# SEND Wolves Forum

> SEND Wolves Forum – Wolverhampton Parent Forum for SEND Support & Advice


## Posts

- [SEND Wolves Coffee Morning - 22/10/2026](https://sendwolvesforum.org/send-wolves-coffee-morning-22-10-2026/)
- [SEND Wolves Forum Coffee Morning with IASS representative 16/10/2026](https://sendwolvesforum.org/send-wolves-forum-coffee-morning-16-10-2026/)
- [SEND Wolves Forum Coffee Morning - 14/10/2026](https://sendwolvesforum.org/send-wolves-forum-coffee-morning-14-10-2026/)
- [SEND Coffee Afternoon - The Royal Wolverhampton](https://sendwolvesforum.org/send-coffee-afternoon-the-royal-wolverhampton/):  
- [Life Beyond Horizons - Community Support](https://sendwolvesforum.org/life-beyond-horizons-community-support/)
- [InflataNation - Free SEN session - 17/10/2026](https://sendwolvesforum.org/inflatanation-free-sen-session-17-10-2026/)
- [Building a healthy future this autumn](https://sendwolvesforum.org/building-a-healthy-future-this-autumn/): Links For SEND Parents For Primary Parents For Secondary Students
- [Autism Central, England's Peer Education Programme](https://sendwolvesforum.org/autism-central-englands-peer-education-programme/)
- [New health text service launched for parents and carers](https://sendwolvesforum.org/new-health-text-service-launched-for-parents-and-carers/): A text messaging service has been expanded, inviting Wolverhampton parents and carers direct access to expert health and wellbeing advice about their five to 19-year-olds, via their mobile phone. The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) has added to its ChatHealth service, which enables young people aged 11 to 19 to message a School Nurse. ChatHealth Parentline ChatHealth Parentline means parents and carers can now access confidential advice and support on a range of health and wellbeing issues for their children, such as emotional health, bullying, friendships, transition or staying healthy. School Nurses will also be able to put parents and carers in touch with other NHS or support services that can help. Emma Allan-Smith, Matron for Health Inclusion and School Nursing Team at RWT, said: “We are very excited to be adding to our existing ChatHealth services for young people in Wolverhampton.” She added: “Having seen ChatHealth work successfully for young people aged 11 to 19, we are delighted to be able to launch the service for parents and carers of five to 19-year-olds in our city.” How to contact ChatHealth Parentline ChatHealth Parentline messages can be sent to the dedicated number: 07312 263951 Messages are delivered to a secure website and are then read and responded to by a School Nurse. The service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
- [Newsletter - Issue 02 - September 2026](https://sendwolvesforum.org/newsletter-issue-02-september-2026/)
- [Understanding the SEND Reforms - SEND Mondays](https://sendwolvesforum.org/undertaking-the-send-reforms-send-mondays/)
- [Hy5 in Wolverhampton - SEND Mondays](https://sendwolvesforum.org/young-people-in-wolverhampton-send-mondays/)
- [Emotional health and wellbeing support - SEND Mondays](https://sendwolvesforum.org/emotional-health-and-wellbeing-support-send-mondays/)
- [Newsletter - Issue 01 - July 2026](https://sendwolvesforum.org/newsletter-issue-01-july-2026/)
- [What is the SEND local offer? - SEND Mondays](https://sendwolvesforum.org/send-mondays/)

## Pages

- [News](https://sendwolvesforum.org/news/): News Find general news and posts curated by the forum.  
