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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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Wednesday 16th September, 10am-12pm
Cornerstone United Reformed Church
We have a new venue for our next drop in. It’s Cornerstone United Reformed Church, Burnage, Manchester M20 6EE. Here’s information on the venue.
October's drop in
The drop in on Wednesday 14th October at Manchester Youth Zone, Harpurhey, will include Health Transition to Adulthood stalls. Learn how health services support young people into adulthood and meet local health professionals from various teams, including Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and the Adult Learning Disability Team.
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For children and young people with SEND in the Manchester City Council area
Bandaoke
(16-25) Lots of people turned up for the first ever Bandaoke and had a great time!
Bandaoke is like karaoke but with a live band. Offered by Billy and Andy’s Music School, it’s for young disabled and/or neurodivergent people aged 16-25 in the Manchester City Council area. The date for the September get-together hasn't been arranged yet but it'll be at the same vene, 53two Theatre, Arch 19, Watson St, M3 4LP. Young people can perform their favourite songs in front a friendly audience or just come along to listen to some awesome music. Families are welcome too. The venue is wheelchair accessible with an Accessible Toilet and Changing Places Toilet. To register interest, send an email to info@billyandandy.co.uk or call 07429 826053.
See you in the pool
(Various) For children with SEND, learning to swim can be an empowering and enjoyable experience. Read more in this blog from Manchester Parent Carer Forum. It includes the video ‘See You In The Pool’, co-produced with parent/carer groups and expert swimming instructors. As part of the SEND Community Offer, there are free inclusive weekly swim sessions for families in the Manchester City Council area at Moss Side Leisure Centre and Abraham Moss Leisure Centre. There are city-wide sessions too offered by different providers. Find out about Disability Swimming and swimming lessons.
Cool to be you
(All ages) Cool to be You Game Day is an inclusive get-together with parents/carers and children and young people with SEND who live in the Manchester City Council area. Enjoy games, books and snacks in the company of people of all neurotypes. Show the real you! This event with Manchester Parent Carer Forum is on Thursday 10th September, 4.30-6.30pm at the North Star Centre, City View House, 5 Union Street, Ardwick, M12 4JD. Book here.
A BIG thank you to all the parent carers involved in this summer’s fantastic school holiday offer. From co-designing and planning to being on the ground on the day, your commitment to Manchester families is amazing.
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Free paddle course - Places left!
(14+) There are some remaining places on a Paddle Introductory Skills course this Sunday 6th September. Normally £150, this free course for Manchester youth leaders and young people aged 14+ is a half day introduction to paddle boards, canoes and kayaks) in a sheltered water environment. It’s 9.30am-12.30pm at Debdale Outdoor Centre, 1073 Hyde Rd, Gorton, Manchester M18 7LJ. Places are funded by Manchester’s Youth, Play and Participation team and Manchester Outdoor Education Trust. Find out more.
Z-arts library fun
(Early years) Join Z-arts Library in Hulme for free stories, songs and sensory play for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Book here. Sessions are at the library at 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, M15 5ZA.
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Medieval Faire
(All ages) Manchester’s Medieval Faire returns to Chetham’s Library in the city centre on Saturday 26th September, 11am-4pm. Take a walking tour of the Medieval Quarter, meet birds of prey, browse stalls from specialist vendors and enjoy live demonstrations and historical re-reenactments. Entry is free – just show up at the gate. Find out more, including library tours on the day and accessibility at the site.
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Warm Welcome
There is a Warm Welcome for Manchester parents/carers on Wednesday 9th September between 12-2pm at North Star Centre City View House, 5 Union Street, Ardwick, M12 4JD. Meet with Manchester Parent Carer Forum and the neurodevelopmental navigator team. There will also be clinicians to answer your questions - 12-1pm Senior Mental Health Practitioner, 1–2pm Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. Booking is recommended but you are free to drop in or leave any time.
Educational psychology one to ones
There are free 20 minute slots coming up with Educational Psychologists from One Education. Booking essential:
This offer is for parents/carers of a child or young person with SEND who either lives in the city of Manchester or has a city of Manchester-based GP.
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Understanding SEND Support
With the start of the new school term, you may be wondering what extra support your child might be entitled to. SEND support is extra help for children who need different, or additional, support than is normally available to children of the same age. See Contact’s information for families. There is also Understanding SEND Support, co-produced with Manchester parent/groups.
Health updates
Vaccinations guide
The Department for Education (DfE) have published guidance for parents/carers on vaccinations for children with SEND. It answers questions and concerns, provides advice on preparing for an appointment and tells you where to find reliable trusted sources of information on vaccinations. There is also guidance for schools.
Dealing with anxiety
All children and young people feel worried sometimes; it is a normal part of growing up. But anxiety can become a problem when a young person feels stuck in it. The charity Contact look at how to support your child with anxiety, with a focus on learning disabled and neurodivergent children.
Autism and health
Autism is often described in terms of communication differences, social interaction and sensory processing. Research increasingly shows that autistic people are also more likely to experience a range of physical health conditions that can affect daily life, like gastrointestinal disorders, epilepsy, chronic pain and hypermobility. Read more in Autism Editions.
