Bexley SENDIASS September 2026 Update for Parents, Carers and Partners
An overview of recent SEND reforms, guidance changes, participation opportunities and support available to families across Bexley
As we begin the new school year, Bexley SEND IASS has produced a new SEND Reforms & New Guidance Update for partners and Parent Carers – September 2026 to help families understand the significant changes taking place in SEND, education and children’s services.
This new publication for parent carers provides an accessible overview of recent changes affecting children and young people with SEND, including:
- SEND Reform developments
- Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026
- Updated statutory guidance
- Attendance and exclusion guidance
- Safeguarding requirements
- Inclusion and SEND support developments
- Current national SEND consultations you may wish to take part in
For ease of access, as it is a large document, I have added this to the IASS website and the link is below.
The document is content listed so you are able to dip in and out of the content relevant to you, rather than attempting to navigate the whole document.
The link to the document is provided HERE
NEW: Know Your SEND Rights – Bexley IASS Monthly Online Advice Sessions
Bexley SENDIASS is pleased to launch a new programme of free monthly online advice sessions for parent carers and young people aged 16-25 with SEND.
These 45-minute online sessions offer free, impartial guidance on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They are designed to help parent carers and young people better understand their rights, navigate SEND processes with confidence, and understand the responsibilities of education, health and social care services.
Topics may include:
- EBSA
- SEN Support
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- School exclusions and attendance
- Early Years, School, College, Local Authority and Health services responsibilities
- Preparing for meetings with schools and professionals
- Resolving disagreements
- Transition to adulthood
- Health and social care rights
About the sessions:
These sessions are focused on providing information, advice and guidance about SEND law, statutory processes and your rights, aiming to help families and young people understand:
- what the law says
- what services should be providing
- what options are available
- what steps they can take next
Bexley SENDIASS is a statutory service that provides FREE confidential and impartial information, advice and support relating to education, health and social care for children and young people with SEND and their families.
Who can attend?
- Parent carers of children and young people with SEND
- Young people aged 16–25 with SEND
Booking
Places are limited and must be booked in advance through Eventbrite.
Dates Available:
30 October 2026
30 November 2026
14 December 2026
29 January 2027
26 February 2027
29 March 2027
Time available on each date:
10am – 10.45am
11am – 11.45am
1pm – 1.45pm
2pm – 2.45pm
3pm – 3.45pm
Bookings should be made via Eventbrite – Know Your SEND Rights – Bexley IASS Monthly Online Advice Sessions
These are online sessions, not face to face in person. A Microsoft Teams link will be sent by email after booking.
Become a Bexley SENDIASS Parent Carer Champion
Help improve SEND services for families across Bexley
Do you have lived experience of supporting a child or young person with SEND?
Would you like to use your knowledge and experience to help other families, improve local services and strengthen the voice of parent carers?
Bexley SENDIASS is developing a new team of Parent Carer Champions and we would love to hear from people who are passionate about making a difference.
What is a Parent Carer Champion?
Parent Carer Champions are volunteers who work alongside Bexley SENDIASS to:
- Promote SENDIASS within local communities
- Help improve information and resources
- Support engagement and consultation activities
- Share parent carer perspectives and lived experience
- Contribute to co-production and service development
- Help us understand what matters most to local families
No specialist SEND training required
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who:
- Have lived experience of SEND
- Care about improving services for families
- Enjoy meeting and talking to people
- Can work respectfully and impartially
- Are willing to undertake training and development
Training and Support Provided
All Parent Carer Champions will receive:
- Full induction and ongoing support
- Safeguarding training
- Confidentiality and GDPR training
- Co-production and engagement training
- Communication and listening skills development
- IPSEA Level 1, 2 and 3 progression opportunities
- Regular supervision and mentoring
Flexible and Rewarding
Whether you can offer a few hours a month or would like to become more involved over time, we would welcome your interest.
Together we can help ensure the voices of children, young people and families continue to shape Bexley SEND IASS.
Interested?
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0203 045 5976