SEND campaigners organise Staffordshire information evening on SEN reform
- Chris Shepherd
- Jan 4
- 2 min read
Parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities are being invited to a community information evening in Leek next month, focused on helping families better understand SEN reform and their rights.
The event, “An Evening with Michael Charles: Journey to the Truth About the SEN Reform”, is being organised by Staffs SEND Warriors, a volunteer-led group made up of parents and carers with lived experience of the SEND system.
It will take place at Leek Cricket Club on Thursday, January 15, from 6pm to 8:30pm.
Breaking down a complex system
The evening will feature a presentation from Michael Charles, a specialist educational lawyer currently touring in 2026 to help families understand the reality behind SEN reform.
Organisers say the session is designed to break down complex legislation and policy changes in a clear, accessible way, helping parents and carers feel more informed and confident when navigating education and support systems.
Questions are welcomed in advance and must be emailed before the event. While not all questions may be answered on the night, organisers have confirmed that all submissions will be shared with Michael Charles’ team, with questions selected independently.
Run by parents with lived experience
Staffs SEND Warriors is a grassroots Facebook community where parents and carers come together to support one another, share experiences, and highlight where they feel the system has failed SEND children.
Some of those organising the event were also involved in the Every Pair Matters demonstration held in Stafford last year, where shoes were placed outside local authority offices to represent children they believe are being let down by a lack of support.
The group says the event is not about blame, but about giving families access to information, understanding their options, and feeling less alone in what can often be a long and exhausting process.
Community-led and volunteer run
The evening is aimed specifically at parents and carers of disabled children. Tea and coffee are included in the ticket price, with other drinks available from the bar.
Organisers stress that the event is entirely volunteer-led and relies on community support to reach the families who may benefit most.
Event details
Event: An Evening with Michael Charles – Journey to the Truth About the SEN Reform
Date: Thursday, January 15
Time: 6pm to 8:30pm
Venue: Leek Cricket Club, Leek, England
Tickets: Available via Eventbrite
Questions: Email in advance to mrslmccutcheon@outlook.com
Tickets and further information can be found here:
Staffs SEND Warriors can also be found on Facebook, where they continue to share information, resources, and support for families across Staffordshire.
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