Opportunities to Influence Children’s Services

We’ve been informed that Manchester will be dedicating 2022 as the “Year of the Child” – a year to celebrate and further support children and young people in Manchester. As part of this city-wide campaign, they will create a programme of activities, opportunities and experiences that will help children and young people “build back stronger and reclaim their future.” Manchester is also looking to create a legacy, for our city to be recognised by UNICEF as “child friendly”.

We came across a few opportunities for parents and carers to influence universal children’s services here in Manchester, which we share to you below:

• What do you think of the childcare options in your local area?

  Manchester City Council designed two surveys to get your views on the childcare options available in Manchester. They’ll use your answers to help understand the demand for childcare in our city, so your comments could make a big difference to local families in the future.There are two surveys available:

  • If your child is 0-5 years old: https://surveys.manchester.gov.uk/s/Under5/
  • If your child is 5 years or over: https://surveys.manchester.gov.uk/s/ParentSurveyOver5/

  Closing date: Monday, 20 September

• Manchester Year of the Child 2022

  As part of the city’s COVID recovery planning, 2022 has been designated as the “Year of the Child”. The Council is asking children and young people what they want to achieve, what is great about growing up in Manchester and what could be made better.

  Please ask your child or young person to answer this survey: https://surveys.manchester.gov.uk/s/YearoftheChild/

  Closing date: Friday, 15 October.

• Manchester Play Strategy

  Manchester Play Network, Manchester City Council and Young Manchester are working together to update the Manchester Play Strategy. They want to know how satisfied you are with play opportunities in Manchester and what they can do to make them even better.

  Wow only 2 weeks left to have your say! Completing the survey only takes a few minutes. There is one for children and one for parents/carers. Lets create a more playful Manchester together. #playmatters #playconsultation #playstrategy @ManCityCouncil @RuthDenton16 @Young_MCR https://t.co/WLesNgQfui

  — Manchester Play Network (@ManchesterPlay) September 15, 2021

  • Parent/carer survey: https://forms.office.com/r/MGtggYYQvy/
  • Child survey: https://forms.office.com/r/nU84SzkUmS/

  Closing date: Thursday, 30 September

Please answer these parent/carer surveys (and ask your kids to answer the child/ young person ones) to help ensure that Manchester’s children’s services will be as inclusive as possible to children & young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).