Tell us the priorities for SEND children and young people in Southend-on-Sea

A survey has been launched giving young people, families and professionals the chance to have their say on the priorities for the new Southend SEND Strategy for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Your Say Southend

The survey follows on from the SEND Summit meeting between the three main governance groups; SEND Strategic Partnership Board, SEND Operations Group and the Joint Commissioning Group, which included representatives from the parent carer forum, Southend SEND Independent Forum (SSIF).

Five main priorities were identified at the Summit, including:

  • improve transitions for all stages and aged between 0 – 25
  • a clear strategy to listen to the voice of the child or young person
  • improved mental health provision for children and young people
  • joined up and timely planning that is proactive, with recognition that intervention is needed at the earliest stage and ages
  • further work to ensure effective collaboration between partners when producing an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

The feedback from the survey will help to shape the new SEND Strategy and future services and support given to Southend families over the next three years, as part of the Local Offer.

Cllr Laurie Burton, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “This survey is part of our commitment to continue to co-produce with our local SEND families and develop a service that delivers against their wants and needs.

“There is always room for improvement and the best people to ask are those who have been through the system and have constructive advice and guidance on what can be improved and how.

“I really hope our local families will find the time to fill out the survey and get their voices heard.”

The survey on the SEND Strategy priorities can be found on the Your Say Southend website.

The survey is open until Thursday 8 July 2021.

Published: 18th June 2021

Go to top