Unstoppables update – April

April brought another jam-packed agenda! Our morning session was a priority item from our 2024 priorities. We thought it would be interesting to share some of the discussions that took place, we haven’t finished this topic, and it is being carried over to May’s agenda so if there is anything you’d like to add then do contact us. The topic was School Avoidance and below are points
made by the members of Unstoppables in attendance at April’s meeting…

Why do young people with SEND avoid attending school?

– Not enough support to help me in my education.
– Feels like there is a tendency to ignore children/young people in secondary school.
– Secondary school is the hardest.
➔ “..it crushed me..”
➔ “I’d drawn in myself”.
➔ “School feels like being thrown in the deep end”.
➔ “I loved having my TA in primary school and missed them in secondary school”.
– Missed my diagnosis in primary which set my school journey.
– Anxiety
– Exams
– “I felt I couldn’t ask for help at secondary school due to my own anxieties”

What would make school more welcoming?

– Buildings to be more accessible, rooms more welcoming.
– Set up rooms differently → listen to students needs surrounding the environment
(lights/smell/heat)
– Understand specific needs, not everyone with SEND has the same needs.
– Asking: ‘how can we help you?’
– Encourage clubs → more accessible clubs or make existing clubs accessible.

The afternoon session was some work on a SEND Charter for transitions into adulthood which we will update on when we can.

Our next meeting is Saturday 4th May 2024.

If you or someone you know would like to be a member of the Unstoppables then follow the link to our form Expression of Interest to join the The Unstoppables (office.com)

Similarly, If you or a young person you know wants more information about how they can join the Unstoppables, or be part of our work they/you can contact us via email (SENDParticipationTeam@somerset.gov.uk) or via phone/What’s App (07976 809 773)