[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "%20can%20you%20pull%20up%20contact%20details%20for%20education%20at%20LCC%20preston"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Could you clarify which \u201cLCC\u201d and \u201ceducation at LCC Preston\u201d you mean, and whether you're referring to contact details for a specific department, staff member, or student services?  \n\nHere are some possibilities and what I found so far:\n\n---\n\nIf by **LCC Preston** you mean **Preston College** (Further Education College, Lancashire, England):\n\nKey contacts:\n\n- General enquiries: 01772 225000 ([preston.ac.uk](https://www.preston.ac.uk/contact/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Course enquiries: 01772 22 55 22 ([preston.ac.uk](https://www.preston.ac.uk/contact/?utm_source=openai))  \n- For SEND / learner support: 01772 225328 or email transition@preston.ac.uk ([preston.ac.uk](https://www.preston.ac.uk/support/learner-support-send/?utm_source=openai))  \n\nStudent managers by subject area are also listed in the 2025 Student Welcome Guide, with emails and phone numbers. Some examples:\n\n- Kate Morris (Pastoral Manager): kmorris@preston.ac.uk, 01772 225503 ([preston.ac.uk](https://www.preston.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/New-Student-Welcome-Guide-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- Lucy Beardwood (14\u201316 year old learners / Level 1 Foundation): lbeardwood@preston.ac.uk, 01772 225920 ([preston.ac.uk](https://www.preston.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/New-Student-Welcome-Guide-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- Lisa Topping (Business, Accounting, Public Services): ltopping@preston.ac.uk, 01772 225498 ([preston.ac.uk](https://www.preston.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/New-Student-Welcome-Guide-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf by \u201cLCC Preston\u201d you meant **Lancashire County Council \u2013 Adult Learning (LCC)** or \u201cEducate Preston\u201d (a collaborative education initiative):\n\n- For Educate Preston (for schools, adult learners, etc.): email educatepreston@lancashire.ac.uk ([educatepreston.ac.uk](https://educatepreston.ac.uk/get-in-touch?utm_source=openai))  \n- Lancashire Adult Learning: phone 0845 056 1886 ([preston.moderngov.co.uk](https://preston.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s34891/Key%20External%20and%20Internal%20Numbers.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf \u201cLCC\u201d refers to **another institution**, e.g. Lincoln College, Lake Community College, Lansing CC, etc., I\u2019ll need to know which one.\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me exactly which LCC (full name or address) and which contact (department, support service, admissions, etc.), I can pull up precise details for you."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "i%20am%20trying%20to%20arrange%20funding%20for%20a%20course%20in%20Preston%20for%20my%2016%20year%20old%20grandson.%20Who%20do%20I%20talk%20to%20at%20Lancashire%20County%20Council"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "If you\u2019re arranging funding for a 16-year-old in Preston, Lancashire, here are the people and services in Lancashire County Council (LCC) you should contact, and what they do.\n\n---\n\n## Who to contact at Lancashire County Council\n\n### 1. Education Improvement Service \u2013 16-19 Education and Skills Team  \n- This team is responsible for supporting young people aged 16\u201319 to participate in education, training, or employment.  \n- If you want to check what funding your grandson may qualify for (for example the 16-19 Bursary Fund) or for advice, this is a key contact.  \n- Email: **post16participation@lancashire.gov.uk** ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/council/transparency/access-to-information/service-and-project-specific-privacy-notices/education-improvement-service-16-19-education-and-skills-team/?utm_source=openai))\n\n### 2. Area Education Office \u2013 South Area  \n- Covers Preston, South Ribble, West Lancashire, Chorley. They can help with general enquiries about school or college funding and support.  \n- Address: Joint Divisional Offices, East Cliff, Preston PR1 3JT ([clickweb.lancashire.gov.uk](https://clickweb.lancashire.gov.uk/viewdoc.asp?id=87080&utm_source=openai))  \n- Phone: 01772 533608 ([clickweb.lancashire.gov.uk](https://clickweb.lancashire.gov.uk/viewdoc.asp?id=87080&utm_source=openai))\n\n### 3. Financial Support via the College or Training Provider  \n- Colleges and training providers handle bursaries (like the 16-19 Bursary Fund), discretionary funds for equipment, travel, and other costs.  \n- Ask for the **Student Services**, **Finance Office**, or **Student Money / Welfare / Support Office** at the college where your grandson will attend. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-transport/school-and-college-transport-information/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## What funding schemes to consider\n\n- **16-19 Bursary Fund**: Helps students aged 16-18 (in many cases under 19), especially for transport, meals, equipment. You\u2019ll need to apply through the college or training provider. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/council/strategies-policies-and-plans/education-and-childrens-services/school-transport/post-16-transport-to-education-and-training-policy-statement/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Discretionary Learner Support**: For people aged 19 or older, or those in particular cost-hardship situations. But since your grandson is 16-17, this may not directly apply yet. