This workshop explores how mainstream settings can build meaningful, sustainable partnerships with parent carers to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. It will focus on practical, inclusive approaches that move beyond consultation towards genuine participation and co-production, ensuring parent carer voices shape decision-making at every level.

Drawing on lived experience and system leadership, the session will share effective strategies, tools, and real examples to strengthen trust, communication, and collaboration. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable ideas to embed parent carer engagement within everyday practice across their setting.

Target audience: SENCO’s / Leaders, Practitioners / Support staff, Parents & Carers, Local Authority Staff

Target Key Stage: All Key Stages

Settings Targeted: Nursery / pre-school / childminder, School, Alternative provision, FE / Higher education
SEND Focus: All Disabilities and areas of SEND
Related Policy: SEND Code of Practice, KCSIE, Care Act and all relevant legislation 
Audience Stage: Level 1-3
Learning outcomes: 

• Understand the principles of meaningful parent carer engagement and how these differ from consultation or information sharing
• Recognise the importance of lived experience and apply person-centred approaches to build genuine partnerships with parent carers
• Identify strengths and gaps within your own setting’s current engagement and participation practices
• Apply practical strategies and tools to embed co-production in everyday practice across mainstream settings
• Develop clear actions to strengthen trust, communication, and shared decision-making with parent carers