There’s a lot in the news at the moment about how the SEND system across the country is in a terrible state. The hope is that the new Government will announce significant and impactful steps to improve it, so the case for change is being made forcefully and it’s about as miserable as it can get. It’s a bit like when you have to apply for Disability Living Allowance – you’re forced to focus on what you can’t do, rather than what you can, otherwise you won’t get much of a response. So, in the spirit of getting away from the deficit model in the papers, I thought I’d mention a few inspirational things we’re doing well to improve the lives of children, young people and families living with SEND.
Somerset’s Autism in Schools project is busy improving the experience of autistic young people at school. There have already been simple but effective practical changes for the schools taking part, such as students being able to leave classrooms earlier to avoid the busy corridors, making quiet spaces available, and allowing adjustments to uniforms for those with sensory needs. Ultimately, these small but impactful changes help children to regulate their behaviour, stay in school, stay with their friends and peers, and feel part of their community. It also helps develop the skills they’ll need to be an independent adult. It also makes sure we have spaces and capacity in our Special Schools to better support those children who need specialist provision.
Colleagues across SEND have been visiting all our Special Schools and Resource Bases and have had great conversations about potentially increasing the number of places available. There’s also a significant building programme underway to ensure mainstream schools can be inclusive. The enthusiasm and passion for supporting students to achieve their potential across Somerset’s schools is infectious, and I have come away from those meetings buzzing with ideas and hope. It’s not just about more places; it’s primarily about making the experience of school really worthwhile and creating real opportunities for learning and developing well.
For example, Castle School have developed a wonderful new sensory room. I spoke to a young autistic teenager called J there, who has recently enjoyed taking part in a programme called ‘Growing into Adulthood’ where she chats and takes part in activities relating to growing up. J’s mum told us the experienced and dedicated staff there are fantastic, and the school really helps children and young people with SEND to develop and learn.
There are so many great stories about children and young people with SEND across Somerset, and we want to celebrate, recognise and support everyone’s hard work. If you would like to be part of this fabulous journey, and help schools become brilliant places for children and young people with SEND, then do consider becoming a School Governor – there’s an article on it in this very newsletter if you want to find out more.
