Latest News

Autumn Term 2026-27 News

Leeds Local Offer - September SEND parent/carer drop-ins

Daytime session

Date: Wednesday 9^th September 2026
Time: 10.30am till 12.30pm
Venue: Wetherby Sports Association, The Club House, LS22 5FN

Evening session

Date: Thursday 24^th September 2026
Time: 6.30pm till 8.30pm
Venue: The Vinery Centre, Leeds, LS9 9LU

Speak to services and receive information and advice:

Leeds Local Offer
Leeds Parent Carer Forum
SENDIASS
Carers Leeds
Little Hiccups
Speech and Language Therapy Service
Time for young people
Family Hub SEND Coordinators

Let LLO know if you will be attending the drop in here: https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/InfoDropIn/

If you have any questions please contact LLO@leeds.gov.uk

Have you heard of the Leeds Local Offer (SEND)?

The Leeds Local Offer is where children and young people up to 25 years old with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents and carers can find information, advice and guidance about support, services and activities that are available to those living in Leeds.

Website: www.leedslocaloffer.org.uk
Facebook group: @Leeds Local Offer
Monthly information drop in: speak face to face to SEND services.
Leeds Local Offer Live: annual market place event with over 50 services.
Information booklet: an introduction to key SEND services.
For more information about the Leeds Local Offer email LLO@leeds.gov.uk

https://youtu.be/hsjhEwwpHtA

STARs E-Learning Parent Videos

The STARs team have added some really useful e-learning videos to their page on Leeds for Learning. Topics covered include:
- Sensory checklists
- Sensory circuits
- Morning routine
- Intensive Interaction
- Autism and anxiety

Check them out here:
https://www.leedsforlearning.co.uk/Page/28038

NHS Neurodiversity Information Hub

Really useful one-stop information resource to support all neurodivergent (ND) children, young people and families in Leeds both WITH and WITHOUT formal diagnoses.
The resource is great and frequently updated with new information - lots of information and advice has recently been added about ADHD in particular.

Check it out here:
https://mindmate.org.uk/neurodiversity-information-hub/

Summer Term 2025-26 News

Leeds Parent Carer Forum Annual Survey 2026

Our friends at Leeds PCF have asked that we share the following with you:

Your voice matters, and we would love to hear from you.

At the Leeds PCF, we work with local services to make sure families of children and young people with SEND are heard. This survey is one of the most important ways you can help shape change in Leeds.

Whether your experience has been positive, challenging, or in between, your feedback helps us:

Show what is working well
Highlight what needs to improve
Share real experiences with decision-makers
Shape our priorities for the year ahead

This year includes a stronger focus on health, including access to services, autism and ADHD pathways, mental health, feeding, sleep and hospital care.

It takes around 15 minutes and you can skip any questions that are not relevant.

As a thank you, two parent carers will be randomly selected to receive a £30 Amazon voucher.

Please complete one survey per child.

Complete the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/LeedsPCFSurvey2026West Yorkshire Neurodevelopmental Early Support Service

Click here to see further details for online parental workshops. Details on how to book are on the flyer.

Leeds Local Offer - SEND parent/carer information drop-in

Date: Wednesday 8th July 2026
Time: 10.30am till 12.30pm
Venue: The Welcome Centre, Belle Isle Rd, Belle Isle, Leeds, LS10 3DN (signposted St John and St Barnabas Church)

Speak to services and receive information and advice:

Leeds Local Offer
Leeds Parent Carer Forum
SENDIASS
Carers Leeds
Little Hiccups
Speech and Language Therapy Service
Time for young people
Family Hub SEND Coordinators

Let us know if you will be attending the drop in here: https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/InfoDropIn/

If you have any questions please contact LLO@leeds.gov.uk

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us in school on Wednesday 24th June from 2.15pm to meet the MindMate Support team and take part in an information session about sleep. This session focusses on understanding sleep cycles, building healthy bedtime routines, and managing emotional wellbeing. It is also an opportunity to meet other parents / carers and enjoy a coffee and a cuppa!
Please enter school via the downstairs hall fire doors (Children's Centre car park). We hope to see you there!

Leeds SEND Youth Council - This is us!

Our friends at Leeds Local Offer have asked that I share the below and attached information with you all.

