YOUNG people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) could soon get a bigger say in the system, thanks to the introduction of two new co-production officers, writes Tayla O’Hara.
Over the past few months, Worcestershire County Council and NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) have appointed Chanika Benain and Amy Knight who are already making a positive impact. They have done this by prioritising the value and voice of young people with SEND.
Ongoing work, led by Worcestershire’s Local Area Partnership, sees the system directly engage with young people across the county to discuss and ascertain their personal needs.
Visits to classrooms and family hubs are just some examples of how the pair are creating welcoming spaces to put the voice of those impacted at the centre of improvements to be made.
Gaining valuable insight of what ‘good’ looks like in each child’s life to prioritise fulfillment, shapes Worcestershire’s SEND strategy, ensuring the development of appropriate services is not only for young people, but with them.
The new SEND forum offers a regular platform for children to come together and discuss interests.
A meeting being held online this month and a work launch event is being hosted by Chanika and Amy at The Hive on August 7. It will include a range of information stalls and fun activities for children to encourage active engagement.
Positive feedback has been shared continuously since the launch of workshops and has led to children already comfortably expressing their thoughts.
One said: “I want people to understand me.”
Another added: “I only want to be in meetings when they are saying good things so I can feel proud.”
Coun Dr Stephen Foster, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We know we need to do more to truly listen to and involve children and young people with SEND in the decisions that affect their lives.”
He added Chanika and Amy’s work was helping the service build stronger, more meaningful relationships with young people and ensuring their voices were not just heard but also acted upon.
Anyone who knows SEND children who would benefit can email Chanika and Amy at: [email protected] or visit: worcestershire.gov.uk/SENDcoproduction for more information.
