Families of children with special and additional needs have been invited to a free conference which will discuss how new government legislation will affect them.

Family Voice Norfolk said Norfolk has one of the largest numbers of children with statements in the country, and its conference aims help them understand what the Children and Families Bill will mean for them.

The bill is currently going through its final parliamentary stages before it is signed into law by the Queen.

The government has said the bill will extend the SEN system from birth to 25, giving children, young people and their parents greater control and choice in decisions and ensuring needs are properly met.

It will replace old statements with a new birth-to-25 education, health and care plan, offer families personal budgets, and aims to improve cooperation between all the services that support children and their families, particularly requiring local authorities and health authorities to work together.

The conference will take place at the John Innes Centre in Norwich from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, March 15, with lunch included.

Children's activities are available, but booking is essential. Organisers said that other child care costs can be claimed.

For information and to book, contact admin@familyvoice.org.uk or 07950 302937 and leave a message with contact details. You do not have to be a member of Family Voice.