Solihull Parent Carer Voice

26/08/2025

Do you have a child or Young person who has accessed the SENDIAS service? We have been asked to gather feedback from CYPs on their experience for informing the future service spec and tender. We have already gathered the parents voice.
Please click the link to fill in the survey.

24/08/2025

💛 Back to School with a Child Who Has Special Needs? You’re Not Alone.

As the school year approaches, you might be feeling a mix of emotions; stress, worry, hope, and maybe even exhaustion. For many children with SEND, whether they like school or not, the transition can be difficult.

Preparing for the return to school can be overwhelming, but remember you aren't alone.

Here are a few gentle steps that may help ease the transition:

🌅 Start small routines now: Even little changes like earlier bedtimes or morning checklists can make a difference.
📘 Use visual supports: Calendars, pictures, or social stories can help your child understand what’s coming.
📞 Reach out to the school: Don’t wait until the first day. Ask to speak with the teacher, support staff, or SENCO, remember that schools often have a couple of teacher training days before the children return so it is sometimes possible to get in contact before the first day back.
🏫 Visit the school in advance: it can be helpful to practice the journey to and from school, or just go and look at the outside of the school.
💬 Talk about feelings: It’s okay if your child (or you!) feel nervous. Naming emotions and talking through how you and your child are feeling can help.

You don’t have to have everything perfect. You’re doing the best you can, and that is more than enough.

For those, whose children won't be returning to school in September, whether because they are waiting for a school place, or if school is not the right place for them at the moment, we are thinking of you. We understand. We are there for you too.

21/08/2025

🎓💙 Today, many parents are proudly watching their children with SEND receive their GCSE results. These moments are hard-won, full of determination, resilience, and courage, and we celebrate every single young person, no matter the results on paper. 🌟

But we also see you, the parents whose children weren’t able to sit their exams this year. Whether that is due to anxiety, mental health, medical needs, or school placement issues… Today may feel like a quiet ache, a reminder of what could have been.
You may be feeling invisible, sad, or alone.

Please know this: your child’s worth is not measured by exams, and neither is yours.
You’ve been navigating a system not built for every child, and that takes extraordinary strength. ❤️

Today, we celebrate all SEND children and their families. You are not alone. You are seen. And we are proud of you too.

If you or your child would like any support as to what is next and what is available, information can be found here: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/children-and-families/solihull-local-offer/local-offer-14-25-years

https://www.solihullforsuccess.com/documents/Routing-for-them-guide-SEND-Interactive.pdf

20/08/2025

🌟 Back to School Doesn’t Have to Mean Brand New Everything 🌟

As we get closer to the new school year, just a gentle reminder: you don’t have to send your child back in a full set of brand new uniform.

For some children, especially those with sensory sensitivities, familiar, comfy clothes can make a world of difference in easing back into the school routine.

If their July jumper still fits and feels good, let them wear it. You can always introduce new pieces gradually, at their own pace.

It’s not about looking perfect, it’s about feeling safe, calm and confident.

20/08/2025

Our next Coffee & Chat mornings are here! ☕

Over the next few months, we’ll be hosting friendly drop-in sessions where parent carers can come together for a cuppa, a chat, and some support.

It’s a relaxed space to meet others, share experiences and link up with services that can help.

19/08/2025

An updated EHCP Service Structure Chart and contact details is now available on our website:
https://spcv.org.uk/updated-ehcp-service-structure-chart/

If you are trying to contact your EHCP Officer- please do try calling them- you can always follow up your conversation with an email.

August EHCP Service Structure Chart.

19/08/2025

Coffee & Chat ☕️

Come and join us for a relaxed Coffee & Chat session on Thursday 18th September 2025, 9:30–11:00 at Riverside Family Hub (B37 5DP).

We’re delighted that the EHCP team will also be there to answer your questions, and SENDIASS will be available to offer advice and guidance.

Everyone is welcome. pop in for a friendly chat, a hot drink, and to meet others who understand.

14/08/2025

🎉 Level 3 Results Day! 🎉

To all our amazing SEND young people – today is a big day, and we want to say a massive CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who received the results they were hoping for! Your hard work, determination, and resilience have paid off, and we are so proud of you. 🌟👏

If things didn’t go as planned, please remember: your results do not define your worth or your future. There are always options, support, and people ready to help you take your next steps.

