Current News
Family Forum Response to the Schools White Paper and SEND consultation document.
Essex Family Forum welcomes the publication of the Schools White Paper. We understand that recent misinformation and leaks have caused uncertainty and frustration for families, and we hope the publication of the full document provides clearer information about the Government’s proposals. We would like to reassure families that this document suggests no change in current support and EHCP’s for pupils.
Through our work with the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF), and by participating in the National SEND Conversations, Essex Family Forum has represented the lived experiences of Essex families.
What is a White Paper?
A White Paper is not a law. It is a document that sets out the Government’s ideas and proposals for changes they would like to make.
What happens next?
- Consultation :The Government has asked for views.
This is where organisations like Essex Family Forum, the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF), and families like you can share feedback over the next 12 weeks.
- Review and changes: The Government considers the feedback and may revise their proposals.
- New laws (if needed) : If changes to the law are required, which we suspect there will be, the Government must introduce a Bill to Parliament.
- Parliamentary process : The Bill is debated and examined by Members of Parliament and the House of Lords, and amendments can be made.
- Becoming law: If both Houses agree, the Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes an Act of Parliament.
Some proposals in a White Paper do not require new legislation and may instead be introduced through changes to policy or statutory guidance.
What Essex Family Forum will do next
Over the coming weeks, we will be working closely with NNPCF and other Parent Carer Forums across England to review the proposals and contribute to the national response through NNPCF.
We will also be gathering the views of Essex families to inform our own local response. We plan to hold a small number of listening sessions to ensure families have the opportunity to share their experiences, concerns and views before any formal response is submitted. Further details on how you can take part will be shared shortly.
UDATE – New Autism and ADHD Service Providers (MID and SOUTH Essex)
Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) has announced an important update that may help reduce waiting times for Autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people. Please click here for more information.
Update on EHC needs assessments.
Please click the link below to to access a letter from Clare Kershaw and Cllr Tony Ball.
My Care Bridge
My Care Bridge, an online portal for new referrals for children and young people’s autism and ADHD services in mid and south Essex, is now live.
The portal is for children and young people who are aged up to 18 years old and registered with a GP in mid and south Essex. This includes Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend, Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock.
The should be easy to use and secure and has been developed in collaboration with healthcare and education professionals, and families.
Educational settings (including nurseries, schools, and colleges), GPs, health visitors, and other health professionals can use the portal to make referrals.
Parents and carers will be sent a login when a referral has been made and you will be able to log into the portal to provide information for your child’s referral, track the referral and access a library of support available locally.
The portal is for new referrals only – current referrals will continue to follow existing administrative pathways.
At present, it cannot accept referrals made by parents, carers, family members or young people themselves. If you feel your child/young person requires an Autism or ADHD assessment, we encourage discussion with their education setting or GP about making a referral through My Care Bridge.
The portal been developed by the Mid and South Essex Community Collaborative, a partnership between Essex Partnership University Trust, North East London Foundation Trust and Provide Community.
If you would like to give us any feedback on the portal please do so by clicking HERE