BCP/Dorset SEND-National Crisis Group

For your information and I do have permission to share.

Jessica Toale would like to warmly invite you to a follow-up session to hear more about the proposed SEND reforms, ask questions, and share your thoughts.

With the upcoming consultation on the SEND white paper, this is an important opportunity for parents and carers—especially those with lived experience of the current system—to help shape future provision and ensure your voices are heard. The Department for Education is particularly keen to hear from families to help get these changes right.

Event details:
• Tuesday 14th April, 5:30–6:30pm (online)
• Friday 24th April, 10:00–11:30am (in person, Redhill – venue details will be shared by email two days before)

How to attend:
Please register your place here: www.jessicatoale.com/send

Once registered, you will receive further information, including the online link or venue details.

SEND meeting | Jessica Toale

Co-production is most effective when everyone co-operates and contributes their part. When we build it together, it becomes a true reflection of our shared effort and commitment.

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/25975493.send-motion-rejected-bcp-council-consultation-concerns/

When Support for SEND Families Doesn’t Translate Into Action

BCP Council’s decision to reject a motion aimed at protecting children’s SEND rights has left many families disappointed. The motion asked for something simple and reasonable: a public commitment to uphold the legal rights children already have, including EHCPs, statutory duties, and access to essential support.

Councillors expressed sympathy for families but declined to support the motion, referencing the ongoing national SEND consultation. Although that explanation may sound structured it leaves families without the reassurance they urgently need. The motion focused on safeguarding existing law, not pre‑judging future reforms, so using the consultation as a reason to step back feels like another moment in which the system's flexibility is prioritised over certainty for children.

For families already navigating delays, appeals, and repeated barriers, this decision reinforces a familiar pattern: just words, but no firm commitment. It highlights the gap between acknowledging the challenges and taking action to address them.

The positive aspect is that SEND issues are now being discussed openly and publicly. But visibility alone isn’t enough. Children need safe, clear, and consistent leadership that stands with them, especially during a period of national change. This was an opportunity for the council to offer that reassurance, and it was not taken.

Council votes down SEND motion due to consultation response concerns A proposal to improve support for residents accessing special education needs services (SEND) has been voted down due to concerns it will restrict…

Every Child Matters: a full day of lived‑experience SEND conversations — join, leave, return as you need, and these are just some of the discussions.

This Saturday - Every Child Matters: a full day of lived‑experience SEND conversations — join, leave, return as you need.

A calm, come‑as‑you‑are space to talk honestly about SEND. Join us with special guests on 7 March — drop in any time between 10am and 6pm.

National SEND Conversation • 7 March 2026 On 7 March, we are coming together with special guests to hold space for a real national conversation about SEND. Honest voices, lived experience, and a gentle, come‑as‑you‑are day drop in and catch the chats from 10am to 6pm.

We know starting school can feel like a big step — for children and families.
Join this event for a relaxed School Readiness Evening where there will be an opportunities to share ideas, answer questions, and explore what “ready” really looks like.
Hillbourne Primary - Address in the flyer below
Date- 5th Feb
Time - 6:30–7:30pm
All families welcome, whatever school you’re heading to

Call for an independent look into delays in SEND support

Too many children with SEND are not getting the help they need when they need it. Families are often left waiting months — sometimes years — for support to be put in place. These delays mean children miss out on the education they are entitled to, and it can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing and progress.

Petition: Commission independent inquiry into delays in SEND education provision Many children with SEND are being failed. Some families can wait months or even years for support, leaving children without the education they are legally entitled to and causing long-term harm.

Headline: BANDS OR TIERS?
What you need to know about the SEND reforms!
Confused about the 2025/2026 SEND changes? You’re not alone.
The government is moving away from local council "Banding" toward a "National 4-Tier System."
What’s changing?
Historically,
*Banding was all about the money—how much extra funding your school got for your child. It was a total postcode lottery!
The new 4-Tier System is about "National Standards." It’s designed as a ladder of support:
Tier 1-2: Inclusive teaching and group support for everyone.
Tier 3-4: More specialist help (like speech therapy) before you even need an EHCP.
The Goal:
*More support, earlier, in every mainstream school.
The Watch-out:
*Your legal rights haven't changed!
If your child needs more than Tier 4, you still have the right to request an EHCP assessment.

Home | PCF We’re an independent, inclusive charity dedicated to supporting parents and carers of all ages across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and the wider Dorset area. Whether you care for a child or an adult, our goal is to make sure you're not alone in your journey.

Link for further information - https://www.primary-forest-school.co.uk/bookings?tag=february-half-term-holiday-clubs&month=

February Half Term = Outdoor Adventures!
Join us at our Forest School Holiday Club for den building, campfire cooking, nature crafts and muddy fun!
📅 Feb Half Term 17th 18th 19th
👧 Ages: 5 - 11 years
📍 Bridport - Christchurch - Taunton - Weymouth
🎟️ Limited spaces – book now!
👉 https://www.primary-forest-school.co.uk/bookings?tag=february-half-term-holiday-clubs&month=