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The latest news and updates for parents/carers
and children and young people 0-25 years with special educational needs
and disabilities (SEND) in the Manchester City Council area
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Our next SEND Drop In is on Wednesday 22nd April at Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, Portway, Wythenshawe M22 1QW. This free event is aimed at parents/carers and young people with SEND up to 25 in the Manchester City Council area. It offers a chance to talk to a range of services and get support. Your children don’t need to have a diagnosis. Professionals welcome too.
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Future drop ins, 10am-12pm:
Wednesday 20th May, Moss Side Powerhouse
Wednesday 17th June, Manchester Youth Zone, Harpurhey
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The schools white paper and the SEND Reform consultation document were published at the end of February. Here are some helpful guides to help you have a say. These are all on our webpage of resources.
Helpful guides
For parents/carers and those working in the sector:
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For children and young people:
(Educators are encouraged to use these resources to run their own sessions on the consultation.)
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Have your say
Here is a link to the consultation, plus this information about the consultation, including alternative formats. This includes an Easy Read survey.
Consultation closes May 18th 2026
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Power Hall sessions - NEW!
(All ages) Brand-new Sensory Sessions are being launched in the Power Hall at the Science and Industry Museum. Sensory activities and resources will help you explore the sights, smells, sounds and textures of the Power Hall and its stories. There will also be informal engine demonstrations, a smaller number of visitors in the space and an area to take a break from the activities. The sessions are over two days. Book by clicking on the dates:
These exciting new sessions have been specially designed in partnership with families from Manchester Parent Carer Forum and Sense UK.
Free cycling sessions
(11-16s) Have your 11-16s with SEND or emotional and mental health needs tried the free cycling? Sessions are every Saturday 11am-3pm, meeting at the Proctor Learning Centre, Hulme Street, Off Jackson Crescent M15 5EF. Bikes, helmets and other safety equipment are provided for cycle routes across Greater Manchester. Contact Roger Newell at MANCCYCLES for more information and to book places – info@manccycles.co.uk, 07970 922132. Part of the SEND Community Offer for young people living in the Manchester City Council area.
Books and Beats
(6-11) Books and Beats is on Saturday 23rd May, 10.30-11.30am at the House of Books and Friends, 81 King Street, Manchester M2 4AH. It's a relaxed, musical storytelling session designed for children with SEND aged 6-11 and their families. Tickets are £5 per young person (an accompanying adult goes free). There are also complimentary tickets for anyone who needs it. Find out more and book.
(18+) There’s also a Beyond Words Book Club pop-up on Thursday 23rd April, 11am-12pm. This is an accessible session for adults with learning needs and disabilities and their carers. It’s perfect for anyone who prefers to read pictures rather than words. Places limited – book here.
Free sensory room
(All ages) Benchill Children’s Centre has a sensory room that is free for Manchester families all year round. While the safe, non-judgemental environment of the Children’s Centre is an under 5’s service, anyone over this age is welcome to use the sensory room. Hour slots are available for up to 4 people, Monday to Friday, from 9am until 2.30pm. Please call 0161 529 0080 (option 5) to book or email info.wythenshawecc@family-action.org.uk. The Children’s Centre is on 22 Lyndene Road, M22 4PZ. Please note: This is a different venue to Benchill Community Centre.
Sing & Sign
(All ages) There’s a Sing & Sign session for parents and children every Tuesday evening from 5.30-7pm at Talbot House, 1 High Peak Street, Newton Heath M40 3AT. The learning disabled person has fun learning sign language to music from a qualified Makaton teacher, whilst the carers get together to socialise and chat. Call 0161 203 4095 or email admin@talbot-house.org.uk. Find sessions on the events calendar, along with other activities. Get in touch.
Summer camps
(12-16s) Calling all young people aged 12–16! Are you ready for an epic summer adventure? Our friends at Action for Conservation are offering free Summer Camps in UK National Parks. Expect hands-on activities, wildlife discovery, outdoor adventures, and plenty of chances to make new friends while learning how to take positive action for nature. Apply by Saturday 4th May 2026. The application pack has everything you need to know or see the Action for Conservation website. If you have questions about the camp or the application process, please contact Ben Turrell, 07946 064 533, ben@actionforconservation.org. Here’s a You Tube video taster.
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There is a new Family Hub in Clayton, joining four others across the city. The hubs bring together services for families with children of all ages (0-19) or up to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They take a whole family approach, acting as one-stop-shops where you can access the help you need, including debt and welfare advice, play activities, help with food and getting online, amongst many others, including SEND support:
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Support for parents/carers
Coffee morning
The next coffee morning with Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF) is on Friday 24th April, 10am-12pm at Martenscroft Nursery and Sure Start Centre in Hulme, 33 Epping Street, M15 6PA. It’s an opportunity to meet and chat to fellow parents and carers of children and young people with SEND in a relaxed and friendly setting. Book through Eventbrite.
