What is co-production?

Co‑production means professionals and families working together as equal partners to design, improve, and review services. Instead of organisations deciding things for families, co‑production means decisions are made with them from the very beginning.

• Everyone has a voice – parents, carers, young people, and professionals.

• Everyone shares power – no one group makes all the decisions.

• Everyone works together from the start – not just giving feedback at the end.

• The goal is better services that actually meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.

SEND Voices RBWM is independent from the RBWM Council, and a part of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF). We take our members’ voices and amplify them in all strategic meetings we attend, ensuring that Parent Carer voices are heard and taken into account.

The NNPCF’s description of co‑production emphasises partnership, shared decision-making and valuing lived experience.

How is SEND Voices RBWM involved?

SEND Voices RBWM is the official Parent Carer Forum for the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (RBWM). Parent Carer Forums exist specifically to make co‑production happen locally.

What they typically do in co‑production:

• Work with the local authority (RBWM Council) to shape SEND policies and services.

• Meet regularly with education, health, and social care leaders to represent parent and carer views.

• Gather lived‑experience feedback from families through surveys, events, and conversations.

• Co‑design improvements to things like EHCP processes, local SEND strategies, and short‑breaks provision.

• Ensure families’ voices influence decisions before changes are made, not afterwards.

Why their role matters

SEND Voices RBWM acts as the bridge between families and decision‑makers.

They make sure:

• families’ real experiences are heard

• services are shaped around what children and young people actually need

• RBWM meets its legal duties to involve parents and carers in SEND planning