BCP/Dorset SEND-National Crisis Group

21/09/2026

If you have ever had cause to ask for support or use statutory services, please complete the survey and share with others. It covers services across health, education, social care, housing, benefits, employment, family support, justice, safeguarding, advocacy and more.
👉 Share your experience:
Every Experience Matters https://every-child-matters.co.uk/every-experience-matters/

Real experiences. Real evidence. Every experience matters.

We want to understand what actually happens when people in England try to use public, statutory and publicly funded services. We're collecting real experiences

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

Our latest update

Talking about your child’s needs can feel confusing and emotional — many parents and carers have told us the same.It’s completely normal for these conversations to bring up a lot.

27/07/2026

Our in‑person support is taking a gentle pause over the school summer holidays.
We are still here — offering email support throughout the break at [email protected] and occasional meet‑ups if a parent or carer needs us.
Our full in‑person sessions will return in September.
Wishing everyone a calm, sunny summer. 💛

01/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BkT8EKXWK/

Over the coming weeks, ICARS will begin releasing selected evidence from the Department for Education’s 2019 consultation, “Restraint in mainstream settings and alternative provision.”

The consultation ran from 27 June to 17 October 2019.

This evidence is now part of the material being sent to the United Nations.

The Department asked for views on whether guidance was needed for mainstream schools, mainstream post-16 settings and alternative provision.

Years later, the consultation outcome still has not been published.

The responses matter because they show that families, advocates, professionals and organisations were already warning the Department about restraint, seclusion, isolation and other restrictive practices in schools.

Nearly seven years on, the question is simple:

What was the DfE told?

And why has the Department still not reported publicly on what was said in this consultation?

01/04/2026

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.

30/03/2026

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.

28/03/2026

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.

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

05/03/2026

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.

27/02/2026

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.

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.