Valuable contributions to SEND workshops praised

01 December 2025

Organisers of the latest workshops focused on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have expressed their thanks to everyone who attended and contributed their lived experience to help inform future services.

North Northamptonshire Parent Carer Voices (NPCV) and North Northamptonshire Council hosted a series of workshops, both in-person and online, which brought together parents, carers, professionals from education, health and social care, and representatives from schools and early years settings.

More than 100 people took part across four sessions held in Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby and via Zoom. Attendees shared what is working well, the challenges they are facing, and the changes they feel are needed to better support children, young people, and families. The workshops offered space for honest conversations, reflection, and collaborative problem-solving.

Topics included co-production and how to improve working together, key findings from the NPCV 2025 SEND Survey, and progress from local service providers in response to the 2024 Ofsted/CQC inspection and the issues raised through ongoing feedback.

The insights and feedback gathered will contribute directly to shaping improvements within local SEND services.

Attendees were honest about the highs and lows they experience, and that insight is vital. We are grateful to everyone who showed up and shared their stories, even when those conversations were difficult. We are committed to making sure these voices shape next steps and lead to tangible improvements.Claire Baxter, Director at NPCV

We’d like to thank everyone who attended these workshops for their valuable contributions, whether it’s local families or professionals. Opportunities to come together with shared goals, and a determination to improve services for local people should be encouraged. A special thank you must go to NPCV, who led this series of workshops. There will be more workshops in the future, and organisers are keen to hear about what people would like to see in future sessions.Cllr Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, at North Northamptonshire Council

To suggest ideas for future workshops, please contact North Northamptonshire Parent and Carer Voices by emailing [email protected] or calling 07359 775557.