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/council/strategies-policies-and-plans/education-and-childrens-services/school-transport/post-16-transport-to-education-and-training-policy-statement/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Transport Support**: If getting to the course is difficult or costly, Lancashire has schemes for home-to-college transport, especially if there's no equivalent in closer proximity. You can find information under Lancashire\u2019s school and college transport service. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-transport/school-and-college-transport-information/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can look up the exact contact at the college in Preston your grandson is interested in, and help map out which funding options are best for his particular course. Do you know which college or which type of course he\u2019s planning (e.g. A-levels, BTECs, vocational)?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "my%20granson%20lives%20in%20east%20lancashire%20and%20is%20looking%20to%20return%20to%20CWP"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I\u2019m not finding anything definite about \u201creturning to CWP\u201d \u2014 could you confirm what \u201cCWP\u201d stands for in this context? Two likely options are:\n\n- **CWPeople / CWP** \u2014 usually refers to **Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Trust**, which provides mental health and learning disability services. ([webstore.cwp.nhs.uk](https://webstore.cwp.nhs.uk/CWPeople/2025/24March.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- Something else local to East Lancashire (a course or college abbreviated \u201cCWP\u201d).\n\nIf you do mean the **NHS CWP**, here are who at Lancashire County Council or connected services you should contact to explore how to arrange a return to education or support:\n\n---\n\n## Key Contacts & Services at Lancashire County Council\n\n1. **Inclusion Service (SEND) \u2013 East Area**  \n   If your grandson has any special educational needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or needs assessment or support to access education, this service helps.  \n   - Email: Inclusion.East@lancashire.gov.uk  \n   - Phone: 01254 220 553 ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://lancashire.gov.uk/children-and-families/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-local-offer/getting-help/inclusion-service/?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Children Missing Education (CME) Team**  \n   If he has been out of education for a while or is not registered at a school/college, use this service to help get him back into education.  \n   - Phone: 01257 517333  \n   - Email: cme@lancashire.gov.uk ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/practitioners/supporting-children-and-families/education/children-missing-education/?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Team Around the School and Settings (TASS)**  \n   This multi\u2010agency support is helpful for needs relating to emotional, behavioural, attendance issues, or returning to education settings.  \n   Key contacts in Preston:  \n   - Sue Gallagher (Preston West): susan.gallagher@lancashire.gov.uk  \n   - Michelle Orrell & Nasima Munir (Preston East): michelle.orrell@lancashire.gov.uk, nasima.munir@lancashire.gov.uk  \n   - Anila Khan (Preston Central): anila.khan@lancashire.gov.uk  \n   - Sharon Grimshaw (Preston North): sharon.grimshaw@lancashire.gov.uk ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/professionals/supporting-children-and-families/education/team-around-the-school-and-settings/tass-contacts/?utm_source=openai))\n\n4. **Area Education Office \u2013 East or South Lancashire**  \n   Depending on your exact location, the relevant area education office can help with funding options, school/college transfers, transport, and student support.  \n   - South Area covers Preston, South Ribble, Chorley, West Lancashire. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/schools/area-education-offices/?utm_source=openai))  \n   - East Area covers Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, Burnley, Pendle. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/schools/area-education-offices/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which \u201cCWP\u201d you meant and which district in East Lancashire (for example: Burnley, Pendle, etc.), I can give you a more targeted list of names, phone numbers, and funding options for your grandson."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "%20no%20the%20CWP%20is%20a%20training%20programme%20in%20PReston"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Thanks for clarifying what you meant by \u201cCWP\u201d \u2014 it stands for **Creativity Works Preston**. They offer alternative creative and vocational education programmes in Preston, especially for young people aged 13\u201319 (and up to 25) who may struggle with conventional schooling. ([creativityworkspreston.org.uk](https://creativityworkspreston.org.uk/?utm_source=openai))\n\nHere\u2019s what I found on how you can arrange funding and who to talk to:\n\n---\n\n## What Creativity Works Preston offers\n\n- They provide an inclusive, project-based learning environment, with qualifications at Levels 1, 2 & 3, working with SEN learners or those who don't thrive in mainstream education. ([creativityworkspreston.org.uk](https://creativityworkspreston.org.uk/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Learners can be referred by schools, local authorities, or by themselves (for post-16 and adult programmes) when funding allows. ([creativityworkspreston.org.uk](https://creativityworkspreston.org.uk/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Courses are usually around **10 weeks** long. When they complete a course, pathways include moving on to further education, training, apprenticeships, or paid or unpaid work. ([creativityworkspreston.org.uk](https://creativityworkspreston.