Parent carer forum to shut after funding pulled

A group that helps parent carers ensure their voices are heard is closing down after funding was pulled.

Suffolk Parent Carer Forum (SPCF) announced on Monday it had started the formal winding-up process after its funding, awarded by the Department for Education, was withdrawn.

In a social media statement the group said it remained "committed to the principle that parent carers' voices should be heard, respected and valued".

Contact, the charity which administers the government funding, said its decision did not "reflect a lack of commitment, effort, or good faith" from those running the group.

The closure of SPCF follows reports from parents of months of silence and cancelled events, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The group was set up to provide parents and carers a way to make their voices heard and achieve better outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

"We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved together and grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout our journey," the group said.

"We remain committed to the principle that parent carers' voices should be heard, respected and valued."

Redundancy notices have been issued to staff, and any remaining funding will be returned after closure.

A spokesperson for Contact said: "We have heard and understand that parents are feeling concerned, and we appreciate that clarity on next steps is important.

"This is a priority for us, and we will share more information as soon as we are able."

The Suffolk Local Area SEND Partnership – which includes the county council and health care services – thanked the group for supporting children, young people and their families.

"The forum has played a vital role not only in representing the voice of parents and carers, but also in providing support and constructive challenge to the local area partnership," a spokesperson said.

"That challenge has been an important part of driving our shared ambition to improve services and outcomes for children and young people with SEND."

Work is already ongoing to set up a new forum in its place, with details of additional support for parent carers expected soon.

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