Date published: 2026-10-01 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Events, Improving people's lives
Parents and carers of children and young people are invited to a free event at the Apex City of Bath Hotel on 14 October that will help them find support, get practical advice and speak directly to people who can help their family.
Families do not need to have a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) diagnosis, an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or a referral to attend. The event is open to anyone whose child already receives support, as well as those who are only starting to wonder whether their child may need extra help.
The Family Support and Inclusion Day, organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with the Parent Carer Forum, LiveWell, and SENDIAS Bathnes, will bring together education, health, social care, voluntary organisations and community groups.
More than 30 organisations will have stalls on the day including: Bath Rugby; RUH, Twerton & Whiteway Organisation; SASS (Specialist Autism Support Service); Off the Record and education psychologists. There will also be free workshops, presentations and listening sessions that will offer practical information and give families a chance to talk about their experiences.
Families will also be able to share their experiences and help improve SEND support and communication across Bath and North East Somerset in the future.
Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We know it is not always easy for families to find the right information or know who to ask for help. This free event brings many local services together in one place, so parents and carers can ask questions, meet the people who may be able to support them and find out what help is available.
“You do not need a diagnosis or a referral to come along. Whether you need advice now or simply want to learn more, you will receive a warm welcome.
“We also want to listen. Families know what works well and what needs to change. What they tell us will help shape clearer communication and future SEND support across Bath and North East Somerset.”
A Local SEND Reform Plan has been submitted to the Department for Education as part of the government’s national improvement programme. It builds on work already underway through Our Plan for SEND, published in 2025, which included expanding special school provision, improving inclusion in mainstream education and increasing the quality and efficiency of services. Recent milestones include proposals for a new 120-place special free school at the Culverhay site in Bath and the start of work on a new SEND resource base at Mulberry Park Primary School.
The Family Support and Inclusion Day is on Wednesday 14 October 2026, 9.30am to 7pm at the Apex City of Bath Hotel, James Street, Bath BA1 2DA. There will be free tea, coffee and cakes available throughout the day and Sophie Broadfied, Chief Executive of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Councillor Paul May will be officially opening the event with a short speech at 10.30am. You can book ahead on the Banes Parent Carer Forum events page, or simply drop in on the day.
ENDS