Recent News

Welcome to our news and blog page - a dedicated space for updates, insights, resources and opportunities to share your feedback for parent carers of children and young people with SEND in Bedford Borough.

Stay informed about the latest developments in SEND services, local policies, and initiatives that impact families in our community.

Alongside updates, you will also find feedback forms, surveys and polls, giving you the opportunity to share your experiences and help shape services across Bedford Borough.

NEW: Short Breaks Feedback Survey - We need to hear from you

We are currently gathering feedback from parent carers on Short Breaks (Community Activities) following recent changes to services.

Your lived experience is essential in helping us:

understand what is working well
identify barriers and gaps
represent families at a strategic level

Please take a few minutes to complete our Short Breaks survey here and share your experience.

Your voice will directly inform our work with the Local Authority and partners.

Real stories, real impact

At BBPCF, we believe in the power of lived experiences. Our blog features:

Parent carer stories – Real experiences, challenges, and successes
Tips & advice – Practical guidance from experts and fellow parents
Campaigns & advocacy – How we’re making a difference in Bedford Borough

“Right to Risk”

A look at how young adults with additional needs can safely experience social opportunities, independence, and nightlife through inclusive environments, planning, and accessible education.

The Story No One Prepared Us For

This is a story of adoption, love, and a journey no one fully prepares you for. A lived experience of parenting, waiting, advocating, and holding it all together when systems don’t always see the whole child.

Finding the Sparkles – our journey to finding the joy when life feels tough

Life with a child with complex needs can be overwhelming, uncertain, and exhausting. This lived experience blog shares the challenges — and the sparkles of joy found along the way.

Navigating Change With The Boy

“The Boy” is 21 and lives with autism, ADHD, severe learning disabilities and sensory processing differences. In this blog, his parent shares the ups and downs of navigating big life transitions — from leaving school and starting college to moving from children’s to adult services. A heartfelt and honest look at the challenges, the progress, and the importance of preparation and support.

Understanding Sensory Needs: Supporting Children in Education and Everyday Life

Children experience the world through their senses — for some this is smooth, for others overwhelming. Our new blog explores how sensory needs affect learning, daily life, and family routines, with tips on creating supportive environments that help children feel safe, included, and understood.

Parent Carer Lived Experience: Fostering, SEN, and the Learning Curve of a Lifetime

Becoming foster carers opened our eyes to the reality of SEN. What started as judgment from the sidelines turned into a crash course in ADHD, autism, trauma, and endless battles for support. Even with training and confidence, navigating EHCPs and underfunded schools was overwhelming. It’s tough, exhausting, and emotional — but these children deserve every fight. And yes, we’d do it all again.

The Power of Asking for Help: A Parent Carer's Journey Through Advocacy, Frustration, and Family Time

Being a parent carer means navigating systems, advocating, and holding on through exhaustion. I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. And protecting family time isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. If you’re on this journey, know you’re not alone. Your voice matters. Your child matters. And together, we are stronger.

Newsletters

Read our 2026 Spring Term update, sharing upcoming events, resources and ways to get involved.

Last news of 2025 BBPCF Autumn Term News – Survey, Membership & Events Updates

Find out more about Short Breaks and share your views in our latest poll – it only takes 2 minutes!

Kickstart the New School Year 2025 with the Latest BBPCF Newsletter

Summer 2025 Newsletter - We’ve moved from monthly to termly updates—welcome to our Summer 2025 Newsletter!

June Newsletter - Stay connected, informed, and supported with the latest from BBPCF – your voice in the Bedford Borough SEND community