Parent consultation and contribution to the Local Offer
Westmorland and Furness SEND Local Offer is continually developing and your feedback is important to help us shape the future delivery. We aim to be approachable, transparent and constructive to make sure that all views are acknowledged and considered.
The feedback and comments we have received are recorded below, along with our response and subsequent actions.
If you would like to provide feedback with regards to the Autism services on offer in Cumbria, the information we provide or general views on Westmorland and Furness SEND Local Offer website please contact us.
Your views are important.
You said, we're listening, we did...
You said...
There is often a delay in between being told your child has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the report being received. We cannot get access to services until the official diagnosis is received. This is really frustrating.
We did...
A one page statement of diagnosis has been put in place. This can go out to parents as soon as the diagnosis is made via email or letter. We are working towards all reports being ready in a timely way and the statement will not be necessary. However, it is now in place when required.
You said...
We don't like our children as having a disorder or condition: ie Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
We did...
Cumbria County Council (now Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council) and the NHS conducted a full consultation with families from 28th September 2022 - 9th November 2022. 500 Responses were received from individuals and families across the county. The Autism Terminology Consultation and Results can be found in the link on this page.
You said...
SEND pathway process for families at the start of the process, so we can see what should happen and when and understand timescales.
We did...
We have mapped the process and will be providing digital information in the form of leaflets that can be printed.
Feedback survey
About the autism information hub
Our Autism Information Hub was created in response to families and parents in Cumbria saying they would like all information and resources about Autism in one central location. The Hub also intends to allow families and individuals to search for Autism information and resources that are specific to them and their situation, such as age ranges, and where they are in the process of getting a diagnosis (if they are requesting one).
The Hub is still in development at this stage; we would love feedback on what you would like to access or see on the Autism Information Hub. Please do let us know, so we can continue to improve this resource!
Autism terminology consultation and results