Children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have been attending a series of listening sessions as part of the SEND Youth Voice Conference this month as the Council make commitment to incorporating the voice of children and young people into all areas of their work.

One key session focused on the Children and Young People Plan, where the voices of SEND children are particularly sought to ensure future plans in Sefton are focused on what will make a difference to kids in the Borough.

The children and young people of primary and secondary age were asked their opinion on a whole host of things relating to their health, wellbeing and services and they will guide the work of practitioners in the coming months.

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Education said:

“The events held over the last few weeks have really shone a spotlight on our SEND children and young people and given them a chance to have their voice heard in bespoke sessions.

“It is really important to us to make sure that the work we do is always informed by the views of parent, carers, young people and all the professionals who work with children.

“Here in Sefton, children are at the heart of everything we do right across the council and events like this give space for the unique perspective of SEND children to be heard.”

The SEND Youth Voice Conference is held annually where children are given the space to thrive and feel confident to give their opinions on a range of topics.

Parents and carers still have time to let us know their views about services in Sefton via the Sefton Parent Carer SEND Survey which closes on the 31^st March.