- [Survey](https://sendwolvesforum.org/survey/): Surveys Find relevant surveys below, fill them in to share your views on the SEND experience in Wolverhampton or share this page to friends or family.   Parent Carer Survey Have your say on new UK social media policy Parent Carer Survey Take The Survey Parent Carer Survey Take The Survey Parent Carer Survey CTA Survey Newlife Charity Survey Community Project Parent Carer Survey Community Transport Association – Parent Carer Survey The Community Transport Association (CTA) is carrying out UK-wide research to better understand the barriers disabled children and young people face when traveling to school, healthcare appointments, social activities, and other important destinations.  This survey can be answered by both parents and carers of disabled children and young people (up to age 25) and by disabled young people aged 16-25 with their own experiences, Using this, the CTA hopes to develop practical guidance and training for transport providers; helping them become more accessible and responsive to the needs of disabled children, young people and their families.  Taking part: Takes around 10 minutes. 5pm, 4th September 2026 deadline. Participants can enter a prize draw to win one of three £250 vouchers. Complete The Survey Newlife – Parent Carer Survey Newlife has commissioned Fiveways, an independent research organisation, to better understand the day-to-day experiences of families caring for a disabled or seriously ill child, including challenges around play, equipment and accessing support. Newlife would like to hear about your experiences and views on what would make the biggest difference for families in the future. They have developed a short survey, which should take around ten minutes to complete and is open until Friday 17th July.As a thank you for taking part, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win one of four £50 shopping vouchers. The survey should take around 10–12 minutes to complete Complete The Survey Children’s Voices and Community Needs Project Are you a parent or a professional and you are interested in setting up a community interest company in Wolverhampton, to improve children’s access to therapeutic services? We’ve got you covered and will invite you to take out a few minutes to complete the link we have prepared for you. So click on the button, and we will be looking forward to your response. Take The Survey Parent Carer Survey Community Transport Association – Parent Carer Survey The Community Transport Association (CTA) is carrying out UK-wide research to better understand the barriers disabled children and young people face when traveling to school, healthcare appointments, social activities, and other important destinations.  This survey can be answered by both parents and carers of disabled children and young people (up to age 25) and by disabled young people aged 16-25 with their own experiences, Using this, the CTA hopes to develop practical guidance and training for transport providers; helping them become more accessible and responsive to the needs of disabled children, young people and their families.  Taking part: Takes around 10 minutes. 5pm, 4th September 2026 deadline. Participants can enter a prize draw to win one of three £250 vouchers. Complete The Survey Newlife – Parent Carer Survey Newlife has commissioned Fiveways, an independent research organisation, to better understand the day-to-day experiences of families caring for a disabled or seriously ill child, including challenges around play, equipment and accessing support. Newlife would like to hear about your experiences and views on what would make the biggest difference for families in the future. They have developed a short survey, which should take around ten minutes to complete and is open until Friday 17th July.As a thank you for taking part, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win one of four £50 shopping vouchers. The survey should take around 10–12 minutes to complete Complete The Survey Children’s Voices and Community Needs Project Are you a parent or a professional and you are interested in setting up a community interest company in Wolverhampton, to improve children’s access to therapeutic services? We’ve got you covered and will invite you to take out a few minutes to complete the link we have prepared for you. So click on the button, and we will be looking forward to your response. Take The Survey
- [Cookie Policy (UK)](https://sendwolvesforum.org/cookie-policy-uk/)
- [Join the Forum](https://sendwolvesforum.org/join/): Join the Forum Get involved and see upcoming events in the global SEND space as well as local in Wolverhampton   Why you should join SEND Wolves Forum is a parent-led network for parents and carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Wolverhampton. By becoming a member, you will have the opportunity to: Share your experiences and views Receive SEND-related news, events, and surveys Contribute to shaping local SEND policy and services How can I sign up? Fill in the form below and submit to join the forum as a member and start contributing to local SEND policy.
