Help us create a parent-led SEND guide
PACE Project UK is creating a parent-led SEND guide to help families feel more informed, prepared and less alone when supporting a child through school, SEND support, EHCPs, transition or alternative provision.
Many parents only discover what they should have asked, recorded, questioned or challenged after things have already become difficult.
We want to bring together real parent experiences, practical tips and lessons learned, so other families can benefit from the knowledge parents have gained along the way.
Help other parents by sharing what you’ve learned
When you’re trying to support a child who is struggling at school, it can feel overwhelming, confusing and lonely.
PACE Project UK is creating a parent-led resource to help families learn from those who have already been through it.
We want to hear from parents and carers who have experience of:
- primary school SEND support
- transition from primary to secondary school
- secondary school difficulties
- EHCPs and annual reviews
- alternative provision
- reduced timetables, exclusions or attendance struggles
- working with schools, councils and other professionals
- finding support outside mainstream school
- knowing who to trust and what advice to question
- feeling unsure, overwhelmed or blamed
- learning what to record, ask and challenge earlier
Your experience could help another parent feel less alone, ask better questions, keep the right records, and get support earlier.
Why we are asking parents to share their experiences
Professionals can give important advice — but parents often learn things the hard way.
You may have discovered:
- what you wish you had known sooner
- what helped your child feel safer or more understood
- what made things worse
- who was genuinely helpful
- what you would document from the beginning
- what questions you would ask earlier
- what you would do differently during primary, secondary or transition stages
By sharing your experience, you can help create a practical guide by parents, for parents.
This is not about blaming schools, services or individuals. It is about helping families feel better informed, better prepared and less isolated.
What your answers will help create
Your questionnaire responses may help us develop:
- a free parent information leaflet or guide
- practical checklists for school meetings
- guidance on what to record and when
- parent-friendly blog posts
- transition tips for primary to secondary school
- future resources for college, post-16 and young adulthood
- better directory information for families looking for alternative provision or support
The aim is simple: to help parents avoid feeling like they have to start from scratch.
Who can complete the questionnaire?
You can complete the questionnaire if you are a parent or carer who has supported a child or young person through any stage of education, especially if they have experienced:
- SEND support
- autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning differences or neurodivergence
- difficulties attending school
- unmet needs in mainstream school
- behaviour policies that did not meet their needs
- EHCP processes
- alternative provision
- transition from primary to secondary school
- transition from secondary school to college or other post-16 options
You do not need to be an expert. Your lived experience is enough.
Your story matters — but you stay in control
You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
Please avoid naming individual children, school staff, professionals or other families in your answers. Any information used publicly will be anonymised and used to identify common themes, practical advice and helpful learning points for other parents.
We are interested in the lessons you learned, not in exposing personal details.
Share what you wish you had known
If you have ever thought:
“I wish someone had told me this earlier…”
then your experience could help another family.
Please complete the questionnaire below and share the advice, lessons and practical tips you would pass on to another parent starting this journey.