In this issue:
Have your say in HPCI's annual parent carer survey (all ages)
Every year Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI), the parent carer forum for Hertfordshire, run a survey to find out what families with children or young people with SEND are experiencing. They want to know what works and what doesn’t, so they can concentrate on the things that matter most to you.
Their survey results are used extensively in HPCI's everyday work, and they also share anonymous data with decision makers in health, education and social care services. This helps to drive change within SEND services.
You can find details of a longer or shorter survey you can fill in, depending on how much time you have. For both surveys you have the option to be entered into a prize draw for vouchers too.
The survey is open until Sunday 9 November.
Learn more and complete the HPCI annual survey
Share your thoughts in the annual childcare sufficiency survey (ages 0-14)
Every year Hertfordshire County Council has to produce an annual childcare sufficiency report that is made available to the public. The report helps us to understand the current market position across Hertfordshire for childcare, and find out what families need in relation to childcare. The results of this survey will help us to plan the right childcare places across Hertfordshire for working families so please do complete it if you are able.
Complete the childcare sufficiency survey (for parents of children aged 0-14)
The Bridge parent support group for children struggling to attend school, Hatfield (ages 11 - 14)
The Bridge is a support group for parents and carers of children in years 6, 7 or 8 who are struggling with school attendance. 
At The Bridge, you'll find a safe supportive environment where you can:
💬 Share experiences
🫶 Receive emotional and practical support
💪 Build confidence and resilience
Running for 12 weeks starting on 4 November at Breaks Manor in Hatfield. For more info, email Ruth.Coleman@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Get support from the SEND Champions for young children with SEND (aged 0-5)
The SEND Chat and Play sessions at Hertfordshire's Family Centres are designed to provide a relaxed, supportive environment for families of children with emerging or
diagnosed SEND needs, offering both play opportunities and access to trusted local information.
Each session is facilitated by the Family Centre Service's experienced SEND Champions, who are on hand to:
- Support families in navigating local SEND services
- Provide information about local groups, upcoming courses, and other resources
- Offer a listening ear for any concerns families may wish to share
SEND White Paper due in 2026
The Department for Education had been expected to announce its plans for reforming the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in a White Paper in the autumn. However, education secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced that the government’s Schools White Paper has been delayed and will not now be published until early next year.
Phillipson explained in a letter to the Education Select Committee that the delay is to allow for:
- Further co-creation and testing of proposals with families, teachers, and experts.
- Listening sessions across the country.
- Fortnightly meetings with parent and expert groups to refine the reforms.
We know that families are waiting for this white paper with anticipation. In Hertfordshire we continue to improve our services where we can on a local level.
Send reform in England pushed back to 2026 - BBC News
Events
View all events and activities
Angels: relationships and sexuality workshop, online
Tuesday 4 November, 10am - 12pm
Online workshop discussing relationships and sexuality for children and young people with autism and ADHD.
The ADD-vantage Spark squad - group for girls with ADHD (ages 12-16)
Wednesday 5 November, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Hertford
A relaxed fortnightly social group for local girls with ADHD and related conditions
SPACE: Christmas market & SEN sessions with Santa
Saturday 22 November, 12.30pm - 3.30pm, Hatfield
Come along for an afternoon to support local small businesses and raise funds and awareness for SPACE Hertfordshire. Santa visits available.