You’re Invited!
We are the Leeds SEND Youth Council, a group of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities who work together to share our experiences, represent others, and help make Leeds a more inclusive city.
We would love to invite you to join us for our Disability Pride event:

This is us: Proud to Belong – A SEND Celebration
Wednesday 22nd July 2026
10:30am – 2:30pm (drop in anytime)
Leeds Kirkgate Market Event Space (food hall)

This event is about celebrating disability, raising awareness, and bringing people together so that no one feels alone. It’s a chance to connect and be part of a welcoming and inclusive space whilst also having fun and enjoying activities and performances.
Everyone is welcome.

You can find out more in the poster here and event page: https://tinyurl.com/ThisIsUsEvent22ndJuly

LLO Evening SEND parent carer information drop-in

Date: Thursday 21st May 2026
Time: 6.30pm till 8.30pm
Venue: The Vinery Centre, Leeds, LS9 9LU

Speak to services and receive information and advice:

Leeds Local Offer
Leeds Parent Carer Forum
SENDIASS
Carers Leeds
Little Hiccups
SEND Coordinators

Let us know if you will be attending the drop in here: https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/InfoDropIn/

If you have any questions please contact LLO@leeds.gov.uk

A message from Leeds PCF regarding online SEND reforms information and discussion sessions.

We are hosting two online information and discussion sessions for parent/carers to talk about the proposed SEND reforms, ask questions and share their views.
Upcoming sessions (via Microsoft Teams):
📅Thursday, 7th May, 10am–12pm
📅Tuesday, 12th May, 7pm–9pm
This is an opportunity to:
➡ Learn more about what’s being proposed
➡ Ask questions and share your experiences
➡ Help shape how SEND reforms are planned locally in Leeds.

The session on 7th May will include Amber Burton, a consultant supporting the Leeds Local SEND Reform Plan. Amber is keen to hear directly from parents and carers, answer questions and gather feedback to help inform local planning. Feedback shared now can help shape local thinking at an important stage. If you can’t attend a session, you can also share your views via our online Padlet or by completing the national consultation.

🔹Session details and booking links here: https://www.leedsparentcarerforum.co.uk/events/

🔹 Find all the details and other ways to get involved here: https://www.leedsparentcarerforum.co.uk/news/have-your-say-on-the-send-reforms/

Spring Term 2025-26 News

Swinnow Primary School's SEND Newsletter - April 2026

Click here to read Spring 2's term SEND newletter.

SENDIASS

Leeds SENDIASS have asked me to share their termly newsletter with you. It has all the details of upcoming SEND advice drop-in sessions and virtual information sessions. Click here to read it.

Inclusion Advisory Team FREE parent/carer workshop

Online: Inclusion Advisory Team FREE parent/carer workshop - Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:45 - 11:15am - Keeping autistic children and young people safe online. This session will be co delivered with the Prevent Team .

This session is suitable for parents and professionals who are currently supporting children and young people to navigate the online world safely. During this workshop you will explore the importance of online media to autistic identity and wellbeing- to build positive connections and communities. You will also hear how to monitor the safe use of online platforms and understand vulnerabilities when young people access these. There will be a focus on the current themes present in harmful online content and how to support young people to navigate these safely.

Parents can book their places by emailing SEND@leeds.gov.uk.

Cygnet Training

Please click here for further information about 'Cygnet'. This is a support programme run by West Family Hub for parents and carers of children and young people, aged 5-18 who are autistic.

Leeds Local Offer Live Event

Click here to see the attached flyer for further details about the Leeds Local Offer Live Event where you can meet a host of SEND services and learn what they offer. It is taking place at Pudsey Civic Hall, 10am-3pm (drop-in) on Wednesday 25th March. It's well worth a visit!

Parent / carer Coffee Morning

You are invited to our parent/carer coffee morning on Tuesday 17th March from 9am. As well as being a great chance to chat with other parents/carers over a hot drink and a biscuit there will also be the opportunity to meet representatives from Leeds Local Offer and Leeds Parent Carer Forum.

The Leeds Local Offer is a comprehensive directory and resource hub run by Leeds City Council for children and young people (aged 0–25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. They provide information on education, health, social care, and leisure services to help families make informed decisions.

Leeds Parent Carer Forum (Leeds PCF) is an independent, voluntary group of local parents and carers of children and young people (aged 0–25) with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). They represent parent voices to improve services in collaboration with Leeds City Council, health, and education services.

Everyone welcome! Look forward to seeing you there. Please enter school via the downstairs hall fire doors.

Swinnow Primary School's SEND Newsletter - Feb 2026

Click here to read Spring 1's half term SEND newletter.

SEND parent carer monthly information drop-in

A monthly drop in for parents and carers to speak to services to receive information and advice about what is available in Leeds to support their family.

