We asked Kent PACT to tell us more about the work that they do to support families and their important role in shaping services for children with SEND in Kent.
What is Kent PACT?
Kent PACT: We represent families’ voices and work to improve services and support across the county.
Kent PACT collaborates closely with Kent County Council (KCC) through a process called co-production - a way of working where families and professionals partner as equals. Together, we design, develop, and review services to ensure they reflect the real needs and experiences of children, young people, and their families.
This ongoing partnership strengthens accountability, promotes transparency, and helps create better outcomes for families across Kent.
What kind of support can families expect from Kent PACT?
Kent PACT: Kent PACT offers a range of support and services to empower and connect families of children and young people with SEND across Kent.
These include peer support, where parents and carers can share experiences and advice with others who understand and can relate to their journey.
We also attend SEND roadshows and workshops that provide opportunities to learn, network, and engage with local services.
Through courses, training, webinars, families gain knowledge and confidence to navigate the SEND system and advocate for their children effectively.
Additionally, Kent PACT provides signposting to relevant resources, organisations, and services (such as IASK, Space 2 be me, Include Us Too and many more) — ensuring families can access the right help at the right time.
Are there any upcoming projects families should know about?
Kent PACT: Definitely! We’ve got quite a few things lined up:
SEND Survey: Our next survey is launching soon - every voice helps, and participants will be entered into a prize draw for a gift card as a thank you.
SEND Roadshows: We’ll be at the Folkestone Castle Hill Family Hub on 15th September, joined by services like IASK, NELFT, Inclusion Officers, and more. It’s a great chance to meet local experts and explore support options. Follow us on Facebook for updates or email sendroadshows@kent.gov.uk for more information.
PINS Project: Kent PACT continues to play an active role in the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) project, aimed at improving support for children with SEND in mainstream schools.
Recently, twenty primary schools in Maidstone reviewed their SEND provision and delivered training for both staff and parents. A key goal for us was creating Parent Carer Forums - parent-led spaces for open conversations, shared experiences, and stronger relationships between families and schools. These forums promote collaboration and practical strategies to improve SEND outcomes, while also helping families feel less isolated on their journey. From September we will continue to work with these schools, as well as an additional 18 schools in Swale.
Healthy Parent Course: The Healthy Parent Course is free course for Parents and Carers which will be starting this September 2025. It is not a parenting course, it is a course offering practical tools to help parents and carers manage and improve their mental health and overall wellbeing.
Our Parent Wellbeing Course finished a couple of weeks ago and we asked our parents what was the best thing about the course. One participant told us:
“Absolutely everything! The time, the safe space, I genuinely miss everything about my Monday morning with the girls on this course. It started my week of on a high and gave me something to look forward to that was actually about me! S was the best coach I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I honestly miss seeing her face each week!”
If you would like some more information on our Healthy Parent Course or to sign up, please email – info@kentpact.org.uk
How can parents and carers get involved?
Kent PACT: If you’re not yet a member of Kent PACT, now is a great time to join. Members get first access to our courses, webinars, training, events, and essential information—and together, we amplify the Parent and Carers voice to influence services across Kent. Click on the link here to sign up - Join us - Kent PACT
Any final thoughts for Kent families heading into the new school year?
Kent PACT: As September approaches, we would like to wish all families a positive and happy start to the new school year. We know that this time can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty - especially for children and young people with SEND and their families.
Whether your child is starting a new school, returning to a familiar setting, or facing new challenges, we want you to know you’re not alone. Kent PACT is here to support you through the transition, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work together in the months ahead. Here’s to a successful, settled, and supported start to the school year!
