What are they?
The Community Inclusion Forums promote inclusion of children and young people with SEND and additional needs to enable them to achieve the best possible outcomes. The forums provide opportunities for staff across the sector to be empowered to meet these needs, through the sharing of effective practice, providing peer support, and an awareness of emerging research. Schools are organised into community groups based on their geographical area to encourage closer collaboration, information sharing and networking opportunities. Through the collaboration of stakeholders, we intend to enable access, knowledge, and development of the Local Offer.
Who are they for?
All SENCos in Suffolk schools have been invited to take part in the forums as well as anyone with a pastoral or inclusion remit within a school.
A list of schools and their areas can be downloaded here. Each area forum is chaired by a specialist teacher from the Whole School Inclusion team and an Educational Psychologist from the Psychology and Therapeutic Service.
Other Specialist Education Service staff will also attend, along with representatives from Early Help and Health services.
When and where do they meet?
Future dates for Community Inclusion Forums in 2024-25
Venues to be confirmed. Meetings to start at 1.30pm
Autumn Term 2024
Wednesday 9 October –Bury & Central, Coastal and Ipswich & South Suffolk communities
Thursday 10 October – West Suffolk, Lowestoft & Waveney communities
Wednesday 27 November – Bury & Central, & Coastal communities and Ipswich & South Suffolk communities
Thursday 28 November – West Suffolk, Lowestoft & Waveney communities
Spring Term 2025
Wednesday 29 January – Bury & Central, Coastal and Ipswich & South Suffolk communities
Thursday 30 January – West Suffolk, Lowestoft & Waveney communities
Wednesday 26 March – Bury & Central, Coastal and Ipswich & South Suffolk communities
Thursday 27 March – West Suffolk, Lowestoft & Waveney communities
Summer Term 2025
Wednesday 21 May – Bury & Central, Coastal and Ipswich & South Suffolk communities
Thursday 22 May – West Suffolk, Lowestoft & Waveney communities
Wednesday 2 July – Bury & Central, Coastal and Ipswich & South Suffolk communities
Thursday 3 July – West Suffolk Lowestoft & Waveney communities