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CWP-Quality-Assurance-Policy-Sept-23.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Key contacts at CWP\n\nIf your grandson is looking to return, these are the people and places to reach out to:\n\n- Creativity Works Preston address: **33 Shepherd Street, Preston, PR1 3YD** ([register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk](https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5048333/contact-information?utm_source=openai))  \n- Phone: **01772 555123** ([register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk](https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5048333/contact-information?utm_source=openai))  \n- Email: **info@creativityworkspreston.org.uk** ([register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk](https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5048333/contact-information?utm_source=openai))  \n\nPeople who might be particularly helpful:\n\n- **Steve Egan** \u2014 CEO, founder of Creativity Works Preston. He handles strategy, partners, etc. ([creativityworkspreston.org.uk](https://creativityworkspreston.org.uk/meet-the-team/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Lauren Breakell** \u2014 Centre Manager. She deals with day-to-day enrolments and staff. ([creativityworkspreston.org.uk](https://creativityworkspreston.org.uk/meet-the-team/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Rachael Bennet** \u2014 SENCO / EHCP Coordinator. If your grandson has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or special educational needs, she would be a good person to talk to. ([creativityworkspreston.org.uk](https://creativityworkspreston.org.uk/meet-the-team/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Funding options and what you should do\n\nTo arrange funding for your grandson to return to CWP, here are the routes to explore:\n\n1. **Local Authority Funding via SEND / Alternative Provision**\n   - If he is (or was) receiving education under SEN with an EHCP, Lancashire County Council could help fund the placement at CWP. CWP works closely with local authorities and accepts referrals for young people with EHCPs. ([creativityworkspreston.org.uk](https://creativityworkspreston.org.uk/?utm_source=openai))  \n   - You should contact Lancashire\u2019s SEND or alternative provision team, or the Inclusion Service, and ask whether funding can cover CWP.\n\n2. **Bursaries / Financial Aid through CWP**\n   - Depending on his age and circumstances (e.g. whether he has barriers such as disability, economic hardship), CWP may have some funding to reduce or cover course fees. This depends on available funding. ([creativityworkspreston.org.uk](https://creativityworkspreston.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CWP-Quality-Assurance-Policy-Sept-23.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n3. **Referrals**\n   - If your grandson is not currently in education, training, or employment, a referral from the local authority or school could secure funding. You / he can also make a self\u2010referral (for post\u201016 or adult\u2010age programmes). ([creativityworkspreston.org.uk](https://creativityworkspreston.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CWP-Quality-Assurance-Policy-Sept-23.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n4. **Discuss what funding is available with CWP directly**\n   - Talk to CWP about what his individual situation is: age, whether he has an EHCP, whether he is currently registered with the council, etc. Using that information they can tell you whether they can arrange funding or help you apply.\n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can gather details for the specific relevant department at Lancashire County Council that handles placements for CWP, and draft exactly what you might send them / ask them to make arranging funding smoother. Would you prefer I do that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "yes%20please"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a more detailed plan you could follow when contacting Lancashire County Council, including what departments to reach out to, what information to prepare, and some suggested wording you could use. This should help with seeking funding for your grandson to return to **Creativity Works Preston (CWP)**.\n\n---\n\n## Which departments to contact\n\nThese are the key council teams that handle funding and placements for alternative education provisions like CWP:\n\n| Department | Area covered / Role | Contact Details |\n|---|---|---|\n| Local Inclusion Offices\u2014**South Area (Preston, Chorley, South Ribble, West Lancashire)** | Manages education services, alternatives, inclusion in/around Preston. | Phone: **01772 531 597** ([elht.nhs.uk](https://elht.nhs.uk/download_file/22092/4695?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Inclusion Service (SEND) | Handles special educational needs and disabilities; if your grandson has or needs an EHCP, this is critical. | Use Lancashire County Council SEND contacts via the Local Offer pages. ([lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk](https://www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/our-work/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-send/send-team?