- [My Bookings](https://sendwolvesforum.org/events/my-bookings/): CONTENTS
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- [Categories](https://sendwolvesforum.org/events/categories/): CONTENTS
- [Locations](https://sendwolvesforum.org/events/locations/): CONTENTS
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- [Dads Hub](https://sendwolvesforum.org/dads-hub/): Dads Hub At SEND Wolves, we want to make a space that is for fathers and male carers as well; to share the load and get them the support and involvement that they may not normally.   Events for Dads These are events tailored towards dads in the group, or anyone else wanting to participate. Check our community tab for wider forum events to participate in. There is no Event Dads’ Voice Survey Fill in our brief survey to voice your opinion on your SEND journey. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Overall, how would you rate your satisfaction with how you as a dad are involved in your child's SEND journey? Selected Value: 0 How would you describe your current involvement in your child’s SEND journey? (Select all that apply) I handle the majority of the day-to-day appointments and paperwork. I share the care and admin roles equally with my partner/others. I mainly focus on work/income but stay involved in big decisions. I feel like I’m still learning how to navigate the system. I feel like my role isn’t always recognized by professionals What do you find most challenging about being a dad in this situation? Finding a balance between work and my child’s needs. Knowing how to best support my child’s emotional or physical needs. Finding other men in similar situations to talk to. Managing my own stress or mental health. I don’t find it particularly challenging; I just need better information. If we held local events in Wolverhampton, what format would you actually attend? Casual social meetups (coffee, pub, or walking). Structured workshops (e.g., an expert explaining the SEN system). Family-friendly events where I can bring my child/children. I am unlikely to attend in-person events. When the Forum has news or updates, what is the most convenient way for you to see them? A quick-read section on the website. Occasional text message or WhatsApp alerts. Social media (Facebook/Instagram). A newsletter sent via email I’d prefer to just look it up on the site when I need it. What is your preferred way to "have a say" in how local SEND services are run? Short, anonymous online surveys like this one. Occasional evening focus groups One-off consultations on specific topics (e.g., transport or respite). I don’t want to be involved in the “strategy” side; I just want to stay informed. Is there anything further you would like to see from SEND Wolves? I agree to SEND Wolves forum's Privacy Policy * I agree Submit
- [SEND Awareness](https://sendwolvesforum.org/send-awareness/)
- [Gallery](https://sendwolvesforum.org/gallery/): Photos & videos Take a look at videos from our events and community. Gallery SEND Wolves forum’s Launch event Here is a photo of our steering committee from our March 16th 2026 launch event Videos Playlist 1 Videos Our SEND Coffee Morning
- [Podcasts](https://sendwolvesforum.org/podcasts/)
- [Parent Experiences](https://sendwolvesforum.org/parent-experiences/): Parent Experiences Real stories from families navigating SEND in Wolverhampton.   Why we share SEND parent and carer experiences We believe lived experience matters. By sharing real stories from families, we help professionals understand what SEND journeys look like in practice; the challenges, the successes, and the impact of support when it works well. These stories are shared with permission and reflect the experiences of local families.    Early Years & Diagnosis Being Heard & Advocacy School Support & Placements Early Years & Diagnosis Finding Light Through Early Support Time Matters in the SEND Journey A Parent’s Journey: Finding Light Through Early Support When my daughter was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, we were just beginning to understand her needs and what this might mean for our family. She is now five years old and attends a mainstream primary school, where she is supported through the school’s inclusion curriculum. The early part of our SEND journey felt overwhelming. Before diagnosis, it was difficult to know where to turn for help, and there was very little support available to us. Like many families, we were unaware of local support groups and services, and navigating the system felt confusing and isolating. One of the most challenging points was the transition from nursery to school, which came with uncertainty and anxiety about whether my daughter’s needs would be understood and met. What made a real difference for us was early intervention. Support from the Special Needs Early Years Service helped us access the right guidance at the right time, and as a result my daughter received an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at just three years old. This early support gave us a clearer pathway and helped us feel less alone. As a family, we have grown stronger through this experience. I am incredibly proud of the resilience we have built together. For a long time, it felt like we were operating in the dark, but by taking steps to seek help and connecting with the parent carer forum, my confidence has grown, and I no longer feel so isolated. There truly feels like light at the end of the tunnel. Early intervention has been vital in giving my daughter the best possible start, and I am proud that I pushed for support when she needed it. Along the way, we have experienced both positives and challenges. We have generally felt listened to by professionals, and when services work well together, it makes a noticeable difference. However, transitions remain a difficult area, and accessing specialist services — particularly health and therapy support — can involve long waiting times. Like many families, we waited over two years for an initial assessment, and faster access to specialist services would make the biggest difference to our day-to-day lives. If there is one message I would want decision-makers and professionals to hear, it is this: SEND support must be individualised. Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Listening to families and responding flexibly can make all the difference.   A Parent’s Story: Time Matters in the SEND Journey My child is four years old, non-verbal, and currently on the autism pathway. They attend a private nursery and are supported by an excellent SENCO and the SNEYS team, whose understanding and commitment have made a real difference to our family. Like many parents, I raised early concerns about my child’s development. One of the most difficult parts of our journey has been the lack of urgency when those concerns were shared. In SEND, time matters — delays can have a lasting impact on both children and families. Navigating services has often felt unclear and fragmented. Communication with Speech and Language Therapy has required persistent follow-up, and agreed support does not always happen unless it is actively chased. Our request for an EHC needs assessment has passed the expected timescales, with limited communication about next steps. We have also been told that a diagnostic panel date may not be available for several years. Despite these challenges, I am proud of the resilience we have built as a family. I have learned to advocate, seek information, and access external support to help my child thrive. Parents should not have to push so hard, but we do so because we know our children best. What I would like decision-makers and professionals to understand is that clear communication, timely action, and listening to parents are essential. Delays and uncertainty affect not only a child’s development but also the wellbeing of families navigating the SEND system. By working together, listening to lived experience, and acting early, we can create better outcomes for children and young people across Wolverhampton.   A Parent’s Journey: Finding Light Through Early Support When my daughter was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, we were just beginning to understand her needs and what this might mean for our family. She is now five years old and attends a mainstream primary school, where she is supported through the school’s inclusion curriculum. The early part of our SEND journey felt overwhelming. Before diagnosis, it was difficult to know where to turn for help, and there was very little support available to us. Like many families, we were unaware of local support groups and services, and navigating the system felt confusing and isolating. One of the most challenging points was the transition from nursery to school, which came with uncertainty and anxiety about whether my daughter’s needs would be understood and met. What made a real difference for us was early intervention. Support from the Special Needs Early Years Service helped us access the right guidance at the right time, and as a result my daughter received an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at just three years old. This early support gave us a clearer pathway and helped us feel less alone. As a family, we have grown stronger through this experience. I am incredibly proud of
- [Jargon Buster](https://sendwolvesforum.org/jargon-buster/): Jargon Buster Find simple explanations for key terminology   Search Search Search Search
- [Understanding SEND](https://sendwolvesforum.org/send-support/understanding-send/): Understanding SEND Most children face learning challenges at times, but children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may need extra tailored support to thrive.   What is SEND? SEND stands for special educational needs and disabilities; a SEND or SEN (Special Educational Needs) child or young person will likely have greater learning difficulties and/or disabilities, which means they will need additional help, support and adaptations made for them at home, in health and in education in order for them to learn or access activities. This will look different for different families depending on what the child’s SEND needs are.   A child DOES NOT need an official diagnosis to receive adequate support for their SEND!   Community Our community brings parent carers together to share experiences, support each other and help to shape the future of SEND support. Find out how you can get involved, attend events and contribute to the forum.   Join the forum View events The 4 Key Areas of Need A few of our young people may have difficulty in a number of areas but to determine they get the right support in place for them it is important to establish a primary area of need which is the area in which they will need more support.   Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) These children may be struggling with mental health problems like anxiety, depression etc and are likely to have problems with managing emotions, developing relationships and coping with difficult situations.   Cognition & Learning These children may find retaining and learning new information a challenge and can struggle with things like reading, writing and working with numbers. Children with Dyslexia (difficulties with reading and writing), Dyscalculia (difficulties with numbers) and children with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Severe learning difficulties (SLD), Profound learning difficulties (PLD) and Profound Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) would need more support around this area of need.   Communication & Interaction These children may find interacting and socialising with others challenging or may not be able to communicate and/or interact with others in an appropriate or typical way. These children can typically have speech and language difficulties and may include children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).   Sensory And/Or Physical Needs These children may have a physical disability, medical condition or may have sensory processing difficulties. These children may also have sensor impairments like deafness, blindness, deaf blindness or a mobility issue like Cerebral Palsy.  