Leeds Local Offer
SENDIASS
Leeds Parent Carer Forum
Carers Leeds
Little Hiccups
Child Health and Disability Team (CHAD)
Leeds Speech and Language Service
SEND Coordinators, Family Hubs

Dates and times of drop ins

Wednesday 4th February 2026, 10.30am till 12.30pm at Horsforth Library Building, LS18 5BL
Wednesday 11th March 2026, 10.30am till 12.30pm at The Welcome Centre, Belle Isle, LS10 3DN
Wednesday 1st April 2026, 10.30am till 12.30pm at Carr Manor Community Hub, LS7 2PS

Book your place at the drop in here.

If you require further information about the drop in sessions please email LLO@leeds.gov.uk or follow the Leeds Local Offer facebook page.

Neurodiveristy workshops -

These workshops aim to provide information for parents to support their autistic child at home. Training sessions will be delivered through Teams

For parents to book please email leedsforlearning@leeds.gov.uk with your name, email and training date you would like to be booked on.

Emotional wellbeing
Wednesday 4th March 2026, 9.45 till 11.15

This session will explore why autistic children and young people are at greater risk of poor mental health. We will discuss how we can work with children and young people to explore the causes of poor mental health, overcome barriers to wellbeing, and support the development of coping mechanisms.

Puberty and sexuality (primary)
Wednesday 18th March 2026, 9.45 till 11.15

This session will look at why autistic children and young people need more support to understand puberty, relationships, sexuality and sex. We will discuss strategies and resources for supporting children and young people to better understand these themes.

SENDIASS virtual information sessions -

Topic - SEND Support

12th February
11:30am till 1pm

Topic - Section I Appeals

25th February
11:30am till 1pm

Topic - EHC Needs Assessments

19th March
11:30am till 1pm

To book a place onto one of these virtual sessions, please email: sendiasssocialmedia@leeds.gov.uk
Please state in your email which session you would like to attend.

Parents and carers of children with SEND are invited to the Inclusive Mainstream Practice (IMP) Launch!

Monday 23rd February 2026
10am till 12.30pm
Pudsey Civic Hall, LS28 5TA

The Leeds Parent Carer Forum and Voice, Influence & Change Team invite parents and carers of children with SEND to the launch of Inclusive Mainstream Practice (IMP).

What is IMP?

Guidance to help schools support all children, especially those with SEND.
Spot when extra help is needed.
Explain how schools support your child’s learning.
In Leeds, we focus on each child’s strengths and needs, not just a diagnosis.

Book your free place here.

Leeds Local Offer Live Event

The Leeds Local Offer has information about services that help children and young people
with SEND. It also helps parents and carers find support in one place.

Wednesday 25th March 2026
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Drop-in)
Pudsey Civic Hall, LS28 5TA

The Leeds Local Offer Live is an event where you can meet different SEND services and learn what
they do - click here for more information.

SEND parent carer information drop

Date: Wednesday 4^th February 2026
Time: 10.30am till 12.30pm
Venue: Horsforth Library Building, Town Street, Horsforth, LS18 5BL

Speak to services and receive information and advice:

Leeds Local Offer
Leeds Parent Carer Forum
SENDIASS
Carers Leeds
Little Hiccups
Child Health and Disability Team (CHAD)
Speech and Language Therapy Service
SEND Coordinators

Let the team know if you will be attending the drop in here: https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/InfoDropIn/

If you have any questions please contact LLO@leeds.gov.uk

MindMate Support Team Workshop

On Thursday 15th January, the MindMate Support Team will be back in school to deliver a parent/carer workshop about understanding and managing feelings. The workshop will cover:
-What emotions are and why we experience them
- How adults can support children to build their emotional literacy
- How adults can help children to learn to manage their emotions
This will start at 9am. Please enter school via the downstairs hall fire doors. And of course, there will be tea/coffee and biscuits available!

Autumn Term 2025-26 News

SEND parent carer information drop

Date: Wednesday 14^th January 2026
Time: 10.30am till 12.30pm
Venue: Swarcliffe Community Hub, Leeds, LS14 5LS

Speak to services and receive information and advice:

Leeds Local Offer
Leeds Parent Carer Forum
SENDIASS
Carers Leeds
Child Health and Disability Team (CHAD)
Speech and Language Therapy Service
SEND Coordinators

Let them know if you will be attending the drop in here: https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/InfoDropIn/

If you have any questions please contact LLO@leeds.gov.uk