How We’re Building Better Support for Families of Children with SEND
At Norfolk Community Foundation, we know that creating a better childhood means listening to the people who understand children and families best. Through our A Better Childhood mission, we are working alongside charities to understand what is happening on the ground and take action where it is needed most.
That approach is why we decided to launch a new Learning Partnership, which focuses on support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.
Why we are doing this
Families of children with SEND face growing challenges across Norfolk. Today, 20% of pupils receive SEN support or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Many charities have told us that parents and carers are struggling to cope, and say that they are stepping up as statutory services come under increasing pressure.
Our role as a Community Foundation is not to assume we have all the answers. We listen, connect people, and turn local insight into meaningful action. While funding would be vital, we knew alone it would not be enough. We wanted to learn alongside the organisations supporting families every day, understand what works, and use those insights to shape future funding.
Learning from our existing Nourishing Norfolk Network and Healthy Young Minds Coalition for Young People, we launched a two-year learning partnership, investing over £230,000 in six trusted local organisations: ASD Helping Hands, Family Action, Home-Start Norfolk, NANSA, Sunbeams Play and The Hamlet Centre.
Bringing communities together to lead the way
In April, we brought all six organisations together for a learning session to explore the support they were providing and the challenges families were facing.
During the session, the organisations shared examples of their work, including parent training, family advice, peer support networks, early years activities, inclusive opportunities for children, and specialist provision. Although each organisation works differently, common themes quickly emerged around family wellbeing, confidence-building, practical support, reducing social isolation, and intervening early before problems become more severe.
We then worked together to identify where families still face barriers and where support is most needed. We heard what they were seeing on the ground, including rising demand for services and the continuing challenges many families face while on waiting lists for diagnoses or specialist support.
Finally, we explored the difference these activities can make for children and their families. Together, we created shared picture of how our support could lead to better outcomes. We identified the key steps that help families access opportunities, and where our funding can help make positive changes more likely to happen.
Looking ahead
We know that the best solutions grow from communities themselves.
Together, we can build a stronger understanding of what children and families need to thrive. Through A Better Childhood, we will continue to invest in local expertise, strengthen partnerships and use what we learn to inform future funding and strategy.
As Stefanie Pearson, Senior Programmes Advisor and Mission Lead for A Better Childhood, said:
“As we continue to guide this work, we remain committed to listening, learning and acting on what communities tell us. By leaning into what is strong in communities, we can make change that lasts and ensure that every penny counts.”
Join the conversation
If your organisation supports children, young people or families in Norfolk, or if you would like to explore how we can work together, we would love to hear from you.
Connect with Norfolk Community Foundation and help us build a better childhood for every child in Norfolk.