Parents of SEND Children in Salford urged to share views in survey

Salford Parent Carer Forum is calling on parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to share their experiences as part of its annual citywide survey.

Now in its fourth year, the survey aims to gather feedback from families across Salford to help improve the accessibility and quality of support services available to children and young people with SEND.

The forum works with a wide range of service providers, from health and education teams to community organisations such as Salford Community Leisure, local museums and scouts, ensuring families’ voices are heard across every part of community life.

Findings from the survey give a clear picture of where SEND support is succeeding and where further improvements are needed. This feedback is used to work collaboratively with organisations and community groups to address key issues and strengthen support for families across Salford.

Co-chair of the forum, Viv Ormrod, said feedback from previous surveys has already led to tangible improvements, including updates to Salford’s Local Offer, an online hub providing information, support, and activities for SEND children and young people.

She said: “It was really hard to navigate, the information on there was out of date, there was missing information.

“Alongside the local authority we developed a Local Offer partnership, we work in co-production with Salford City Council and local health services all the pages should be up to date now, we’ve taken out the jargon and it’s in an easy to read format.”

The organisation was a finalist for Spirit of Salford’s ‘Best Child Friendly Project’, nominated for providing invaluable support, bringing parents and carers together as a community.

When asked about the nomination, Viv explained the selfless work done by volunteer parents and carers that make the forum possible: “Parent carers who come and volunteer for us do it out of their own goodwill, because they want to make positive change for others. And that’s really empowering”

She continued: “Some of these parents have really faced difficult, challenging times, but they still give up their time to come and do something for the greater good and try and make it better for all children in Salford”.

The annual survey is open until October 31, and can be accessed here.