We were pleased to recently attend the official opening of three new Autism Resource Bases (ARBs) at Blenheim Primary School, Thorpedene Primary School and Shoeburyness High School. These new provisions mark an important step forward in strengthening SEND support across Southend. The ARBs have been purpose-built to provide specialist support for children with autism within a mainstream school environment. They offer calm, supportive spaces where children can access tailored help, while also having opportunities to learn and socialise alongside their peers in mainstream settings. This approach helps combine specialist provision with inclusion, supporting both learning and wellbeing. It’s encouraging to see continued investment in local SEND services, particularly provision that allows more children and young people to receive the support they need closer to home. For many families, being able to access specialist education locally can make a real difference to daily life, routines and outcomes.  As a Parent Carer Forum, we welcome these positive developments and recognise the importance of expanding specialist support within mainstream schools. We look forward to continuing to work alongside families, schools and the local authority to ensure children and young people with SEND are supported to thrive.

Representing Southend at the National Parent Carer Forums' Conference Some of our team recently travelled to Sheffield to attend the joint National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) and Contact – For Families with Disabled Children National Conference for Parent Carer Forums. It was a really valuable day bringing together parent carer forums from across the country to learn from one another, share experiences, and discuss the future of SEND support. The conference provided a space for open and honest conversations about the current SEND landscape and the changes families are experiencing. There was a strong focus on SEND reform and alternative provision, alongside discussions about strengthening parent carer forums, building regional capacity, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Throughout the day, the importance of lived experience remained central — highlighting the need for clear communication, accountability and meaningful co-production with families. There was also a focus on improving access and inclusion through a mix of online and in-person approaches, recognising that different families need different ways to engage and be supported. We were pleased that senior representatives from the Department for Education joined the conference, including Claire Burton, Director for SEND and Alternative Provision, who spent the day listening to parent carers and taking part in workshops. The discussions highlighted both the challenges families continue to face and the commitment being made nationally to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. One of the most valuable parts of the day was the opportunity to meet directly with Minister Gould, Minister for School Standards. We were able to share real experiences and feedback from families in Southend, helping ensure that local voices are heard in national conversations about SEND policy and practice. It was encouraging to see the Minister engage with parent carers and reflect on the issues being raised. Alongside the formal sessions, it was great to connect with other parent carer forums from across the country, exchange ideas, and build supportive relationships. These connections are so important in strengthening our work locally and learning from what’s working well in other areas.  Overall, it was a full and productive day of learning, discussion and collaboration. We’ll be bringing what we’ve learned back into our work in Southend to continue improving how we listen to families, represent parent carers, and work alongside local services to create positive change for children and young people with SEND.

New Autism and ADHD Assessment Providers – Important Update for Parent Carers Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) has announced an important update that may help reduce the long waiting times for Autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people. What’s changing? The NHS in Mid and South Essex has commissioned three new specialist providers to carry out Autism and ADHD assessments under the NHS Right to Choose scheme. This means more choice for families and aims to help children and young people be assessed sooner . New NHS Right to Choose providers GPs in Mid and South Essex can now refer children and young people directly to the following approved NHS providers : Body and Mind Mind Professionals The Owl Centre These providers have been quality assured by the ICB and meet NHS standards for safe, effective care. They will work alongside existing local providers (EPUT, NELFT and Provide CIC) to help reduce waiting times. What services do these providers offe r? The new providers can offer: Autism and ADHD assessments ADHD medication services (starting and adjusting medication), where appropriate Shared care arrangements with your GP, meaning prescriptions and reviews can often be managed locally How referrals work (important) Referrals must be made by your GP Schools cannot refer to these new providers Schools can continue to refer via My Care Bridge to the Community Collaborative as they do now If you feel one of these providers may be suitable for your child, you can discuss this with your GP and request a referral under Right to Choose. What about children already waiting? The ICB is also working with existing services to support children and young people who have: Been waiting over one year for an Autism or ADHD assessment Are approaching transition to adult services Some of these young people may be moved to the new providers to help speed things up. More providers coming soon The ICB has confirmed that four additional providers have also been commissioned and are expected to start accepting referrals later this spring . This information will be updated when details are available. Understanding your Right to Choose Under NHS rules, patients have the right to choose their ADHD (and Autism) assessment provider. However, the ICB encourages families to choose from locally commissioned and approved providers , as these: Meet NHS quality and safety standards Are linked with local services Support joined-up care after diagnosis Some Right to Choose providers only offer assessment and diagnosis , meaning further referrals may be needed for treatment. Read More on the ICB Webpage .