ZigZag Leeds Autism Support Group

23/02/2026

Thanks Special Needs Jungle for sharing and for all of the updates

The White Paper has been published!

The SNJ Team has already started analysing it. Be sure to follow so you don't miss what our experts have to say!



https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/every-child-achieving-and-thriving

22/02/2026

Thanks Special Needs Jungle for the clarification

22/02/2026

22/02/2026

So true !!

Experienced with one of my own children

22/02/2026

The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has confirmed that the Schools White Paper will be published tomorrow. Setting out proposals for reforming the SEND system in England, alongside a public consultation.

We understand this news may feel unsettling. The most important thing to know right now is this:

1. The publication of the White Paper does NOT change existing SEND law.
2. Your child’s legal rights remain in place.
3. If you are told support has changed because of the White Paper, that is NOT correct.

A White Paper outlines the Government’s proposals for possible future changes to the law. It is the start of a process, not the end of one.

Once published, there will be a 12-week consultation, giving families, charities and professionals the chance to respond and influence what happens next.

We’ve created a dedicated webpage on the Schools White Paper and SEND reforms, which we will update regularly with:

💚 Our initial response to the Government’s proposals
💚 Clear explainers on each section of the consultation
💚 Details of consultation events
💚 Dates for Contact focus groups so families can help shape our submission

Even after consultation, any changes would still need to go through Parliament. Throughout this entire process, existing SEND law remains in place.

Working alongside other charities in the Disabled Children’s Partnership, we have been clear:

❗️Reform must strengthen support, not weaken it
❗️EHCPs must be safeguarded
❗️Rights must be protected
❗️Access to support must improve
❗️Families deserve a system that works without having to fight for it

Find our dedicated webpage here: https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/education-learning/the-schools-white-paper-education-reforms/

22/02/2026

Thank you everyone that joined us for our 1st zigzag sensory session at the Vinery centre today. Hope all the children enjoyed themselves.
Our next session is on the 15/03/26. Tickets available on eventbrite, the event can be found in our events tab on our main page.
This event is zigzag members only but If you are a new family joining us, you can obtain ZigZag membership from us at the session. Membership is £5 annually.
Thank you Vicky and Sarah ❤️

20/02/2026

We have a wonderful gentleman who is raising funds for 3 amazing charities and ZigZag Leeds Autism Support Group is one of those 💙

I have attached his just giving page , please support if you can

Good luck with all your training Nathan for the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 🙏

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dickos-leeds-marathon-2026?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL

20/02/2026

Sharing for our families who live in Bradford and neighbouring areas

👉SEND Drop in / Marketplace event - Monday 23rd February, 9.30am - 12.30pm at Keighley and Shipley Family Hub

Feedback from parents who came along to the first event: " It was good to meet professionals, as I am worried that my child might have autism...my child is not sleeping, I think he has ADHD and I feel like school aren't helping...there are lots of services in one place."

Families can get advice, support and discuss any concerns they have with specialist services including Carer's Resource, SENDIASS, Bradford district's Local Offer, the Family Hub's Family Navigators, and more.

There will be support available on themes that matter most to parents, including Autism/ADHD, finance/benefits, speech and language, relationship issues, sleeping difficulties, and education.

Upcoming dates:
• Monday 23 February (9.30am -12.30pm) at Rainbow Family Hub
• Monday 30 March (1pm - 3pm) at Barkerend Family Hub
• Monday 27 April (9.30am -12.30pm) at Farcliffe Family Hub
• Monday 18 May (2pm - 4.30pm) at TFD Family Hub
• Monday 29 June (9.30am -11.30am) at Shipley Library

More information and all the dates are online: search 'SEND support in Family Hubs' on the FYI website (Bradford Families and Young Persons information service).

FYI Bradford District

20/02/2026

Next Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm at City Centre Hub, Leeds City Council are running a free drop-in for disabled people in our city to speak to organisations about employment support, Access to Work, and community support.

All you need to do to attend is turn up - no need to book in advance!

19/02/2026

A busy lively session tonight. Hope everyone enjoyed themselves. Welcome new families that joined us tonight.

Vicky ❤️

19/02/2026