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Alternative Provision / Commissioning Team | Specifically oversees strategy for alternative educational placements, including making commissioning or funding decisions. | Under the **Lancashire Alternative Provision Strategy 2023\u20132026** ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-and-families/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-local-offer/your-local-offer/strategy-and-funding/lancashire-alternative-provision-strategy-2023-2026/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Lancashire SEND Partnership | Involves collaborating agencies to assess sufficiency, strategy and funding for SEN/alternative provision county-wide. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-and-families/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-local-offer/your-local-offer/strategy-and-funding/?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## What information you\u2019ll need to prepare\n\nWhen you make a request for funding, especially for alternative provision, make sure you have these details ready:\n\n1. **Personal details**  \n   - Full name of your grandson  \n   - Date of birth  \n   - Home address / postcode  \n   - Any existing diagnosis, special educational needs, or whether there is an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan)\n\n2. **Education history and status**  \n   - Last school or college attended (name, dates)  \n   - Reason why he left or stopped attending (e.g. mainstream did not suit, health, behavior, etc.)  \n   - Any prior alternative provision or vocational / project-based learning\n\n3. **About CWP**  \n   - What course/programme he is hoping to return to at Creativity Works Preston  \n   - The level (e.g. Level 1, Level 2), duration, timetable  \n   - How CWP meets his learning needs (especially if he has SEN/EHCP)\n\n4. **Cost and support needed**  \n   - Tuition or course fees, materials, travel, any other costs  \n   - If you expect top-ups or extra support due to special needs  \n   - Any funding already available, personal contribution, or funding sought\n\n---\n\n## Suggested structure for a letter/email / phone script\n\nHere\u2019s a template you adapt when approaching one of the above teams. Use email or letter where possible so there\u2019s a paper trail.\n\n---\n\nDear [Name/Title / \u201cInclusion Service / SEND Team\u201d],\n\nMy name is [Your Name], and I am the grandfather of **[Grandson\u2019s Name]**, who lives in East Lancashire / my postcode is [Postcode]. He is aged 16 and I am writing to request help with arranging funding for him to return to **Creativity Works Preston (CWP)**.\n\nHe has [if applicable: an EHCP / special educational needs / any diagnosis \u2013 or \u201cis in the process of being assessed\u201d] and has previously attended [last school/venue and dates]. He believes that the CWP programme, which offers project-based creative and vocational learning, will better suit his needs.\n\nCould you please help with the following:\n\n- Can Lancashire County Council commission his place at CWP, under your Alternative Provision / SEND / Inclusion services?\n- What documentation and assessments are required (e.g. progress reports, SEN support history, assessments)?\n- What costs the council would cover (tuition, travel, materials, extra support if needed)?\n- What is the process and estimated timescale for making a decision for funding?\n- Who is the officer responsible for making this kind of decision, and is there a referral form I (or the school / local authority) need to complete?\n\nThank you very much for your consideration. I would welcome any guidance or assistance to help [Grandson\u2019s Name] access the educational opportunity he needs.  \n\nKind regards,  \n[Your Name]  \n[Address]  \n[Contact Phone]  \n[Email]\n\n---\n\n## What you can expect\n\n- Lancashire has an **Alternative Provision Strategy (2023-2026)** which aims to make the system responsive, inclusive, and to commission placements such as those at CWP when mainstream provision isn\u2019t working. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-and-families/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-local-offer/your-local-offer/strategy-and-funding/lancashire-alternative-provision-strategy-2023-2026/?utm_source=openai))  \n- If he has an EHCP, or is in the process to get one, funding or a placement could be agreed under the SEND funding or alternative provision funding route. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-and-families/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-local-offer/your-local-offer/strategy-and-funding/?utm_source=openai))  \n- The council uses \u201coutreach first\u201d in many cases\u2014i.e. providing support in mainstream provision where possible before moving to full alternative provision\u2014but when needs are high, a placement like CWP may be justified. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-and-families/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-local-offer/your-local-offer/strategy-and-funding/lancashire-alternative-provision-strategy-2023-2026/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can pull together direct email addresses/phone numbers of the relevant officers in Lancashire for your specific district (Burnley? Pendle? Hyndburn?), so you know exactly who to send this to. Would you prefer I do that?"
    }
]