LEEDS PCF

26/05/2026

We’ve had our say on the national SEND reforms✍️

Leeds PCF has submitted a response to the government’s proposed changes to the SEND system, shaped by the voices of local families.
We gathered feedback through online sessions, our Padlet, and our wider engagement with Leeds parent carers.

Families told us they support the aim of the reforms - earlier help, better inclusion, and less need to fight for support. But there are concerns that the proposals are too vague and risk shifting responsibility onto mainstream schools without the funding and safeguards needed. Families are also calling for clearer accountability and enforceable support.

We’ve also contributed to regional and national responses to make sure Leeds voices are part of the bigger picture.

You can read all three responses on our website: https://www.leedsparentcarerforum.co.uk/news/national-send-reforms-consultation-response/

Thank you to every parent carer who shared their views - it really matters.

20/05/2026

📣 Workshop for Parents and Carers: Leeds Social Care Transition Team

Are you starting to think about what happens next as your child moves into adulthood?

Join us for a supportive and informative session with the Leeds Social Care Transition Team, focused on preparing for adulthood and moving into adult social care.

This workshop is for parents and carers of young people aged 14–25 with disabilities and/or complex health needs.

You’ll hear directly from professionals and have the chance to ask questions about:

• The Transitions Team and who they support
• Moving from children’s to adult services
• Accommodation and support options
• What happens after transition

It’s a great opportunity to build your understanding, feel more confident about next steps, and connect with other parents and carers.

🗓️Tuesday, 16th June
📍Leeds Mencap

👉 Find out more and book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leeds-social-care-transition-team-workshop-for-parents-and-carers-tickets-1989369036340?aff=oddtdtcreator

19/05/2026

Children’s Consultation Day at Leeds Art Gallery 🖼

Families are invited to help shape future activity at Leeds Art Gallery.

This welcoming session is for:
👉Families with lived experience of disability and/or neurodivergence
👉Disabled parents and carers

🗓 Thursday, 28th May
🕐 1:30pm - 4:30pm
📍 Leeds Art Gallery (Henry Moore Lecture Room)

This is a chance to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas in a supportive space.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss access needs, you can contact the organisers directly.

18/05/2026

📣Reminder: Evening SEND parent carer information drop-in this Thursday!

📅Thursday, 21st May
⏰️6.30pm to 8.30pm
📍The Vinery Centre, Leeds LS9 9LU

We'll be there, along with:

☑️Leeds Local Offer
☑️Leeds Sendiass Page
☑️Carers Leeds
☑️Little Hiccups
☑️SEND Coordinators

Let us know if you're planning to come along here:
https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/InfoDropIn/
If you have any questions, contact: [email protected]

18/05/2026

📣 Spectrum Festival is back for 2026!

This SEND-friendly, fully inclusive live music event returns to Leeds on Friday, 12th June at The Attic Leeds.

🎶 Open to young people aged 14+
🎺 10+ live performers across 2 stages
🎉 Headlined by Mr Wilson's Second Liners, bringing their unique brass band twist to classic rave tunes

Tickets start from £15;
👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spectrum-festival-2026-tickets-1988461415622

If cost is a barrier or you have any questions about SEND accessibility or individual needs, please get in touch with the organisers.

14/05/2026

🚌Information session: Home to School Transport 🚌

A friendly and informative online session all about Home to School Transport for children and young people with SEND.

📅Tuesday, 16th June 2026
⏰12.00pm till 1.00pm
💻Online via Microsoft Teams

This session is for parents and carers of children under 16 attending specialist settings, and will be delivered by the Children’s Transport and Passenger Transport teams, who will share key information and guidance.

If you can’t make it on the day, don’t worry - a recording will be available afterwards.

Book your free place here 👉https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/TransportSession/

13/05/2026

We're always thinking about how things could work better for children and families in Leeds, and we would love your ideas.

This Padlet is for suggestions and ideas for improvement in SEND services. If there is something you think could be done differently, better, or more clearly, this is the place to share it.

You can post anonymously, and it is quick and easy to use.

Share your ideas here:
https://tinyurl.com/25d84yf4

12/05/2026

At Leeds PCF, we regularly meet with health services and partners to share the lived experiences of families.

One of the things parents and carers have told us consistently is how difficult it can be to understand and access neurodevelopmental assessment pathways, particularly for autism and ADHD. Many families have raised concerns about long waiting times, unclear communication, and not knowing what support is available while waiting.

In response, health and care partners across Leeds and West Yorkshire have been working together to review and improve the system.

This document sets out the changes being made to create a clearer, more consistent and needs-led approach. We hope this will make things easier to understand and more helpful for families.

You can read it here on the Leeds Local Offer:
https://leedslocaloffer.org.uk/health-and-social-care/health-and-social-care/health-services/health-and-social-care/health-and-2

11/05/2026

📣Parent Carer Event, Leeds

Join Leeds Parent Carer Forum and the Voice, Influence and Change Team for a welcoming morning where your voice really matters.

This event is aimed at support group representatives, but all SEND parent carers are very welcome to come along too.

Come and:
✅ Learn simple ways to share your views and feedback
✅ Take part in the Leeds PCF annual survey
✅ Find out about Short Breaks and fun activities in Leeds
✅ Learn about RADAR and share your feedback directly with services

📅 Monday, 22nd June 2026
⏰ 10am – 12.30pm
📍 Pudsey Civic Hall, LS28 5TA

Register here👉 https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/PCFEvent/

We would love to see you there and hear your experiences.

07/05/2026

⏰Reminder: Have you completed the national SEND Reform consultation yet?

Parents and carers can share their views directly with the Department for Education as part of the SEND Reform consultation. The consultation is open until Monday, 18th May.

You don't need to answer every question, and you can save your progress and return to it at any time.

🔹 Complete the national consultation here:
https://consult.education.gov.uk/send-strategy-division/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-firs/

🔹 Find other ways to get involved through Leeds PCF here:
https://www.leedsparentcarerforum.co.uk/news/have-your-say-on-the-send-reforms/

Find and participate in consultations run by the Department for Education