North Lancashire Directions Group
Parent Carer Network
How did this begin
We are bringing together parent carer group leaders, both in-person and online, under the guidance of an independent advocate. Together, we are committed to effective collaboration and mastering the principles of high-quality co-production. Our recent training on the Four Cornerstones has strengthened our skills and deepened our understanding, empowering us to better serve our community. Let’s forge ahead on this path of support growth with confidence!
The recent joint inspection OFSTED and CQC of SEND services in Lancashire has highlighted the urgent need for improvements across various areas, particularly in communication and co-production with parents and carers. This critical feedback reinforces the importance of collaboration between the Lancashire Round Table and the Lancashire Parent Carer Forum to enhance outcomes for families. In response, a SEND Improvement Plan has been developed. For full details of the inspection outcome and the SEND Improvement Plan, please see the links below.
Next Steps
The Round Table in our mission to strengthen parent carer support groups and enhance engagement in vital ongoing and upcoming projects. We are recruiting passionate individuals to help us build capacity and make a meaningful impact. Together, we can create a supportive community that empowers parents and carers to contribute to important initiatives. Get involved today and be a part of something transformative!
Coming soon... Our communication plan and structure.
Lancashire Parent Carer Forum
OFSTED reports
Lancashire SEND Priority Plan
Lancashire SEND Partnership
Areas of work we are involved in already
 Neuro Developmental Pathway RedesignThe Neuro Developmental Pathway for Lancashire AIMS • To develop a needs led support offer using a profiling tool (in development) • Prevent barriers to access • Integrate the offer with the wider systems including Lancashire Local offer, family hubs and education services. • Support needs to be bespoke to individuals and allow flexibility • Mix of on the ground support as well as wider system resources such as websites. • Include parents with lived experience as pathway navigators |  Family Hubs SEND RoadshowsSEND Roadshows We are working with Family Hubs, Lancashire Parent Carer Forum and the SEND Partnership to develop SEND roadshow events across Lancashire. We have co produced a plan to run events over the next 12 months for families to access information in their local area. |  Waiting Well InitiativeWaiting Well We are working with NHS commissioners and the SEND Partnership to develop a fair and equitable information offer for families to access support when they need it most and not just following a referral or assessment. |
|---|---|---|
 Support GroupsSupport Groups We are working with Lancashire Local Offer to make sure families can access the support groups and services local to them. To do this, we are gathering details of any groups our families know about. To add details of your group please complete the form linked here |  OFSTED CQC Joint InspectionOFSTED / CQC Joint inspection Round Table members were invited to share themes and concerns with the inspectors from OFSTED and CQC when they inspected Lancashire this year. As a result of this, inspectors got to hear from parent carers representing a range of needs more than they have done previously about the real life experience of accessing services in Lancashire. |
Join Our Network Today
Connect with other parent carer groups in Lancashire. Share experiences, resources, and advice. Together, we can navigate the shared challenges and experiences of parenting and caregiving for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Lancashire. Let's build a strong community that empowers and uplifts each other.