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Sondaj anual 2024:
Sondajul nostru anual este acum deschis! Este un sondaj vital pentru părinții îngrijitori și tinerii care au un copil sau un tânăr cu vârsta între 0 și 25 de ani cu nevoi educaționale speciale și/sau dizabilități (SEND), indiferent dacă au sau nu un diagnostic formal.
În ultimii 5 ani, am efectuat un sondaj pentru a evalua experiențele părinților îngrijitori din zona locală. Rezultatele sunt compilate într-un raport „Starea națiunii”, prezentat autorității locale, Bedford Luton & Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) și publicat pentru comunitate. În plus, colaborăm cu Queen's Park Community Organization pentru a aduna feedback și perspective de la grupurile marginalizate.
Rezultatele sondajului formează un accent în colaborarea cu părțile interesate pentru a influența și implementa schimbări care să conducă la rezultate pozitive viitoare pentru copiii și tinerii cu SEND. Încurajăm toți părinții îngrijitori să participe la sondaj pentru a asigura un răspuns cuprinzător al comunității.
În plus, există o tragere la sorți pentru cei care completează sondajul.
Completați sondajul aici acum
Meet The Team
Kerri
Chair
Lee
Treasurer
Val
BBPCF Co-ordinator
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 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 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.
Karen
Steering Group Member
Karen is mum to three children, including Lois, who has multiple complex diagnoses including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and sensory impairments. Despite her challenges, Lois is known for her vibrant personality and active social life.
Karen joined BBPCF in 2013 while seeking support for Lois and quickly became involved as a Parent Rep. She later served as Parent Participation Worker, Membership Secretary, and was elected Chair in 2016.
Now a Steering Group member and Vice Chair for the Eastern Region of Parent Carer Forums, Karen remains passionate about shaping services for children and young people with SEND.
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.”
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.
Parent Reps
Parent Reps at BBPCF play a vital role in ensuring the voices of local families are heard. They listen to the experiences of other parent carers, share key issues and feedback with the Forum, and help shape the services that support children and young people with SEND. Parent Reps don’t need to be experts—just passionate about making a difference and representing the lived experiences of families navigating the SEND journey.
Maxine
Katie-jo