Sibs awareness
Sibs, the charity for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults, are offering free 30-minute workshops for teaching staff during the autumn. Young siblings say how important it is for their teachers to understand a little of what life at home is like for them.
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Male carer meetups
Mark from Manchester Carers Forum runs regular meetups for male carers. They're a great chance to meet other men, share advice, and learn about support available. Newcomers always welcome. Sessions are on Mondays on 14th September, 12th October, 16th November and 14th December, 11.30am-1pm at The Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Road, M13 9RD. For more information, contact Mark - mark@manchestercarersforum.org.uk, 07931 879224.
Free BSL courses
Manchester Deaf Centre is offering a programme of free British Sign Language (BSL) courses for Manchester people age 19+. If interested, check out the criteria – but do it quickly. They’re booking up!
Sunday openings
Manchester residents will soon be able to get more out of their local libraries with Sunday opening at eight libraries and extended opening for three more. From Sunday 27th September, the following libraries will be open 12-4pm - Chorlton Library, Longsight Library, Newton Heath Library and Withington Library. An additional four will open on Sundays from January 2027. Learn more in this library blog.
Sports awards
Nominations are now open for the Manchester Sports Awards 2026. Do you know a talented athlete, a dedicated coach or a selfless volunteer who makes Manchester a global powerhouse of sport? Shine a spotlight on sporting excellence at all levels. Nominate by Sunday 27th September.
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The big future
The Children's Commissioner has launched a survey to hear from children and young people up to 18. The Big Future has questions about voting, school, their local area and online safety, as well as space to tell her what is important. It takes about five minutes to complete and has been designed to be easy to read so is suitable for many children with SEND to answer themselves or with help. Open until 23rd October.
Youth voice matters
How can young people be better supported to take part in democracy and decision-making? This is the question the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is asking. Following the publication of Youth Matters and the upcoming Votes at 16 legislation, they invite young people aged 10-21 to take a survey. Responses will directly help to inform national policy. Closes 30th September 2026.
School SEND funding
The government is asking for views on how local authorities can provide upfront additional SEND funding to mainstream schools. They want to understand whether giving schools more funding from the start could mean help is put in place sooner and is more easily adapted as your child’s needs change. Learn more. Here is a link to the consultation. Closes Friday 18th September.
Carers health needs
This questionnaire from local carer groups is designed to understand the health and wellbeing needs of unpaid carers in Manchester. Your answers will help identify what support carers need and the barriers that may prevent them from accessing health and wellbeing services and physical exercise.
Childcare survey
If your child with SEND uses childcare in the city, or has used it in the last three years, we encourage you to fill in the annual childcare survey. There are two surveys - one for families with children under 5 and the other for families with school aged children (5+). You can complete both surveys if you have children aged 0-5 years and 5 years plus. Closes Sunday 20th September.
EOTAS consultation
There is still time to take part in the Department for Education’s consultation on Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS). The charity Contact are concerned that the current proposals risk reducing legal rights to an EOTAS package. Here is a summary, with alternative versions, and ‘SEND reform: education otherwise than at school – what parents and carers of children and young people need to know’. Closes 18th September.
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Join Team Wythenshawe
The King’s Trust Team Programme is a full‑time personal development course for young people aged 16–24 who are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET). The next 12‑week programme with Team Wythenshawe starts on Monday 14th September at The Manchester College, Wythenshawe Campus, Brownley Road, Wythenshawe, M22 9UH. It focuses on building confidence, communication, teamwork and employability skills whilst supporting participants to plan realistic next steps. The programme is free and won’t affect benefits. Travel support and additional learning support can be discussed on an individual basis. Young people can self-refer but referrals also welcome from organisations working with young people in Wythenshawe and the surrounding areas. Contact Glen Hobbs, King’s Trust Team Programme - GHobbs@tmc.ac.uk, 07730 617887.
The King’s Trust newsletter for Greater Manchester has lots of learning and training opportunities. Sign up.
Your future
The Our Future programme helps young people with learning disabilities and/or autism build everyday life skills. It covers topics like confidence, digital safety, relationships, health, budgeting, and travel. You may be eligible if you're aged 17 and a half or older and live in the Manchester City Council area. To find out more, contact your social worker, the Manchester City Council Contact Centre or call Pure Innovations on 0161 804 4400 and ask for the Our Future team. You can also email OurFuture@pureinnovations.co.uk.
Jobs and skills fair
There’s a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) led Jobs and Skills Fair on Thursday 17th September, 10am-1pm at Moss Side Powerhouse, 140 Raby Street, M14 4SL for Manchester residents aged 16+. More than 30 employers and training providers from a range of sectors will be available with live vacancies and opportunities. No booking needed – just show up. There’s another taking place on the same day at Stretford Public Hall, Chester Road, M32 0LX, plus one in Longsight on Thursday 29th October, 10am-1pm at Belle Vue Leisure Centre, Belle Vue Leisure Centre, M12 4TF. See the listing.
Get training with MUD
Develop the skills, confidence and experience to begin a career in the horticulture and environmental sectors. Manchester Urban Diggers (MUD) is offering a free 6-week practical training course for people aged 18+ who are unemployed and not in training or education. It’s two days a week, starting in October, at Platt Fields Market Garden, Fallowfield. Apply by 18th September.
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