- [About Us](https://sendwolvesforum.org/about-us/): About Us Parent Experiences Contact Us Our Core Values Being open, honest and accountable with how we work.   Ensuring all parents and carers feel welcome and heard.   Valuing the lived experiences of carers, parents and their children.   Working together with parents, carers and professionals to shape decisions.   Community Our community brings parent carers together to share experiences, support one another and help shape better services for children and young people with SEND in Wolverhampton. Whether you want to connect with other families, have your voice heard, or find out what’s happening locally, the forum is here to help you feel informed, included and supported.   View events Join the forum What We Do SEND Wolves Forum works with families, services and local partners to make sure the voices of parent carers are heard and acted upon.   Influence SEND Services We influence services by working with education, health and social care partners Work Together with Families By bringing families together we can exchange resources, experiences and build confidence. Providing Information We provide information and guidance to families to help navigate SEND services and what is available.  Represent Voices We represent parent voices to ensure they both feel heard and have a say in what is afforded to them. Our Mission SEND Wolves Forum exists to ensure that parent carers of children and young people with SEND are actively involved in shaping the services that affect their lives. We champion lived experience, promote inclusive and respectful partnership working, and work alongside education, health and social care services so that children and young people with SEND in Wolverhampton can achieve the best possible outcomes.   Support for Parents of Children with SEND Rights & Entitlements Support for Carers
- [Local & National Support](https://sendwolvesforum.org/local-national-support/): Local & National Support Local Support in Wolverhampton Wolverhampton Local Offer Every local authority must publish a Local Offer explaining: SEND education support Health services Social care support Activities and services for children and young people Visit Your Local Offer Wolverhampton Information, Advice and Support Service Wolverhampton’s SEND IASS provides: Free, impartial advice for parents and carers Help understanding SEND law and processes Support preparing for meetings or appeals Visit Your SEND IASS SEND Wolves forum (us!) We provide: Peer support and advice from other parents/carers A path for you to have your say in Wolverhampton’s SEND support and governance Support with navigating key SEND services About Us Wolverhampton Outreach Service and Family Hubs The Wolverhampton outreach service offers workshops, coffee mornings, drop in sessions and parent programmes. Read More Schools and SENCos For many families, the first step is: Speaking to the school special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) Discussing concerns with teachers Requesting meetings to review support Schools should be able to guide parents towards additional services where needed. National Support Family fund is a charity in the UK working with government and various SEND services to support families in various ways. They can provide: Practical grants to support with appliances, technology, family breaks, sensory toys and more. Free virtual workshops online. Advice and information on SEND services and financing guidance. Visit Family Fund The independent provider of special education advice (IPSEA) work to provide free, independent legal advice on SEND law, EHCPs, appeals and tribunals. They can provide: Expert advice on your rights Tribunal support Template letters & guides Helpline & email advice Get Legal Advice Contact for famlies with disabled children is a leading charity for families raising disabled children. They can provide: Free helpline & listening ear service Parent-to-parent support Practical guides & financial help Local groups & events Visit Contact Scope is a disability equality charity offering both practical and emotional support They provide: Information on rights & benefits Education & employment advice Campaigning for better inclusion Parent support services Visit Scope YoungMinds is a UK charity fighting for children and young peoples’s mental health; they also have parent guides and a helpline They can provide: advice on anxiety, school refusal & emotional wellbeing Parent guides & helpline Crisis support information Visit YoungMinds SOS!SEN is an independent national helpline for special education advice They can provide: Free confidential telephone support Help securing the right educational provision Advice on SEN processes Visit SOS!SEN
