Bookings are now open for the 2026 PPCV SEND Conference. REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE

For those who have not attended before, here are our frequently asked questions:

What exactly is the PPCV SEND Conference?

It is an exciting opportunity for young people with SEND, their parents, carers, service providers and anyone with an interest in SEND in Plymouth to meet, question and learn from each other. You can drop into the Rolle Marquee to have an informal chat with groups and services who are there to support young people with SEND, and you can find out about activities. Or you can drop into the main building to listen to any of the presentations that will take place throughout the day.

Where and when is it?

The conference will take place on Tuesday, 30th June 2026.

It will be held in the Rolle Building and Marquee at the University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA. To plan your trip, please see University of Plymouth Getting Here. There will be no general parking on site and only a small number of disabled parking spaces available. If this is something that you need please email claire@plymouthpcv.co.uk by the 30th of May.

We will be open from 9:00 am with a 9.40 am start to welcome you. The presentations will run from 10:00 am to 2.30 pm. The event closes at 3:00 pm. You can drop in and out as you choose, so you do not need to stay for the whole day unless you want to.

Who will be there?

There will be over 40 SEND services offering information, support and activities in the Rolle Marquee who would love to meet you and chat with you about what is available for your family.

There will also be presentations in the Rolle Building from the Local Authority and Health and other providers to help you understand SEND support in Plymouth and how the systems work. These are listed below.

Is it really FREE?

It is FREE for you to attend this event, and we will even provide a FREE light lunch for you if you book in advance!

Please bear in mind that PPCV covers many of the costs through grant funding. We understand that life happens and it may stop you attending, but we would really appreciate it if you could let us know if you can no longer attend so we can offer your place to another family. Places are limited due to safety requirements.

Can I just turn up on the day?

Yes, of course – we plan for this. However, we cannot offer a FREE light lunch if you do not book in advance. (You will be sent a link to order your lunch a week before the conference.)

Food-wise, if you require something more than we are able to offer you, then there are several cafes and food outlets across the campus that you are most welcome to use at your own expense. Since we were last at the University there has been a lot of building work. There is now a large green just outside the Marquee where you can sit and enjoy your lunch / snack or just take a break.

Which talks will be taking place?

PIAS – How to have successful meetings 

This workshop will give you information, strategies and tips on: Making the most of meetings, how to feel more confident, feeling empowered to share your and your child’s points of view.

University Hospitals Plymouth Occupational Therapy – Screen time

Explore screen use through an occupational therapy lens, considering its impact on regulation, routines, and participation, with practical strategies to support confident, balanced use.

Plymouth City Council – Short Breaks

What is a Short Break, and what does it mean? Who can have a Short Break and how can they get one? What does Plymouth offer to people who need a Short Break?

Headteachers – The GATI and OAP 

2 separate presentations from Primary and Secondary perspectives:

• Primary – This session will be an introduction to the GATI (Graduated Approach to Inclusion) and OAP (Ordinarily Available Provision) and an opportunity to have a brief guided tour around the tool to demonstrate how it supports inclusion in the classroom. 
• Secondary – This session will be an introduction to the GATI (Graduated Approach to Inclusion) and OAP (Ordinarily Available Provision) and an opportunity to have a brief guided tour around the tool to demonstrate how it supports inclusion in the classroom. 

Plymouth City Council – SEND REFORMS 

Informing parents and carers about what was put in the SEND reform plans that were submitted to the government, and what this would look like in Plymouth.

Plymouth Parent Carer Voice (PPCV) – Introduction to Autism 

If you and your family are new to the autistic perspective, Dr Tara Vassallo is offering a brief introduction to autism, covering some basic ideas that might help and support your family’s experience of neurodiversity.  The short workshop will include a discussion of sensory and communication differences, and if time permits, the opportunity for Q&A.  

Livewell – Preparing for Adulthood padlet 

This talk will cover some of the concerns parents may have regarding the transition to adult services, and where help and support can be found, what is different between children and adult services, the transition padlet, how to access it and what can be found on it. There will be a chance for you to ask questions.

Plymouth City Council – Elective Home Education

This talk will cover the support there is for families who are home educating from the Plymouth team and the processes.

Department for Work and Pensions – Preparing for Adulthood

A presentation on benefit entitlements, programmes of support for young people, and other support available including: transitions into adulthood and benefit entitlement; appointeeships and explicit consent; the DWP Youth Guarantee and other programmes of support; access to work and Health Adjustment Passports; the Disability Employment Adviser role and the support they offer.

0-25 team – EHCPs

Join the SEN Statutory 0–25 Service for an informative session designed to support and update families on current processes and developments. This session will provide a clear overview of how Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and Annual Reviews are managed, including what families can expect at each stage of the review process.

On Course South West – Apprenticeships and other areas of interest.

