What our group members say
“I wanted to join the participation group so I could meet other young people and push for change.”
How our SEND Youth Forum makes a difference
The group voice opinions and share experiences, as well as collaborating on initiatives that impact on their lives. Here are just a few ways they have helped improve shape services and support for Torbay’s children with SEND.
Creating promotional information about our services – Some of the things the group have created so far:
- a graduated response video. - this explains how our toolkits can help those with additional needs get extra help.
- created the Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) form to explain what it is.
- the annual review videos to help people understand how they work.
- the ‘what is a phase transfer’ video to explain the process.
Sharing their experiences with SEND services
They participated in the SEND Directors' Away Day and shared experiences by creating animations and scripts.
Provide training for and participation in interviews - They are trained to take part in interviews. These interviews are for new council jobs.
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Top ten priorities of the SEND Youth Forum
- Being supported and having trust in adults.
- Getting help at the right time. Knowing where to find information and who to ask for help.
- Feeling listened to and heard: What happens to the feedback we give?
- Becoming an adult and work experience. Preparing for life after school and achieving my goals.
- Being asked about new services. Helping to design them.
- Having the right support to be able to learn in a mainstream school with my peers.
- Being involved in everything about me. EHCP, Annual Review and phase transfer meetings etc.
- Being able to attend school for as many days as possible.
- All schools to work in the same way when supporting young people with SEND.
- Reducing the number of children and young people with SEND who get suspended or excluded.
To join the SEND Youth Forum, email one of our participation officers, or send them a message on WhatsApp on 07500 608141 or 07785 934552.