This February, find out why Parent Participation Matters!

2 mins read

Thursday 1 February 2024

Tags: parent carer forums, parent participation, parent participation matters month

Did you know that a staggering 128,000 parent carers across England are currently members of their local parent carer forum (PCF)?

PCFs make sure that the voices and experiences of children and young people with SEND and their families are heard and listened to when services are being planned and delivered.

Celebrating the dynamic force of parent participation

Throughout February we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible work PCF members are doing across England – sometimes in the face of enormous challenges, diving into real life examples of the positive impact forums are having and the genuine difference they are making to children and young people with SEND and their families.

“…I never really knew what it was to be part of a PCF, presuming like most, that it was just another support group. I couldn’t have been more wrong…support is hard to find, but I have certainly found it in this group. So if you don’t go to your local PCF coffee mornings GO, if you get asked to join in GO, if you see their events then GO. If you wanna support fixing a broken system then show up, not for us, but for your family. Let your voice be heard…”

Tracey Huggins, parent carer and member of her local parent carer forum in Sunderland

Interested in finding out more?

You can find out more about parent carer forums please visit our parent participation webpage.

Find your local parent carer forum.

Every PCF is unique and work in very different ways with some relying solely on Department for Education (DfE) funding, while others raise additional funding to support their work. Contact is the DfE’s delivery partner leading on the strategic participation of parent carers, working alongside the National Network of Parent Carer Forums, supporting the development of PCFs and administering their annual DfE parent carer participation grant.

Read more about what parent carer forums in England do and their impact.