News

FACT representatives attended the Buckinghamshire Carers Conference recently. Insights, expertise and sharing of personal experience truly enriched the event and helped create an inspiring and informative experience for all involved. You can see the slides shared on the day, as well as copy of the showcasing good practice brochure.

Ofsted inspectors Emma Leavey (lead HMI) and Daniel Carick (lead CQC inspector) met online with 3 members of the Fact Bucks steering group recently, one of our trustees and three parent carers who play valuable roles in supporting other SEND families in Buckinghamshire. Thank you to all who contributed on the day, preplanning, completing the Ofsted CQC survey and any feedback given in FACT BUCKS surveys, workshops and webinars over the past 3 years. This presentation shows...

We have an online teams meeting with the inspectors to talk about existing issues not individual cases. These are (but not limited to): poor early identification delays in meeting need poor communication alternative provision education other than at school special school places mainstream schools compromised by the withdrawal of higher needs block funding school staff shortages therapies targeted and specialist short breaks inclusive and flexible Holiday activities and Food programmes waiting lists and support for neurodivergent families...

Area SEND inspection: survey information for parents and carers Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are visiting Buckinghamshire as part of an inspection. The inspectors want to know about the help and support that children and young people with SEND get. They would like to hear your views about the support that your child receives. You can provide your views by completing an online survey at the following link: https://ofsted.smartsurvey.co.uk/p/AreaSend/10389069 This survey is for parents/carers of children...

"Just throw the damn lifeboat." - a short film highlighting suicide risk for parents of disabled children A new short film on parent carers was recently launched. Made by award-winning filmmaker Bhulla Beghal, it is inspired by our research on suicide risk in parent carers. It is beautiful and unflinching, and calls on the government to fix the systems that shape the lives of disabled children and their families..  Please note that it may be distressing for...

The results of this year’s Buckinghamshire SEND survey are here. In general, the 2025 survey answers show a worsening in a difficult situation for families.  This is seen in much of the detailed data which shows slight deterioration from year to year, and it is reflected in the overall result that 31% of respondents feel support has worsened over the year for their child.  Most striking is that 70% of Individual families now think that their child...

Autism Early Support (AES) launched the Parent’s Portal as a free resource in 2024 to provide families with trusted information, practical strategies, and a safe community space. The portal is designed for parents and carers of children aged 2–17 years who are autistic or showing signs of neurodivergence. The site offers a library of resources, including articles, videos, and downloadable guides, alongside bite-size advice for busy parents. Members can also access live workshops, support groups, and discussion...

This year’s Annual General Meeting of Families and Carers Together (FACT) in Buckinghamshire will be held on 8th September 2025. Arrivals from 9.45am starting at  10am at The Oasis Cafe 100a Walton Street, HP21 7QP, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.   Refreshments available from 9.45am We welcome Aman Sekhon-Gill Assistant Director, Children’s Services, Buckinghamshire Council and members of her team. Aman will be talking about her role with regards to Education and Inclusion including SEND, as well as answering questions.  We will...