- [Rights & Entitlements](https://sendwolvesforum.org/rights-entitlements/): Rights and Entitlements If your child has Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), there are legal duties that schools, local authorities, employers and public services must follow.   Rights in Education Equality Act Rights Rights to Information Workplace Rights Your Child’s Rights in Education Schools are legally required to have arrangements in place to: Monitor pupil progress Assess needs where concerns arise Provide SEND support where needs are identified Review support regularly Support does not depend on a diagnosis A child does not need a medical diagnosis to receive SEND support. Provision should be based on identified needs. Right to request an EHC Needs Assessment Parents and carers have the legal right to request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment directly from the local authority. Local authorities must review EHCPs at least annually and involve parents and young people in the process. If an EHCP is issued, provision must be delivered Local authorities have a legal duty to secure the educational provision specified in an EHCP. This duty applies even if services are difficult to arrange. Right to request a school placement Parents can request certain schools when an EHCP is issued. The local authority must name that school unless specific legal exceptions apply. Right to appeal SEND decisions Parents and young people can appeal to the SEND Tribunal about: Refusal to assess Refusal to issue a plan Provision in the plan Named school Equality act rights Protection from disability discrimination: Schools and public services must not treat disabled children and adults unfavourably because of their disability. Duty to make reasonable adjustments Schools and services must take reasonable steps to prevent disabled pupils being placed at a substantial disadvantage.  Protection for parents at work Employees must not be treated unfairly at work because they care for a disabled child. Rights to Information and Involvement Parents must be involved in SEND decisions Schools and local authorities must involve parents in decisions about SEND support and take their views into account. Local authorities must publish a Local Offer Every local authority must publish information about SEND services available in the area and how families can access them. Wolverhampton’s local offer can be seen here Workplace Rights for Parents Right to request flexible working You have the statutory right to request flexible working from your first day of employment (as of April 2024). You can make two requests every 12 months. All employees can request flexible working to manage care arrangements, which employers must deal with in a reasonable time. Employers must consider requests in a “reasonable manner” and can only refuse based on specific business reasons, such as additional costs or inability to reorganise work. Most organisations are now being proactive in supporting SEN carers in the workplace by encouraging : Open culture where employers encourage open discussions about care responsibilities to support employee well-being. Emergency care plans where employers allow for flexible arrangements as SEN care can be unpredictable. Reasonable adjustments which while primarily are for disabled employees, employers should consider adjustments (e.g. altered hours) for carers to avoid disadvantage.
- [Support for Parents & Carers](https://sendwolvesforum.org/support-for-parents-carers/): Support for Parents/Carers Getting the Support Your Family Deserves The SEND Code of Practice 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014 provide the key legal framework in England. These guide education providers, health services, and local authorities to ensure children and young people with SEND receive appropriate help across education, health, social care and everyday life. Support looks different for every family; it might include extra help in school, therapies, adaptations at home, or advice on accessing activities. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this alone. The Wolverhampton SEND Local Offer is a fantastic starting point: it’s designed to be easy to use, with clear information on services for education, health, social care, leisure, and more. It even has a dedicated section just for parents and carers.   Click Here to Read Your Local Offer Community Our community brings parent carers together to share experiences, support one another and help shape better services for children and young people with SEND in Wolverhampton. Whether you want to connect with other families, have your voice heard, or find out what’s happening locally, the forum is here to help you feel informed, included and supported.   Join the forum View events
- [Home](https://sendwolvesforum.org/): SEND Wolves Forum Finding Strength In Every Voice Join the forum Take the survey Find the Help You Need Practical SEND Support for Parents & Carers SEND Wolves Forum (SWF) is Wolverhampton’s parent carer forum. We bring parent carers together to share lived experience and make sure families of children and young people with SEND are actively involved in shaping the education, health and social care services that affect everyday life. Working in partnership through co-production, we champion inclusion, equality, transparency and respect, and we focus on improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND across the city.   Community Our community brings parent carers together to share experiences, support each other and help to shape the future of SEND support. Find out how you can get involved, attend events and contribute to the forum.   Join the forum View events Real Stories Every family’s SEND journey is unique. In this space you can read about parent carer’s real experiences and the challenges, the successes, and the everyday moments that shape life with a child or young person with additional needs. By sharing these stories, we hope to help families feel less alone, build understanding, and highlight the realities of navigating support, education and services. Read More Podcasts and Gallery Photos & Video Podcasts Support & Guidance Learning & Resources Find Local and National support Explore Support Reviews Companies or Brand logotypes with who they work/collaborate, etc Have your say Submit an anonymous suggestion, or send us an inquiry with your details. Get Involved & Stay Updated with our Newsletter
