EVENTS DIARY
Welcome to our Events Page, your go-to destination for discovering upcoming events tailored for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Here, you'll find a variety of events designed to provide valuable information, practical support, and opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences. Whether it's a workshop on mental health, a webinar on coping strategies, or a local meet-up for a friendly chat, our events are crafted to empower you with knowledge and build a supportive community.
Be sure to check back regularly as we update this page with new and exciting opportunities to learn, share, and grow together.
WORKSHOPS [ONLINE]
Following your feedback, Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum has funded these workshops and is working with different organisations to deliver them to parent carers in Bedford Borough.
Tuesday 10th December - 7:00 - 9:00 pm
ADHD Stress Response & Self Regulation
Delivered by: The ADHD Foundation
This workshop offers strategies to support self-regulation and other stress-related issues.
Thursday 16th January 10.00am - 12.00pm
Identifying Early Developmental Concerns
Delivered by: Smart Bright
This workshop is about early years concerns developmental worries at nursery/pre-school, who can help, where to discuss concerns.
Wednesday 29th January 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Reasonable Adjustments in Education
Delivered by: Smart Bright
This workshop will give you a basic understanding of the Equality Act 2010, how this law can support disabled pupils. What are reasonable adjustments and how to ask for these to be implemented.
Thursday 6th February 6.30pm - 8.30pm
SEN Support in Educational Settings
Delivered by: Smart Bright
This workshop will help you better understand the graduated approach of support, what is quality first teaching, what is special educational provision, understanding terms, jargon and processes
Tuesday 25th February 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Understanding your Child’s Reports
Delivered by: Smart Bright
This workshop will make sense of what professionals write and what this means for your child and how to ask for any suggested recommendations.
Thursday 20th March 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Busting those SEND Myths
Delivered by: Smart Bright
This workshop will bust some of those outrageous myths, using case law and lawful statements and facts.
Monday 24th March 7.30pm - 9.00pm
‘Can’t Not Won’t’ Differently Parenting
Delivered by: Eliza Fricker
This workshop is delivered by The Sunday Times bestselling author of Can’t Not Won’t Eliza Fricker.
STRONGER BEGINNINGS DROP-IN SESSIONS
At the Child Development Centre (CDC) in Kempston, Teacch Room.
These are drop-in sessions hosted by Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum which aim to strongly signpost families that are just starting in the complex world of SEND or those who have some concerns about their child's development. You can expect a lot of resources, a hot spot to research anything and some SEND practitioners to help answer any questions you have.
Friday 31st January 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Teacch room at the CDC in Kempston
Thursday 6th March 7pm - 9pm
Online
Saturday 22nd March 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Teacch room at the CDC in Kempston
SEND FORUM BOOKABLE SLOTS (FACE-TO-FACE)
These ten-minute bookable slots allow parent carers to meet with professionals and service providers to discuss their cases. You must email to book.
Monday 10th February 9:30am - 11:30am
Heads of Services bookable slots
At the Child Development Centre In Kempston (Teacch Room)
Book to speak with various heads of services practitioners.
Monday 25th March 9:30am - 11:30am
Education bookable slots
At the Child Development Centre In Kempston (Teacch Room)
Book to speak to various educational practitioners about your child's education including.
Email us to book your ten-minute slot
SEND FORUM INFORMATION SESSION (FACE-TO-FACE)
These are open sessions where practitioners can share information about their service and be available for questions from parent carers.
Monday 20th January 9:30am - 11:30am
AET information session
At the Child Development Centre In Kempston (Teacch Room)
Monday 3rd March 9:30am - 11:30am
Charities information session
At the Child Development Centre In Kempston (Teacch Room)
There’s no need to book but, to ensure that we have an idea of attendees, please contact us via email to register your interest.
FAMILY PARTICIPATION EVENTS
These events are supported by the local Authority and provide additional opportunities for SEND families to enjoy together. To attend you must be a SEND family living in Bedford Borough or receiving services from Bedford Borough.