Medway Parent Carer Voices Highlighted by Lauren Edwards MP
We are delighted to share with our parent carers that the experiences of Medway parent carers has been highlighted by Lauren Edwards MP in a recent article for Kent Online, following her visit Medway Parents and Carers Forum (MPCF) at snapdragons.
Read the article here: OPINION: Rochester and Strood MP Lauren Edwards on parents’ experiences of the SEND system
Lauren joined us at Snapdragons Children’s Centre in Strood, where she had the opportunity to speak directly with parent carers about their experiences of the SEND system and their hopes and concerns for their children and young people.
A key part of the discussion focused on what happens beyond school, and the challenges some young people with SEND can face when moving into further education, training, apprenticeships and employment.
Taking your experiences beyond the Forum
In her article, Lauren reflected on the conversations she had with our parent carers, writing that “their reflections have stayed with me” as the Government continues its work around SEND reform.
She also highlighted some of the issues raised during the discussion, including the need for more supported pathways after leaving school and better access to qualifications which can help open doors to further opportunities.
Lauren writes:
“But our ambition for young people with SEND cannot stop at the age of 16.”
For us, this is an important and exciting example of why sharing your experiences with MPCF matters.
As Medway’s Parent Carer Forum, one of our roles is to create opportunities for the voices and lived experiences of local families to reach the people involved in shaping services, decisions and policy.
Sometimes this sharing of experience will happen through surveys and consultations. Or sometimes its with our parent support team meeting with local services and decision-makers. And sometimes parent carers having an opportunity to share their experiences directly.
Your voice matters
We would like to thank the parent carers who joined us and spoke so openly about their experiences, and Lauren Edwards MP for taking the time to listen and for continuing the conversation publicly.
Every experience shared with us helps us build a clearer picture of what is working for SEND families in Medway, what isn’t, and where families want to see change.
Your experiences are at the heart of what we do.