About Us
We represent the voice for Parent Carers of children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities in Bedford Borough.
We feed back your views to Education, Health, Social Care and other departments that provide SEND services.
Our passion lies in improving services for our children and young people. Since we all have unique experiences, your input is essential.
Join us at our regular events where you can share your views, connect with other parents. If you would like to find out more or become a member please contact us or complete our online membership form here.
Meet Our Team
Kerri
Chair
Kerri is a mum of two children with SEND—one with ADHD, moderate learning difficulties, and severe dyslexia, and the other with a diagnosis of dyslexia. Both have attended mainstream schools, and her family's experiences highlighted the challenges many parent carers face when trying to access the right support.
Driven to make a difference, Kerri joined BBPCF to help inform and empower other parents and to ensure their voices are heard by those making decisions about SEND services. She became Chair in 2019 and continues to advocate for better support and outcomes for all children and young people with additional needs.
Lee
Treasurer
Lee has lived in Bedford for 17 years with his wife and two sons, one of whom has Type 1 diabetes and additional educational needs. His experiences navigating the education system inspired him to become a school governor and later Chair of Governors at several Bedford schools.
After a 28-year career in Banking and Finance, Lee retrained as a primary school teacher and now works as a Year 6 teacher and Behavioural Lead. His passion for supporting young people with complex needs has also led to roles on the Children and Young People's Select Committee and school admissions panels.
Val
BBPCF Co-ordinator
Val oversees the smooth running of BBPCF, coordinating all forum activities and supporting our team of Parent Reps.
She joined in 2014 and is also known for her work with Bedford Mencap, Marlins Special Needs Swimming Club, and as part of the BILTT Multi Academy Trust.
Val is mum to Alex, a young adult with Dyspraxia and a Learning Disability, who now works as a SEND teaching assistant and is enjoying greater independence. Val has a strong interest in supporting young people with additional needs as they transition into adulthood.
Sophie
BBPCF Comms
As Communications Lead, Sophie manages BBPCF’s media, social channels, and website, ensuring clear and effective communication with the community.
She’s a mum of three, and her youngest—who has undiagnosed ADHD—is currently benefiting from weekly play therapy.
Sophie’s own challenges navigating the SEND system, particularly with a child who masks behaviours at school, have deepened her passion for making sure every parent feels heard, informed, and supported.
Mrunal
Steering Group Member
Mrunal is Co-chair and East of England representative for the National Network of Parent Carer Forums. Most importantly, he’s dad to Arun, who has cerebral palsy and autism, and to Meri. Arun’s energy and love of life are a constant inspiration.
After 18 years in finance, Mrunal moved into the charity and public sectors. He co-founded BBPCF in 2013 and served as its first Chair.
Now a Steering Group member, he remains passionate about making sure families are heard and about shaping better services for children with SEND.
Michelle
Steering Group Member
Michelle is a mum of two boys—one diagnosed with autism and ADHD, the other currently awaiting assessment. SEND wasn’t initially on her radar, though undiagnosed needs existed in both sides of the family. Her eldest’s diagnosis brought an overwhelming wave of information and emotion, but also a determination to understand and support her children in the best way possible.
Professionally Michelle is a SEND teacher, trained SENCo, and a SEND governor at a Bedfordshire primary school. Her personal and professional experience fuels her passion for advocacy—ensuring all SEND families feel supported, heard, and empowered on their journeys.
Krissy
Steering Group Member
Krissy is a mum of three with a love for animals—especially horses—and a new puppy, Peppa, who has been a wonderful source of therapy for her son with Autism and ADHD.
After her younger son struggled in mainstream school, Krissy found herself navigating the SEND system with little support, often feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Connecting with BBPCF and other parent networks provided vital support, knowledge, and a sense of empowerment.
Now with her son thriving in a special needs school, Krissy is passionate about helping others on similar journeys. She believes in the power of community: “We are strong, but together we are stronger.”
Jo
Maxine
Roll of a Parent Rep
Katie-jo
Laura
Laura