Engaging Families

This section describes case studies and resources to support working with families to both coproduce and codeliver services as well as driving change.


Kids Example Engaging Families

Kids implemented a peer-led advocacy program where experienced parents (parent champions) supported other parents who were new to the SEND system. These champions provided emotional support, shared practical advice, and helped new parents navigate the often-complex processes of applying for SEND support and funding. The service also included group workshops where parents could meet, share experiences, and learn from each other.

Kirklees recruited parent champions to drive training engagement and develop parent on parent support. The LA aimed to support universal inclusion whilst ensuring support for children was adopted and complimented by being part of the Dingley's Promise Inclusion Project.  This meant a huge opportunity for workforce reform.

Contact offer Action Learning Sets to help local areas improve engagement with parent carers and develop their coproduction, including in early years and involving families under-represented communities. 

Contact Success Stories: parent carers making a difference.  Parent Carer Forums sharig some of their achievements and impact.

[email protected]
https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/parent-carer-participation/
https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/parent-carer-participation/success-stories/

Dingley's Promise worked in partnership with parent carers to ensure a succesful inclusion project reached as many families and early years practitioners as possible. It descripbes the strategic approach taken and practical tips gained from working closely with LAs as well as the parent carers involved.

Kids implemented a peer-led advocacy program where experienced parents (parent champions) supported other parents who were new to the SEND system. These champions provided emotional support, shared practical advice, and helped new parents navigate the often-complex processes of applying for SEND support and funding. The service also included group workshops where parents could meet, share experiences, and learn from each other.