Health session
There is a Health Session for parent carers of children and adults with learning disabilities on Wednesday 22nd April 11am to 2pm at Talbot House Support Centre, 1 High Peak Street, Newton Heath, M40 3AT. Come along and speak to your local health team and get your blood pressure checked. Get in touch.
Advocacy support
The new Neurodiversity Learning Hub is offering free support to families. Run by Sidra Mirza, the hub offers practical advocacy, guidance and support for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people across Greater Manchester. Parents/carers can self-refer – limited places, first come first served.
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 Autism misinformation
Recently, there have been several articles in the media discussing false narratives and outdated ideas about autism. This is hugely damaging and can result in autistic people being dismissed or denied the support they need. Dr Judith Brown, Head of Autism Knowledge and Expertise at the National Autistic Society, shares the latest evidence and research about autism to challenge the misinformation.
Autism resources
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Sign up to receive Autism Central’s newsletters direct to your inbox, with updates on new resources, including podcasts and courses.
- See GM Autism to find information about what is available in Manchester.
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A blog sharing tips and ideas to help grandparents understand and support autistic grandchildren.
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GM i-THRIVE has free e-learning, an introduction to neurodiversity, with a focus on autism.
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Autistic Thriving at School and Beyond – Register for this free online event with Professor Elizabeth McCrum and Andy Smith from Spectrum Gaming, Wednesday 6th May, 7–8.30pm.
- The Social Communication Pathway (SCP) workshops are open to all City of Manchester parents and carers or those who have children who are registered with a Manchester GP - see a list of the workshops.
Ofsted and complaints
Leaders, local authorities, parents and carers frequently ask Ofsted how they deal with complaints about a school. They never rush to inspect. In this blog, they explain the processes that they follow. Parents are advised to go through their school’s internal processes first.
Farsi listening line
Lingua GM have launched a listening line supporting the Farsi-speaking community in Greater Manchester and the Northwest. From the current global conflict in Iran to simple challenges in life, Lingua GM can help people get through it. Phone / WhatsApp / Text 0734 096 3753 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 11am-8pm and Sundays 10am-6pm.
Mental health study
Participants are needed for a study among second generation immigrants aged 18-30 and born in the UK. The findings aim to improve the understanding of culturally influenced barriers to seeking help for mental health.
Spirit of Manchester
The Spirit of Manchester 2026 Awards are open for nominations!
Do you know someone or a group that should be acknowledged and thanked for their outstanding efforts over the last year? It can be anyone – friend, neighbour or local community group. They just need to live in the city of Manchester or have delivered their support here. See the categories in this year’s Spirit of Manchester Awards and find out how to nominate them. Closes at 12pm on 5th May.
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Welfare reforms
To help families prepare for the welfare reforms coming in over the next few years, the charity Contact have created a guide, 'Ongoing benefit changes'. It covers other changes that have been proposed or are being reviewed. They explain each of these and when they are expected to happen.
DLA review
There is currently a review of DLA (Disability Living Allowance) decisions involving claims for children with congenital heart disease made between 1st February 2017 and 13th October 2020. Some children are likely to be entitled to arrears of underpaid DLA. Find out more from Contact.
New flowchart
Contact’s Family Finance Team have created a new flowchart to help parents work out whether their disabled young person is likely to qualify for Universal Credit while still in education. Here is more information. Any questions, call Contact's free helpline, 0808 808 3555, Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5pm.
Changes for renters
From 1st May 2026, The Renters’ Rights Act changes how landlords let out private properties. New legislation will strengthen tenant protections and set clear rules that every landlord must follow, giving renters greater security in their homes. Here is an overview from Shelter.
Law advice
If you live in Wythenshawe, there’s a Neighbourhood Advice Project run by Greater Manchester Law Centre and Manchester Local Care Organisation (MLCO). It offers face to face appointments around benefits checks and applications, as well as housing and employment issues. Ask a professional to refer you - 0161 769 2245 or neighbourhoodadvice@gmlaw.org.uk
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Travel news
There’s a free online session to support young people with travelling in Greater Manchester. It’s on Tuesday 28th April, 6-6.30pm with Transport for Greater Manchester. The session will cover TfGM passes, concessions and travel training resources, plus top tips from travel trainers. Sign up here.
The Voice of the Bee Network is a way of sharing your experiences and ideas to make the service better. This might be sharing your thoughts in a quick survey or testing new features on the Bee Network website and app. It’s voluntary to take part, with some activities offering digital gift vouchers as a thank you for your time. Find out more.
Young people's website
Curriculum for Life is a website made with young people for young people in Greater Manchester. It helps you answer questions about growing up. This might be around money, working life, relationships, politics, and much more. If you would like to get involved, here’s the contact page to get in touch.
Use your vote
City‑wide local elections will take place in Manchester on Thursday 7th May. People with a learning disability and autistic people have an equal right to vote. Find out all you need to know about voting in this information from My Vote My Voice.
You need to be registered to vote. The deadline for registering in these elections is Monday 20th April.
If you are going to a polling station to vote, Manchester City Council wants this to be a stress-free environment for you. Find out about accessibility.
If you would like to get our newsletters, find out how to sign up
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