Our SEND Network for Change aims to create opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to get involve and have their voice heard! It’s run by our Participation Team.
This term they are busy running their Youth Voice Programme in seven schools. It’s been developed to help children and young people learn about democratic decision making, build their confidence and support them to practice active participation in a relevant and safe context.
Through the sessions, which use activities and games to ensure they are accessible and fun for everyone, young people are supported to come up with ideas for change in their schools, and to explore their reasons for asking for this change. In the final session the team facilitate a session with the senior leaders in the school to enable young people to present their ideas and hear directly back from decision makers.
So far young people and their schools have made changes to make school councils more inclusive, school dinners, improve their classroom experience and clubs and activities.
If you know a school in Devon that would like to work with our Participation Team, please get in touch. Similarly, we are looking for young people who want to get their voices heard on the issues that matter to them. Contact the team by emailing amy.bickford@devon.gov.uk or visit our website to find out more.