Central Bedfordshire SEND Local Offer

28/05/2026

Have your say – parents and carers of children and young people with SEND 📣

SNAP PCF have launched a short survey to gather your experiences ahead of upcoming OFSTED and CQC inspections.

✅ It only takes around 3 minutes to complete
✅ Your voice will help shape conversations with local leaders and services

Details below 👇

We have updated our OFSTED/CQC webpage with a link to the survey https://snappcf.org.uk/ofsted

THANK YOU to the 67 parents who have completed this and also for saying such lovely things about SNAP PCF it was so heartening to read, we work really hard to try and make a positive difference for our families.

Please spare us 5 minutes of your time and complete the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B59DBRX we will need at least 350 parents to complete this to be able to start to accurately reflect your experiences to senior leaders at CBC and local NHS SEND services and to the Inspectors when CBC receive the call from OFSTED and the CQC.

Thanks for your continuing support

The SNAP Team

28/05/2026

We’re really looking forward to joining SNAP PCF at their roadshow at Whipsnade Zoo! 🦒🦁

It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to meet families, chat about the SEND Local Offer, and hear what matters most to you. Come and say hello, ask questions, and find out more about the support available.

We can’t wait to see you there!

🦁 SNAP PCF SEND Roadshow 2026!

Are you a parent or carer of a child or young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

We are bringing together a fantastic range of support services, teams, and charities all in one place so you can get the information, advice, and chat you need.

📅 When & Where
Date: Saturday 13th June 2026
Zoo Entry: From 9:00am
Roadshow Open: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location: The River Room (Education Hub), Whipsnade Zoo, LU6 2LF

💳 Amazing Zoo Entry Discounts (with MAX Card)
There is no need to book in advance this year—just pay at the door! Please ensure your MAX card is valid and bring it with you to unlock these special rates:
Adults: £6
Children: £3
(Maximum of 6 tickets per MAX card)

💬 Who can you chat with?
Come along and speak directly with representatives from a huge variety of local services, see poster for list.

No booking required! Just turn up on the day, grab some valuable insights for your family, and enjoy a day out at Whipsnade Zoo. We can't wait to see you there! 🤝✨

The SNAP PCF Team

27/05/2026

📢 Local Offer: SNAP Parent Carer Forum SEND Together Conference

Details of the SNAP Parent Carer Forum SEND Together Conference taking place on Friday 3rd July can be found below 👇

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and share experiences with other parent carers and professionals supporting children and young people with SEND 💬💙

✨ Not a member yet?
It’s easy (and free!) to join! Simply head over to their website and complete their membership registration form.

Being part of SNAP means your voice matters and helps shape local SEND services 🙌

SNAP PCF Members, we aim to send you an invite to book a free place at our SEND Together conference by Thursday this week, please keep an eye out for our email.

27/05/2026

Autism Bedfordshire are hosting the following session next month - suitable for our young adults 18 + .
Details below 👇

🎙️ Join our Podcast Drop In Session!🎙️

Have you ever wondered how a podcast is filmed? Would you like to be part of creating one?

Come along to our fun and friendly drop-in session where you can:
• Try interviewing people
• Be interviewed
• Learn what happens behind the scenes

📅 8th June 2026
⏰ 11:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Autism Bedfordshire Offices, 1 Hammond Road, Elm Farm Industrial Estate, Bedford MK43 0UD

To book your place, please contact Annette at:
📧 [email protected]

27/05/2026

Its nearly June ... and Collar & Cuffs Co will be hosting a series of Sensory Led outdoor wellbeing taster sessions for people with SEND or learning disabilities and those who care for them at Rushmere Country Park.
Details below 👇

We are delighted to be working with Collar & Cuffs Co , award-winning Sensory Heritage specialists, to host a series of events at Rushmere designed just for people with special educational needs or learning disabilities and those who care for them.

What you can expect:

🍃A gentle, sensory-led way to spend time in the woods.
🍃Slow, calm, and shaped around you.
🍃No pressure. No expectations. Just time together in the forest.
🍃Come as you are. The forest will meet you there.

There are three sessions, all designed for a slighty different audience:

💚 14th June - for people with profound and multiple learning difficulties or very high support needs (all ages)

💚 18th June - for children and young people with SEND

💚 25th June - for adults with learning difficulties and moderate support needs (19+)

For more information, and to book please visit:

https://www.greensandtrust.org/events

27/05/2026

Say hello 👋 to our NHS Bedfordshire Children & Young People's Services Health Hub service.

Say hello 👋 to our Health Hub service.

The Health Hub is the first point of contact for families, schools, GPs, social care and healthcare professionals across Children’s Services. We ensure every enquiry, referral or concern received is processed quickly and resolved at point of contact as much as possible or allocated to the correct professional or service. We support families in understanding local available services and signpost as appropriate.

We support multiple services including:

👶 0-19 (Health Visiting & School Nursing)
🗣️ Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT)
🩺 Community Paediatrics
👂 Audiology
👁️ Eye Service
🏡 Children in Care

Why our Health Hub matters

• We make it easier to access our services
• We get enquiries to the right person at the right time
• Improved communication across all teams/services
• Reduces duplication, delay and risks

What impact do we have on our service users

"I felt listened to. Very often people can be quick to jump in and talk over you assuming they know what you're going to ask but, on this occasion, I was able to say everything I wanted to. I was spoken to in a respectful way by someone who was competent in navigating the systems required. He is an asset to the service."

"There was no waiting time to get through and Debbie was very helpful. Debbie answered all of my questions and looked up the information that I needed regarding my so son’s diagnosis and treatment options. I have always found the staff extremely helpful and friendly"

"Quick service, my query was resolved quickly, Thank you!"

You contact Health Hub on 0300 555 0606, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.

21/05/2026

🚒 Community Event Share 🚒

Dunstable Fire Station is hosting a SEND Friendly Family Open Day on Saturday 23rd May 2026 from 2pm–4pm for families with children and young people aged 5–15 with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

The afternoon will include:
✨ Fire truck tours
✨ Meet the firefighters
✨ Dress up as a firefighter
✨ Robot arm building block challenge
✨ Refreshments and activities
✨ Fire safety advice
✨ Designated quiet room
✨ Plus lots more!

📍 Dunstable Fire Station
🚗 Parking available

12/05/2026

This course explores Carer's personal strengths and the impact of caring on your wellbeing. You can access this course online or in person in Luton.
Book your place now.
You can register online:
http://tinyurl.com/yckmucw5
If you are already registered with us, just email [email protected]
Alternatively telephone 01234 263 621 / 01582 315 987

12/05/2026

💚 Mental Health Awareness Week 💚
This week 11th - 17th May is Mental Health awareness Week . Mental health matters for everyone – and support is available.
If you’re a parent or carer of a child or young person with SEND, the Central Bedfordshire SEND Local Offer has information, guidance and support to help with emotional wellbeing and mental health.
🔹 Mental Health & Wellbeing support and advice
Find local services, helplines and practical guidance here 👉
https://ow.ly/SME550YYaUw
🔹 Parent Carer Zone – Mental Health & Wellbeing
Explore tailored support, resources and information for parents and carers 👉
https://ow.ly/cqBa50YYaUu
You are not alone. Taking time to look after your mental health is important – and help is there when you need it 💚