Rainbow Parents Carers Forum

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Rainbow Parents Carers Forum

Rainbow Parents Carers Forum is a support group and independent voice for parents and carers who have a child with a disability or additional needs.

Rainbow Parents Carers Forum is a support group and independent voice for parents and carers who have a child with a disability or additional needs in Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas. The Forum is run by parents for parents and has been around for 35 years. It was originally set up in 1986 as the Floyd Group, a support group for families attending the Trent Day Nursery in Nottingham. Over the years the group has grown and shrunk with the support of several national charities. During the three year 'Aiming High for Disabled Children' Programme, the group became a forum. In 2011 the group became an independent parent-led organisation and registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in January 2014. To support families, Rainbow runs regular inclusive family activities such as supported play activities, a Befriending Social Group and monthly swimming sessions. For some families this is a lifeline. We also host monthly parent to parent meetings where parents and carers can meet to share information and advice and offer support to each other. We currently have approximately 700 parents and carers on our database who we keep informed via our regular email bulletin and peer networks. Our Nottingham City Parent Representatives shape and influence services on both a local and national level as part of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums. Rainbow is recognised as an essential means of support for many families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities that would otherwise be isolated.

29/10/2026

Calling all Rainbow Families 😊 We still have space available on Monday 2nd November for a Lumini experience to celebrate 40 Years of Rainbow PCF. Bookings can be made by emailing [email protected]

29/10/2026

Are you a parent or carer of a child with ?

Our huge range of free template letters, online resources and SEND legal guides can help you navigate the SEND system and secure the education your child is legally entitled to.

From information on EHC plans and SEN support, to how to prepare for an appeal or take action when things go wrong - our resources explain what you need to know.

Explore our resources here: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/Pages/Category/get-support

29/10/2026

29/10/2026

Parents and carers of children and young people with SEND 📢

Join us on Thursday 5 November for our FREE webinar, 'Navigating exclusions - guidance for parents and carers'. We'll be explaining:

🔷 The law on exclusions across different educational settings
🔶 Steps that can be taken if your child has been excluded
🔷 Education for the child who has been excluded
🔶 Understanding managed moves and directions off-site

This training will be interpreted live in British Sign Language (BSL).

Thanks to a donation from the John Horniman's Children's Trust, we are pleased to have a grant to offer this free webinar to parents, carers and young people.

Spaces are limited, so book your place here: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/join-our-free-webinar-navigating-exclusions-guidance-for-parents-and-carers-in-england

If you can't attend on the day, you can also request a copy of the webinar recording via the link above ⬆️

27/10/2026

👨‍👩‍👧 FREE Family Workshops in November and December!*

Spaces are filling quickly for our last workshops of the year! All sessions are on Zoom, between 9:45 AM - 1 PM for parents and carers.

- No Diagnosis Required -

Meeting Sensory Needs - 6th Nov
💜 Supporting Emotional Regulation & Behaviour - 11th Dec
🔄 Change & Transition - 15th Dec
🍎 Eating & Nutrition - 17th Dec

Does your child have an autism diagnosis?

Our Next Steps workshop helps you understand what autism is and how you can support your child. Open to all parents / carers of children diagnosed as autistic.

👣 Next Steps: Autism (Parent/Carers session) - 27th Nov

Call our Workshops Team on 0345 300 1348 or click to apply 👉 bit.ly/47vwZEL

*up to 2 free sessions per family, per year.

26/10/2026

Fidgets, sensory items, and more!

26/10/2026

NEW POST: Matt Keer writes about the often-AI-generated Local SEND Reform Plans that will dictate local SEND provision—and their huge hidden risks even LAs can't ignore https://www.specialneedsjungle.com/ai-local-send-reform-plans-dictate-local-send-provision-huge-hidden-risks/

26/10/2026

Join us for our ‘Introduction to SEND law - accessible and beginner friendly’ training on 18 November, delivered by a member of our legal team virtually via Zoom.
Our one day training is designed for beginners to provide a clear and practical overview of the SEND legal framework. With engaging activities and inclusive design throughout, it's the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to build their knowledge and confidence.
To find out more, and to book a place, visit our website: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/Event/introduction-to-send-law-understand-send-law-with-confidence-18-november

26/10/2026

Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, IPSEA’s Advice Services team supported thousands of families navigating the SEND legal framework, helping children and young people get the education they are entitled to by law.

During this period, we received 3,135 helpline calls and provided support to 3,016 individual families. Behind every call is a child or young person whose legal rights matter.

Our website is full of free legal guides, template letters and information about our advice lines to help you secure the education your child or young person is legally entitled to: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/

26/10/2026

Address

C/O 2A Cross Street, NG5 7BL
Nottingham
NG75QE

Website

https://www.rainbowpcf.org.uk/

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