This event is exclusively for parents and carers of deaf, disabled or neurodivergent children (or those with undiagnosed Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities [SEND]) who live in the city of Manchester.

It’s a chance to:

• Get an update on the North West Change Programme Partnership (CPP)
• Learn about Manchester’s SEND Reform plan
• Give your views on SEND matters across Education, Health and Social Care
• Find out about the wider support for SEND across the city

You are welcome to arrive at any time and to leave early if needed. We do encourage everyone to arrive between 9:30 to 10am, if possible, as it’ll make registration easier and faster.

There will be a limited number of creche places available for those who need to bring younger children (up to age 5) – pre-registration by phone required.

BOOKING REQUIRED. Please contact us or the Local Offer team if you need support with booking: 01612192125 

Here are some photos from last year’s conference:

Workshops:

• Manchester’s SEND Reform Plan   

  This workshop will provide you with an update on Manchester’s SEND Reform Plan in response to the governments Schools White Paper. Come along and see how your views are already influencing decisions around SEND in Manchester and have your say on the local plan and how we improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND in the city.

• Early Years Workshop: Best Start in Life, SEDIT & Dingley’s Promise  
  Navigating the early years with a child who has SEND can feel overwhelming, this workshop is here to help. Learn about Manchester’s Best Start in Life offer, alongside SEDIT and Dingley’s Promise, and how they support your child’s development.

  Gain a better understanding of early development, recognising emerging needs, and where to go for support. You’ll also build confidence in working with professionals and take away simple, practical ideas to support your child at home — plus discover local groups, activities, and support networks available to you.

• Family Hubs (0-25 years)   

  In this workshop you’ll find out about what Family Hubs are, what they have to offer and how you can get involved.

• Preparing for Adulthood and Supported Internships   
  This workshop will give you the opportunity to find out about pathways to employment and learning opportunities on Manchester’s Supported Internship Programmes.
  Supported Internships are a great route into employment for young people with SEND.  They provide a minimum of 6 months in work placements, a personalised study programme and the opportunity to study for relevant qualifications . Interns are supported to move into paid employment at the end of the programme.

  Including information about our pilot programme for young people with SEND aged 16-25 who do not have an EHCP. The pilot offer includes supported work placements, skills training, careers advice and job coaching as well as continued development of independent living skills and the option of gaining Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 qualifications.

• SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)   

  In this workshop you can find out about the advice and support which the SENDIASS service is able to offer to parents/professionals.

• SEND Support   

  This workshop will look at the support available to help schools with inclusion, including the Ordinarily Available Provision toolkit, outreach from specialist schools and services, Emotional Barriers to School Attendance toolkit, Transition resources and technology support for pupils, such as the AV1 robot.

• What’s Important to Families
  
  In this session, we will explore the different aspects of life that are important to families of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent children and young people.

Info Stalls:

• About Me   
  The ‘About Me’ document is a way to share more information about yourself, to someone you are meeting for the first time.
  You can send it to them before an appointment, an activity or moving to a new setting. It is great for job applications too. They get to know you before they meet you.
  You can let a doctor, a dentist, a tutor, a coach or an employer know how you like to:
  • communicate
  • be supported
  • be kept safe and well
  And
  • What your strengths are. What you are amazing at!
  • What you like and are passionate about
  • What your future plans are – What and where you want to be
• Supported Internships   
  Supported internships are the best route into employment for young people aged 16-24 with an Education, Health and Care plan.
  They are a partnership between employers, colleges, supported employment providers and Manchester City Council. They allow a young person to learn skills in real work environments with the support of tutors and job coaches.

  Alongside their time at the employer, young people complete a personalised study programme which includes the chance to study for relevant qualifications.

  Wherever possible, they support the young person to move into paid employment at the end of the programme.

• Manchester Parent Carer Forum