Parents and carers across Bath and North East Somerset are being invited to a free event bringing together more than 30 organisations offering SEND support, advice and information.
The Family Support and Inclusion Day takes place at the Apex City of Bath Hotel on Wednesday 14 October, with families welcome to drop in at any time between 9.30am and 7pm.
Importantly, families do not need to have a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) diagnosis, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or a referral to attend. The event is open both to families whose children already receive support and to parents and carers who may only recently have started wondering whether their child could benefit from some extra help.
Organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with the Parent Carer Forum, LiveWell and SENDIAS Bathnes, the day will bring together representatives from education, health, social care, voluntary organisations and community groups.
More than 30 organisations will have stalls at the event, including Bath Rugby, the Royal United Hospitals Bath, Twerton & Whiteway Organisation, Specialist Autism Support Service (SASS), Off the Record and educational psychologists.
There will also be free workshops, presentations and listening sessions offering practical information, as well as opportunities for families to talk directly to organisations that may be able to support them.
Families will also be encouraged to share their own experiences and views to help improve SEND support and communication across Bath and North East Somerset.
Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said, “We know it is not always easy for families to find the right information or know who to ask for help. This free event brings many local services together in one place, so parents and carers can ask questions, meet the people who may be able to support them and find out what help is available.
“You do not need a diagnosis or a referral to come along. Whether you need advice now or simply want to learn more, you will receive a warm welcome. We also want to listen. Families know what works well and what needs to change. What they tell us will help shape clearer communication and future SEND support across Bath and North East Somerset.”
The event comes as a Local SEND Reform Plan has been submitted to the Department for Education as part of the government’s national improvement programme.
It builds on work already taking place through Our Plan for SEND, published in 2025, including expanding special school provision, improving inclusion in mainstream education and improving the quality and efficiency of services.
Recent developments include proposals for a new 120-place special free school at the Culverhay site in Bath and work beginning on a new SEND resource base at Mulberry Park Primary School.
The Family Support and Inclusion Day takes place on Wednesday 14 October 2026 from 9.30am-7pm at the Apex City of Bath Hotel, James Street, Bath BA1 2DA.
Free tea, coffee and cakes will be available throughout the day. Families can find out more through the B&NES Parent Carer Forum events page or simply drop in on the day.
