Parent Carer Forums: Parents making a difference
2 mins read
Tuesday 2 June 2026
Did you know that parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across England are helping to shape services in their local areas?
Parent carer forums (PCFs) are groups of parents who come together to share their experiences, raise issues that matter to families, and work with local services to influence how support is designed and delivered for children and young people with SEND.
Every PCF is different, responding to the needs of its own community but all of them focus on improving local services. Others also develop projects, resources and events that support families directly.
Turning lived experience into better services
A great example is the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum’s Together for Change Panel. This brings parent carers and professionals together to listen, learn and work as partners. By sharing ideas and experiences, families help influence decisions about local services, ensuring they work better for the people who use them.
The Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum created the Let’s Talk SEND podcast series after hearing from local families who wanted accessible information and advice. Covering a range of topics, from SEND support and education services to preparing for adulthood, they offer practical guidance and help families feel more informed and connected.
These are just two examples of the valuable work being done by PCFs across England. Parent carer forums show what can happen when families and services work together. By listening to parent carers and involving them in decision-making, communities can create better support and brighter futures for children and young people with SEND.
Find out more about parent carer forums
If you live in England, find your local Parent Carer Forum.
If you would like to know more about what PCFs do you can take a look at our frequently asked questions.