The Apprenticeship Manager at On Course South West will be discussing the different opportunities available for young people with SEND after Year 11, particularly for those who may not be able to access supported internships. The session will explore alternative pathways into education, training, employability support and work-based learning across Plymouth and the surrounding areas. They will also talk about the support available through On Course South West and local partnerships to help young people build confidence, develop workplace skills and progress towards employment and independence.

Livewell CYPFS Neurodiversity Wellbeing Team – Introduction

The Children, Young People and Families Neurodiversity Wellbeing Team, hosted by Livewell, will be running a talk to introduce the team and explain the service. This will be a great chance to ask any questions relating to the team and be informed about the areas of support that they currently offer to families across Plymouth.

PIAS – SEN Support in your child’s/young person’s setting 

Reasonable Adjustments, Ordinarily Available Provision, GATI and SEN Support– This workshop is for parents/carers of children and young people (from early years to post-16) who do not have an EHCP and focuses on SEN support, universal and targeted support, plus an introduction to the Graduated Approach to Inclusion (GATI).

Livewell – Preparing for Adulthood padlet 

This talk will cover some of the concerns parents may have regarding the transition to adult services and where help and support can be found, what is different between children and adult services, the transition padlet, how to access it and what can be found on here. There will be a chance for any questions.

Livewell CYPFS Neurodiversity Team – Drop-in Session

The Children, Young People and Families Neurodiversity Wellbeing Team, hosted by Livewell, will be running a question-and-answer session where families can speak with members of the team in a confidential environment, either in small groups or individually. Topics may include sleep, behaviour, diet, school difficulties, diagnosis pathway information, amongst others.

University Hospitals Plymouth – Learning Disability and Autism Liaison Service at Derriford Hospital

The Learning Disability and Autism Liaison Service supports patients who have a learning disability and/or are autistic and their families/carers when they access care and treatment at Derriford Hospital. This may include inpatient visits, support for outpatient appointments, providing Hospital Passports, and advocating for the implementation of reasonable adjustments to ensure equitable health care. Come along and hear about the support available and visit their stand for resources.

What is the format of the day?

The event will be open for you to register and grab a coffee from 9:00 am with a 9.40 start.

A timetable for talks/presentations is shown below. You can join as many as you choose, or you can just come along to browse the Marquee, which will hold service providers who would love to chat with you informally.

9:00 am – Event opens

9:40 am – Welcome talk

10:00 am – Choose to attend one of the following presentations:

10:00 am Presentations	Room
PIAS – How to have successful meetings	001
UHP OTs – Screen time	002
PCC – Short Breaks	101
Primary Headteachers – The GATI and OAP	102
PCC – SEND REFORMS	018
PPCV – Introduction to Autism	115
UHT – Learning Disability and Autism Liaison Service at Derriford Hospital	116

11:00 am – Choose to attend one of the following presentations

11:00 am Presentations	Room
Livewell – Preparing for Adulthood padlet	001
PCC – Elective Home Education	002
DWP – Preparing for Adulthood	018
0-25 team – EHCP’s	101
On Course South West – Apprenticeships and other areas of interest.	102
Livewell CYPFS Neurodiversity Wellbeing Team – Introduction	115

11:55 – 12:55 – Lunch

12.30 pm – Choose to attend one of the following presentations

12:30 pm Presentations	Room
PIAS – SEN Support in your child’s/young person’s setting	001
UHP – OTs – Screen time	002
PCC – Short Breaks	101
Secondary Headteachers – GATI and OAP	102
PCC – SEND REFORMS	018
PPCV – Introduction to Autism	115
UHT – Learning Disability and Autism Liaison Service at Derriford Hospital	116

1.30 pm – Choose to attend one of the following presentations

1:30 pm Presentations	Room
PCC – Elective Home Education	001
Livewell – Preparing for Adulthood padlet	002
DWP – Preparing for Adulthood	018
0-25 team – EHCPs	101
On Course South West – Apprenticeships and other areas of interest	102
Livewell CYPFS Neurodiversity Wellbeing Team – Drop-in session	115

3:00 pm – Event closes

Do I have to attend all the talks?

No. You can just dip in and out of talks, or just wander around the Marquee at your own pace, or pop in for a coffee and an informal chat with us or any of the service providers. (Please note that at 9:40, all service providers will be at the short welcome talk but we would love it if you would join us there, too.)

How do I book?

Please follow this link to our booking page: https://plymouthpcv.co.uk/upcomingevents/plymouth-pcvs-send-conference-2026/

Can I invite others with an interest in SEND?

Yes – anyone with an interest in SEND is welcome to join us. They will just need to register separately.

You are also welcome to download, print and share our posters (at the bottom of this page) and our social media posts.

Any other questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact us. You can call us on 07954 048 017, email info@plymouthpcv.co.uk or message our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Blog added 21/5/2026