Swindon SEND Families Voice

21/10/2026

Our team will be signing off today, to spend time with our families over Half Term.

We hope you all have a good half term with your families, and we will be back on Monday 2nd November.

If you need any support during the holidays, please see our page:

The SEND Room.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/206510070244891

You can also find information on the Local Offer.
https://www.swindon.gov.uk/sendlocaloffer

21/10/2026

The Department for Education has launched a Call for Evidence on the school exclusion reform proposals set out in the Schools White Paper ‘Every child achieving and thriving’.

The proposals include a national framework for internal suspension, reintegration support partnerships following a suspension, and the provision of schoolwork during the first five school days of suspension or permanent exclusion.

For more details about this, please the link below;
https://tinyurl.com/467cwwde

They would very much value your contribution to this Call for Evidence to help them understand how these proposals may affect families, including those who have children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The Call for Evidence, which has targeted questions for parents and carers, can be found on the link above and closes on 19 November 2026.

We encourage parents and carers, including those with experience of suspension or permanent exclusion, to respond directly. They will also separately be seeking views from children and young people to ensure their experiences inform the evidence base alongside school, parent and carer perspectives.

For all enquiries about the school exclusion Call for Evidence, please email: [email protected].

Evidence gathered from this Call for Evidence will inform any subsequent consultation on the implementation of the school exclusion reforms.

Reforms to the schools and SEND systems in England to ensure that every child can achieve and thrive.

20/10/2026

🎃👻 It's a Halloween Special at SSFV next week! 👻🎃

We've got two Halloween-themed sessions coming up on Thursday 29th October, and we'd love you to join us! 💜

🌈🎃 SEND Stay & Play

Join Amina and Lyndsay for a friendly morning where little ones can play and explore while parents and carers connect, share experiences and have a chat.

🧸 For children aged 0–5 years with SEND
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍 The Meadow, Leigh Road, Swindon, SN2 5DE
💷 £2 per family

📧 To book: [email protected]

👻🎃 SEND Social Club

Our SEND Social Club is a welcoming space for young people to socialise, make connections and enjoy time together.

🧡 For young people aged 13–25 years with SEND
⏰ 6:30pm – 8:30pm
📍 Punjabi Community Centre, Swindon, SN2 7BB

💷 £5 for one young person and one parent/carer
💷 £2.50 per additional young person or parent/carer

📧 To book: [email protected]

✨ Booking is required for both sessions.

Please note that parents and carers must stay and remain responsible for their children and young people throughout the sessions.

We look forward to seeing you for some Halloween fun! 🎃👻💜

20/10/2026

💜 Are you a parent or carer of a child or young person with SEND in Swindon? 💜

You are not alone! 💜 At Swindon SEND Families Voice, we understand that navigating the world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can sometimes feel overwhelming, and finding people who truly understand your journey can make all the difference.

Whether your child has a diagnosis, is waiting for an assessment, or you are just beginning to explore their needs, we are here for you. Our friendly, welcoming community offers opportunities to connect with other parents and carers, share experiences, access support, ask questions and have your voice heard.
From relaxed coffee mornings and family activities to support groups and informative sessions, there are opportunities to meet others who understand and remind you that you don't have to do this alone. 💜🤝

Come along, meet us and become part of our community , your family matters, your voice matters, and you are always welcome! 💜

📍 Find out more about our events and how to get involved: https://swindonsendfamiliesvoice.org.uk/

If you would like to sign up to our mailing list, please use the link below;
https://swindonsendfamiliesvoice.org.uk/mailing-list-sign-up/

💜

16/10/2026

🌈💜 SEND Stay & Play Thursday 22nd October💜🌈

Looking for a friendly, welcoming space for your little one to play while you meet other SEND parents and carers? 😊

Come along to our SEND Stay & Play Support Group, with Amina and Lyndsay!

🧸 For children aged 0–5 years with SEND

📅 Thursday 22nd October
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍The Meadow, Leigh Road, Swindon, SN2 5DE
💷 £2 per family

Our sessions are a lovely opportunity for little ones to play and explore while parents and carers connect, share experiences and have a chat. 💜

📧 Booking is required!

Email [email protected] to reserve your place.

✨ Please note that parents and carers remain responsible for their children throughout the session.

We look forward to seeing you! 💜

16/10/2026

Swindon SEND Families Voice would like to share the following comms from Swindon Borough Council Travel Team;

Please be advised that we are currently experiencing issues with our telephone lines. Some calls are working normally; however, on some calls, the caller is unable to hear us.

We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible and will provide a further update once this has been resolved.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding.

15/10/2026

Cycling fun in half term holidays at the Moredon Sporting Hub!

Along with family cycling and learn to cycle sessions we've got a FREE Autumn Cycling roadshow on Tuesday 27th October from 10am - 1pm. Join them for FREE bike repairs, BikeRegister security marking, cycling maps and reflective goodies.

Join us this half term for cycling fun at Moredon Sporting Hub!

Along with family cycling and learn to cycle sessions we've got a FREE Autumn Cycling roadshow on Tuesday 27th October from 10am - 1pm. Join us for FREE bike repairs, BikeRegister security marking, cycling maps and reflective goodies.

We hope to see you then!

14/10/2026

🥞☕ Breakfast Catch-Up with Swindon SEND Families Voice! 💜

Are you a parent or carer of a child with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)?

Why not come along to our Breakfast Catch-Up and meet some of the SSFV team? 😊

It's a lovely opportunity to have a chat, ask questions, find out more about what we do and connect with other SEND parents and carers.

📅 Tuesday 3rd November 2026
⏰ From 9:30am
📍 The Dockle Farmhouse, Swindon

Whether you'd like some information and support or simply fancy a friendly catch-up, we'd love to see you there! 💜

09/10/2026

🌈 SEND Stay & Play is back next week! 🧸✨

Join us on Thursday morning at The Meadow for our SEND Stay & Play, a relaxed and welcoming space for children aged 0–5 with SEND and their parents and carers. 💜

Come along for some play, meet other families and have a chat with the SSFV team. ☕💬

📅 Thursday 15th October
⏰ 10am–12pm
📍 The Meadow, Leigh Road, Swindon, SN2 5DE
💜 £2 per family

📧 Places need to be booked – email [email protected]

We would love to see you there! 🌈

07/10/2026

Swindon SEND Families Voice attended the My Future Fair today at the Punjabi Community Centre, alongside New College Swindon, BSW Recovery College, Bridge to Adulthood, Supported Internship Project Search, Swindon Youth Voice, Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind, Dressability, Swindon Carers Together, Horizons College and Healthwatch Swindon.

It was really lovely to see so many parents, young people and professionals engaging with each stall.

A perfect opportunity to find out what is out there for our Young people to pursue.

We are planning to run this event again next year, so keep an eye on our socials for further details.