Dear parents/carers,

Manchester City Council is committed to continually improving services for children with SEND. The Early Years (age 0 to 5 years) is a critical part in that process and we would like your help.

The Council has commissioned a review of inclusive practice in the Early Years services it provides, which will look at what’s working and what could be improved. The views of parents and carers will be central to the review process. We would, therefore, like to hear your experiences and ideas. We are particularly keen to hear about your lived experiences and gain your feedback, and we are hoping to capture as may families’ feedback as possible.

The review is based on the council’s statutory duties:

  • To support a seamless pathway of services from pre-birth to five years
  • To support the provision of and take up of Early Years education and childcare (including the 15 and 30 hours entitlements and childcare that supports parents to work) – Check if you’re eligible for free childcare if you’re working.
  • To provide information for families

These duties aim to support improved outcomes for children, specifically children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), and narrowing the gap between non-disabled children and those with additional needs.

We will include a focus on the RHOSEY service (Rodney House Outreach Service for the Early Years) to build on their strengths. We know other services play a huge part in a family’s journey too.

The review is being led by Ann Van Dyke MBE from Families First. You may know Ann from leading the Dingley’s Promise Inclusion Project.

All responses will remain confidential and here are some ways if you’d like to take part:

  1. The team will be talking to families at groups running over the summer and into September for some “speed dating style” chats taking place remotely. These events will be on Wednesday 21st August from 2 – 2;30pm and Friday 6th September 10 – 10:30am.
  2. There will be two dedicated remote/online MS Teams conversations: 26th September morning (10-11.30am) and again in the evening (7-8.30pm). A link for your chosen meeting will be sent to your email address following completion of the booking form: https://forms.office.com/e/M0VRMHQVDm
  3. You can email your experiences and ideas by 27th September to kate@familiesfirst.org.uk – Attached are some questions that might help you.
  4. You can respond to our survey by 27th September using the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6HR877

Please feel free to choose any one of the above options that suit you best.

Join an Online Session
Respond by Email
Answer the survey

Use the navigation buttons above to view/download the guide questions for this Early Years review.