and LEAD Kingston parent forums ran a series of Open Meetings, with Achieving for Children’s (AfC’s ) Special Educational Needs (SEN) Team and the Strategic Lead for 14-19 Commissioning. The Independent Supporters, and the Support Broker for Personal Budgets also sent a single representative to each meeting and provided parents with information and further contact. We consider these meeting to be a success… both in terms of meeting parents and the tangible sense of anxiety that moved to a calmer, increased understanding. “I have felt listened to and respected - it's hard to explain just how much weight this lifts off my shoulders." The SEND Reforms are the biggest changes to support for families of children & young people with SEN in over thirty years. There has been scant additional funding from Central Government and local authorities are expected to ‘get on with the day job’ at the same time as implementing these reforms. We (professionals and parents) are learning as we develop the processes and paperwork for these reforms. The candour of the AfC professionals, facilitated by RSFV / LEAD parents made a difference to parents understanding and lessened some of the anxiety. There is still progress to be made. “Thank for organising the meeting today, it was helpful. Chairing a meeting with so many passionate people, many of whom consider themselves experts, is not easy. You [the RSFV facilitator] handled it with commendable style, patience and grace.” 120 parents attended 10 meetings. The best attended meetings were those held in, and supported by, schools. Next were those in easily accessible venues (e.g. Castlenau Ctr in Barnes or York House in Twickenham. * One additional meeting, with Downs Syndrome Association members, on 21st May, RSFV Chair gave presentation and answered questions to 40 parents.
Summary & report final – 250715 rwr/phb/eg/ac/pm