As we approach the end of 2025, we are pleased to share the Hackney SEND Parent Carer Forum (HSPCF) Winter e-Newsletter, reflecting on our inaugural year and the foundations we have built together as a parent-led forum.
HSPCF exists to ensure that the lived experiences of parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are heard, valued, and used to shape services in Hackney. This year has marked the beginning of that journey — and we are proud of what has already been achieved.
A message from our Chair
In the newsletter, our Chair, Tunde Oyefolu-Alukwu, shares a warm welcome to families who are newly connected with HSPCF, as well as thanks to those who have supported the forum since its launch. As a forum led by parents and carers, for parents and carers, HSPCF is built on shared understanding, trust, and collaboration. Together, we are working to create a stronger and more inclusive SEND community in Hackney.
Why HSPCF matters
The Parent Carer Forum plays a vital role in bringing parents’ lived experience into local decision-making. By working collectively, families can influence change, improve understanding across services, and help shape better outcomes — not only for individual children, but for the wider SEND community.
HSPCF is the officially recognised Parent Carer Forum for Hackney, hosted by City & Hackney Carers and affiliated with the National Network of Parent Carer Forums. We work closely with the local authority, health services, education providers, and strategic partnerships to ensure meaningful co-production with parents and carers.
2025: A year in review
This year has focused on building strong foundations. Highlights include:
- Parent voices represented at borough, regional, and national levels
- Parent carers supported through wellbeing programmes
- Direct engagement with schools, the council, health and housing services
- Growing membership, events, workshops, and peer support spaces
- Increased involvement in commissioning, transport, and leadership decisions
Parents and carers have raised key concerns through the SEND Strategic Partnership Board, including access to appropriate provision, communication, timeliness of support, and the need for clearer accountability and meaningful co-production.
HSPCF has also contributed to the SEND and Inclusion Strategy delivery plan, which informed the recent local area SEND inspection and is due to be published shortly. Following publication of the inspection report, a forum event will be held in February to share outcomes and next steps with parents and carers.
Get involved
Whether you want to share your experiences, attend events, support peer spaces, help shape services, or simply stay informed, your involvement matters. Every parent and carer has something valuable to offer, and we are stronger when we work together.
👉 Read the full Winter e-Newsletter here:
https://eomail6.com/web-version?p=ac9a68b8-dcc8-11f0-9793-21b03540ac7a&pt=campaign&t=1766141551&s=5d57d901c7577d78d43c354c66c513b37318377bd96fc510abbed5e1bec84886
Thank you to all parents and carers for your trust, engagement, and support during our first year. We look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2026.
To signup for HSPCF E-Newsletter, please click here: https://hspcf.eo.page/hspcf-enews
