This survey explored parent and carer experiences of mental health support in schools, highlighting unmet needs, barriers to accessing help, and views on support both in and outside of education settings. We received 74 responses, providing valuable insight into the real-life challenges families face.

The findings were shared with the SEMH and Autism Strategy Teams at Essex County Council, and together we agreed a set of next steps. The full report and agreed actions are available on our website: https://essexfamilyforum.org/other-surveys  

Families have told us how hard it can be to navigate post‑16 options and how helpful it would be to have clear information and events in one place. After sharing this with the Targeted Employment team, they worked with us to create two new resources shaped by family feedback.

We’re pleased to share the new Preparing for Adulthood: Parents and Carers Guide to Post‑16 Opportunities, developed with Essex Family Forum and informed by your questions and experiences. It brings together the full range of post‑16 options, plus practical tips and timelines to support confident planning. The guide has been shared with schools, colleges and professionals so everyone is working from the same information. Families told us that consistent, accurate guidance matters, and this was central to the work. You can read the guide here:
https://www.essexopportunities.co.uk/post-16-parents-carers-guide/post-16-parents-carers-guide/

Families also asked for a simple way to see what events are happening across the year. In response, the Targeted Employment team have created a Post 16 Opportunities Events Calendar, which brings together careers fairs, college open days, skills shows and transition events in one place. You can find the calendar on the webpage for the Guide or view it directly here: https://essexcc.pagetiger.com/calendar2526/1

The guide explains the different pathways and support available, and the calendar shows where families can explore these options in person. Many families told us they wanted both the information and the real world opportunities side by side, so these two resources have been created to work naturally together.

  

If you have any questions about either the guide or the calendar, you can contact the Targeted Employment team at targetedemployment@essex.gov.uk. If you would like to share feedback about how useful these resources are or what else would help families at this stage, you can add your thoughts to our graffiti wall. Family feedback shaped this work and will continue to shape future work too.

  

  

As the PINS project comes to an end, we’re proud of the stronger, more trusting relationships built between families and schools. Together, we’ve created co‑production pathways that will continue to shape how inclusion is designed, delivered, and understood. They offer a way of working that values lived experience, encourages honest dialogue, and ensures that decisions are shaped with families, not for them.

 

Most importantly, PINS has helped families connect with one another. We’ve watched parents and carers share experiences, lift each other up, and build networks of support that will continue long after the project ends.

 

The learning from this project we will ensure is used throughout all our conversations with services to help ensure it is embedded in future SEND transformation work.  

We heard from 665 parents and carers about their experiences with SEND services across education, health and social care. The feedback shows a mixed but consistent picture: while many families value the dedication and care shown by individual professionals, system pressures, delays and lack of joined-up working continue to have a significant impact on families. A summary and the full report will be available to access via our website soon (www.essexfamilyforum.org).

  

Ruth and Claire attended the Mid Essex SEND Roadshow, which attracted a strong turnout. Over the course of the day, they distributed more than 24 copies of our Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child book and provided extensive signposting and guidance to attendees. The event was also well supported by partner organisations, all offering valuable advice and support.

Main/recurring themes:  

A weekend roadshow was held for the first time at POP Essex in Braintree, following parent feedback highlighting the need for a weekend option. The event began at 9:30am and was scheduled to finish at 12:00pm, although it ran over due to high attendance. The strong turnout demonstrated that offering a weekend session was a positive and well-received approach.

Key themes that emerged included concerns about ADHD referrals not being available until age six, difficulties with One Planning, and uncertainty about how to access appropriate support services.

  

A second weekend Roadshow will take place on 18 April 2026 from 9:30am to 12:00pm at the SNAP charity, Pastoral Way, Warley, Brentwood, CM14 5WF.

To find out further details of the Local Offer SEND Roadshow for the summer term click here.

Finally, just a quick reminder that Just before the start of the Easter holidays, we shared our monthly You Said, We Did round‑up alongside our regular Weekly Snapshot. In case you missed it, you can view it on our website or click here.