Right now, we’re focusing on two things: finding and sharing useful SEND provision and opportunities in Cornwall, and listening to parents about what they wish they had known earlier so we can create practical resources for the families coming behind us.
What We’re Working On Now
What SEND Parents Wish They’d Known Earlier
We’re currently testing our first parent questionnaire before opening it more widely to SEND families across the UK.
What parents tell us will help shape a practical guide for families approaching secondary school — sharing the things other parents learned, often only after things became difficult.
Then alongside/below it:
Finding SEND Provision & Opportunities in Cornwall
We’re gradually finding and adding alternative provision, therapeutic support, outdoor learning, SEND-friendly activities, post-16 opportunities and other useful provision across Cornwall.
The directory isn’t complete yet — that’s intentional. We’re building it carefully and want families and providers to help us discover what’s missing.
Here’s what we’re building. Come and help us build it.
Why PACE?
Finding the right support for a SEND child can involve hours of searching, asking other parents, following recommendations and sometimes discovering important information much later than you wish you had.
PACE is being built to make more of that information easier to find.
We’re bringing together places and opportunities families may not know exist alongside the knowledge SEND parents gain through lived experience.
That’s the connecting thread.
And I think that’s something we hadn’t articulated clearly enough before:
PACE helps families discover what exists and what other parents have learned.
Parent? Help test the questionnaire / discover provision.
Know useful provision? Tell PACE about it.
Provider? Submit your provision.
That’s enough.
Helping SEND families find the support, provision and opportunities they didn’t know existed
PACE Project is building a parent-led SEND discovery platform, starting in Cornwall.
We help families find alternative provision, outdoor learning, specialist support, tutors, therapists, activities, post-16 options and local services that may help children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Many parents tell us the hardest part is not caring for their child. It is trying to find out what exists, who supports children like theirs, how to access help, and what questions to ask before making decisions.
PACE exists to make some of that searching, finding and figuring things out a little easier.
We are starting locally and building carefully, so the information is useful, structured and easy to update.
Starting in Cornwall
PACE Project is beginning with a Cornwall SEND Opportunity Finder.
Our aim is to create a clearer map of local options so parents do not have to rely only on word of mouth, scattered websites or hours of searching.
What SEND parents wish they knew earlier / parent-led guide
PACE Project UK is creating a parent-led SEND guide shaped by real experiences from families who have supported children through school, SEND support, EHCPs, transition, attendance difficulties or alternative provision.
This is currently in the early research stage. We are asking parents and carers to share what they wish they had known sooner, what helped, what made things harder, and what advice they would pass on to another family.
The aim is to create a practical, parent-friendly guide by parents, for parents.
How you can help us help other families.
We’re currently looking for 5–10 SEND parents and carers to test the questionnaire before we open it more widely.
We’re Building the Cornwall SEND Opportunity Finder
We are currently gathering information about alternative provision and supportive learning options across Cornwall.
We would like to hear from:
- alternative provision providers who would like to be listed
- parents or carers who know of a helpful provider
- organisations developing alternative provision who want to understand what families need
- services offering outdoor learning, mentoring, therapeutic support, vocational learning or flexible education options
PACE Project UK is especially interested in provision that helps children and young people who are struggling to access mainstream education, need a different learning environment, or would benefit from practical, creative, therapeutic or outdoor approaches.
Through PACE Project, families will be able to explore:
- Parent guides and practical checklists
- Alternative provision
- ARB and resource base units
- Specialist schools
- Farm, outdoor and animal-based provision
- Therapeutic provision
- SEND-friendly activities
- Tutors and therapists
- Holiday clubs and short breaks
- Post-16 and transition opportunities
Some of the Provision We’ve Already Found
Some of the Provision We’ve Already Found
