Engagement and participation with children and young people with SEND
We are committed to making participation work well for children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).
We understand that children and young people with SEND might need extra support to participate meaningfully. As well as making sure that there are specific participation opportunities for children and young people with SEND, we also make sure that universal opportunities are accessible and inclusive for all children and young people.
SEND Engagement and Participation Framework 2023 - 2026
We have created a framework that explains how children and young people with SEND can participate in making decisions about the services and support that they receive. You can read the SEND Engagement and Participation Framework 2023-2026. The framework explains what we have already done, what we plan to do next and how children and young people can participate. The framework details the benefits of participation for children and young people and the practitioners / professionals who support them. It includes an action plan that sets out what we want to achieve and how we will know we are being successful.
SEND Participation Network - Herefordshire Helpers
We have ways children and young people with SEND can actively participate, such as through our SEND Participation Network called Herefordshire Helpers. Herefordshire Helpers is made up of lots of different groups of children and young people in Herefordshire, including schools, colleges, youth groups and short breaks groups. Members of the network have regular opportunities to engage with decision makers and the opportunity to drive activity that makes a difference for children and young people with SEND.
If you or your organisation is interested in becoming part of Herefordshire Helpers, please get in touch with Tracey Duffy, SEND Participation Office by email tracey.duffy@herefordshire.gov.uk
My Health, My Say: Health Participation Project
Action for Children, commissioned by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) carried out a participation project between 2021 to 2023. Herefordshire Council worked closely with Action for Children, the ICB and other partners and professionals to ensure the project reached as many people as possible.
The ICB wanted to find out how children, young people and their families engage in conversation about their health and wellbeing. They wanted to identify the good practice, challenges and gaps in participation along with the preferences that children, young people and families have in the ways they would like to have conversations about their health. Over 1,000 people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire were involved in the project including children and young people, parent carers and professionals.
Find out more about the project, including the conclusions and recommendations, by visiting the Action for Children page.