Seek advice and support from school / college for the next steps - see this information from UCAS https://www.ucas.com/applying/after-you-apply/clearing-and-results-day/after-results-day/after-you-get-your-exam-results and make sure that you have the mental health support that they need.

If the next step is a Higher Education (university) course then don't forget you can apply for Disabled Student Allowance https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa (this is for all young people with additional needs - you do not have needed to have an EHCP during their time at school / college) to provide you with support during your course.

If you are looking for support and advice Solihull Council Employment and Skills Team are also available with some really great information and advice.

Whether today feels like a celebration or a challenge, you are not alone. We’re here for you. Reach out, talk to someone, and don’t be afraid to ask for support.

10/08/2025

The clock is ticking on your chance to have YOUR VOICE HEARD in our annual survey!

Have your thoughts and opinions heard by the Children's Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board and by professionals across education, health and social care by completing our survey.

Surveys close at 11.59pm on Friday!

Parent Carer Survey- https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/QWhyxYq2G1

Children and Young People Survey- https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/MrBURKqF02

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Inspiring Positive Change SPCV - Solihull Parent Carer Voice C.I.C LtdSolihull Parent Carer Voice CIC is registered in England number- 13348753 Registered office is-2B Manor Road, Solihull, B91 2BH STRONGER TOGETHER: Inspiring positive change

08/08/2025

Our surveys close of 15th August 2025!
Please do complete our surveys- the more voices we hear the more powerful our reports will be!

LET'S ENSURE THE VOICE OF SEND FAMILIES IN SOLIHULL IS HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR!!!

WHY FILL IN OUR SURVEY? IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE RESPOND.
Our surveys- both of parent carer views and children and young people's views are really important, but do you know why?
1. We need your voice as YOU are the expert in your experiences
2. The feedback from these surveys goes to education, health and social care to help inform priorities for change, and they will respond to our reports later in the year.
3. Children's Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board will hear the reports from both surveys in September, they will hear the response from services later in the year.

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WAYS YOUR COLLECTIVE VOICE WILL BE HEARD, it's fantastic that so many of you have responded so far, but we still need voices! - LET'S ENSURE THE VOICE OF SEND FAMILIES IN SOLIHULL IS HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR!!!

Parent Carer Survey- https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/QWhyxYq2G1

Children and Young People Survey- https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/MrBURKqF02

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE

07/08/2025

BSMHFT have asked us to share info about this new mental health texting service.

It is an all age service. If you use it, please do let us have feedback on your experiences. Please call 999 if your life is at risk. Please call 111 option 2 if you are in mental health crisis.

New 24/7 Mental Health Text Service Launches for Birmingham and Solihull
Free, confidential support is now just a text away.
A new, round-the-clock mental health text messaging service has launched, offering immediate support to people of all ages across Birmingham and Solihull. The all-age service is a partnership between Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and Shout, the UK’s first 24/7 text support service powered by the charity Mental Health Innovations.
How It Works
Anyone of any age with a mobile phone who is experiencing anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression, or other mental health challenges can text ‘Space’ to 85258 to start a free, confidential conversation with a trained mental health professional.
• 📲 Text ‘Space’ to 85258
• 💬 Receive four quick automated messages
• 🤝 Get connected to a trained mental health professional who will listen, support, and guide you
• 🔒 The service is anonymous, free to use, and won’t appear on your phone bill
No app, registration, or mobile data is required—just a simple text message.
A safe space when you need it most
This new service is designed to be especially helpful for those who may not feel ready to speak on the phone or in person. It offers a discreet, accessible first step toward getting help, whether you're in crisis or just need someone to talk to.
In addition to in-the-moment support, texters can be signposted to a range of local services, including:
• Talking Therapies
• Crisis Cafés
• NHS 111 Option 2

07/08/2025

Delighted to have taken delivery today of our Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child book.

Over September we will be delivering copies to every school, college, library and family hub in Solihull. We will also have copies available in our lending library for families to borrow. These books are localised to Solihull and Birmingham, giving information about what is available here and much much more.

If you can think of other places where we should deliver copies of these books, please do let us know.

We will also be creating an electronic version which will be accessible on our website.

If you would like to borrow a copy, please do contact us at enquiries@spcv.org.uk