September has been a busy, busy month for your local Parent Carer Forum.
So there’s a lots to share with Medway parent carers this October, including our EOTAS and funding consultation responses, an update on school transport and our coffee morning on 6 October, and information about MCH joining KCHFT, upcoming SEND and preparation for adulthood events, and a chance to share your views on Experts at Hand. Thank you for continuing to share your experiences and help shape our work. đź’ś
EOTAS & Funding Consultation Responses
We wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and experiences with us on the EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) and Upfront Funding Government consultations.
Using the feedback shared by Medway parent carers, Medway Parent & Carers Forum wrote and submitted responses to both consultations, helping to ensure that the experiences and views of local families were represented. You can now read the consultation responses written by the Forum below. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped us make sure parent carers’ voices were heard. đź’ś
EOTAS Consultation Responses: [LINK]
Upfront Funding Consultation Responses: [LINK]
1. Have your say: Expert at Hand Survey
We are gathering the views of parent carers to help shape the development of Experts at Hand in Medway and make a difference to your local services.
👉Please share your thoughts here; https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/e7VQBX8riN
The survey is anonymous and we will be passing this feedback to Marie Woolston – Experts at Hand Lead from Medway Council. If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact our team at info@medwaypcf.org.uk
Thank you, as always, for being part of our MPCF community. đź’ś
MCH and KCHFT Merge:
information for Medway Parent Carers
Medway Community Healthcare (MCH), which provides a number of children’s health services in Medway including Snapdragons Children’s Centre, community paediatric services and children’s therapy services, has joined with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) as one organisation from Thursday, 1 October.
We understand that any changes to organisations providing your family’s care can bring questions or concerns. Medway Parent & Carers Forum has been reassured that families should not experience immediate changes to the way they access support.
What does this mean for your family?
The information shared with us confirms that:
- Staff and caseloads will remain the same. MCH staff will continue in their current roles and with their current caseloads.
- Existing contact details will continue to work. Families can continue using their usual telephone numbers and email addresses, with no changes at present.
- Referral processes will remain the same for now. Existing referral forms will continue to be used.
Where can you find information about Medway services?
Information and referral forms for individual services can now be found on the relevant service pages on the KCHFT website. Use the search function at the top of the website to find the service you need.
You can also browse the KCHFT services directory and select Medway to find local services.
KCHFT has created a [dedicated Medway information page]
UPCOMING EVENTS:Â
Medway Parents Carers may be interested in attending
Medway Council is hosting a Preparation for Adulthood event for young people in Year 9+ with SEND and their families.
Come along to explore information and support around education, training, health services, social care and other support services as young people prepare for adulthood.
Wednesday 28 October
10am–4pm
Glassbox Theatre, MidKent College, Medway Campus
Do you have questions or concerns about your child’s education?
Come along to Medway Council’s Education, Inclusion & SEND Support Event to speak directly with the teams, ask questions, get advice and guidance, and find out more about the support and options available.
12 October
12pm–6pm
Parkwood Youth Centre
No appointment needed, simply drop in and speak to the teams.
Upcoming Career Compass Event! 👇
Your local Parent Carer forum (us!) will be here at the Career Compass Event for young people exploring their next steps into work, education or training. The event will include opportunities to meet employers, explore apprenticeships, get support with CVs and interviews, and receive careers and financial guidance.
💜 A quiet hour will run from 9–10am, offering an opportunity to visit during a quieter period before the main event.
19 October 2026 | 9am–2pm | MidKent College, Medway Campus, Gillingham, ME7 1FN
🎟️ Free tickets are available via Eventbrite: [LINK]
Any questions regarding this Newsletter please feel free to email info@medwaypcf.org.uk