- [Privacy Policy](https://sendwolvesforum.org/privacy-policy/): Last updated: April 14th, 2026 Who we are Our website address is: https://sendwolvesforum.org. SEND Wolves Forum is a Wolverhampton (UK) based parent/carer advocacy group supporting families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We are the data controller for the personal data we process. For any questions about this policy or your data, please contact us at info@sendwolvesforum.org. If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at https://www.ico.org.uk/concerns or by calling 0303 123 1113. What personal data we collect and why we collect it We collect personal data that you provide directly to us, including: You may choose to share information about your family situation or SEND-related concerns. We do not directly collect or target children’s personal data. We may also collect technical data such as IP address, browser type, and device information for website functionality and security. Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymised string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. Media If you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS) included. Visitors can download and extract any location data from images on the website. Contact forms and enquiries When you contact us via forms or email, we collect the information you provide in order to: If you include sensitive information (such as health or disability details), we will only use it as necessary to respond to your enquiry and in accordance with UK GDPR. Newsletter If you sign up to our newsletter, we will use your email address to send updates about SEND-related news, events, and resources. We only send newsletters where you have given your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails ( or by contacting us. AI Chatbot Our website uses an AI-powered chatbot to help visitors find information, access support and navigate our resources more easily. How the Chatbot Works The chatbot involves a website-integrated section which connects to large language models such as OpenAI’s GPT in order to generate responses to your questions and signpost information. When you interact with the chatbot, your messages are sent to the large language model provider’s servers in order to generate a response. This means the content of your conversation may be processed by the provider as a part of this service. What data the Chatbot May Process The chatbot and large language model provider may process the following information: We advise you to not share sensitive personal information (such as full names, dates of birth, NHS numbers or detailed health or disability information) within the chatbot. If you need to discuss sensitive matters please reach out to appropriate resources or contact parent/carer peers here at the forum at info@sendwolvesforum.org Chatbot Data Retention and Third-Party Processing Chatbot conversations may be stored by us for the purpose of improving the service and reviewing chatbot performance. We will review and delete stored conversation logs in line with our general data retention principles. OpenAI processes chat inputs on our behalf. OpenAI’s data handling is governed by their own privacy policy and data processing terms. By default, OpenAI does not use data submitted via the API to train their models. For more information, see: https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy. Your chatbot interaction data is not sold, rented, or used for advertising purposes. Legal Basis for Chatbot Processing We process chatbot conversation data on the basis of legitimate interests; specifically to provide an accessible, helpful information service to parents and carers visiting our site. Where you voluntarily share sensitive information, we rely on your explicit consent (by virtue of you choosing to submit that information). Your Rights Regarding Chatbot Data You have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of any personal data processed through the chatbot. 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Embedded content from other websites Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles). Embedded content behaves as if you visited the external website directly. These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, and monitor your interaction with that content. Who we share your data with We do not sell or rent your data. We may share your data with: All providers are required to comply with UK GDPR and only process data under our instructions. How long we retain your data We securely delete or anonymise data when no longer needed. What rights you have over your data If you have an account or have contacted us, you can: To exercise your rights, contact info@sendwolvesforum.org. . Where your data is sent Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service. Chatbot messages are processed by OpenAI’s servers, which may


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