SEND and Inclusion Strategy for Young People

This strategy is made with the SEND young people of Buckinghamshire at its heart.

This strategy is about making sure that young people with SEND in Buckinghamshire get the support they need to succeed. It was created with input from young people, families, and professionals.

Goal: Help children and young people as soon as possible, without waiting for a diagnosis.

What we will do.

• Train staff: Provide training for teachers and other professionals to better understand and support SEND needs.
• Improve communication: Develop clear and consistent ways to share information with families and professionals.
• Create a culture of inclusivity: Encourage schools and community groups to be welcoming and supportive of all children and young people.

Goal: Ensure there are enough good schools and programs for everyone with SEND.

What we will do.

• Increase school places: Build more places in local schools so children can stay in their communities.
• Support for SEND students: Ensure schools have the resources and training they need to support SEND students effectively.
• Plan for the future: Regularly assess the needs of SEND students to make sure there are enough places and resources available.

Goal: Provide the right support for those with more complex needs.

What we will do.

• Improve access to short breaks: Make it easier for families to get respite care and short breaks.
• Simplify processes: Make it easier for families and professionals to access the support they need.
• Work together: Ensure different services (like health, education, and social care) work together to support children and young people.

Goal: Help young people get ready for life after school, including work and independent living.

What we will do.

• Develop resources for planning: Create tools and resources to help young people plan for their future.
• Support independent living: Provide training and support to help young people live independently.
• Improve transitions: Make sure the move from school to adult services is smooth and well-supported.

We will know we are successful when:

• Families and young people tell us that they feel supported and their needs are met.
• Data shows that more young people are getting the support they need and achieving their goals.

• Listen to young people and families: We want to hear your experiences and use them to improve our services.
• Work together: Everyone involved in SEND support will work as a team.
• Early help: Support should start as soon as needs are identified.
• Creative solutions: We will find flexible and innovative ways to meet your needs.
• Use resources wisely: Make sure support is effective and efficient.
• Trust and openness: Build a culture of honesty and mutual support.

This strategy aims to ensure every young person with SEND in Buckinghamshire feels included, supported, and ready for the future.

"At Shout Out for SEND, we had several meetings focussing on the strategy, and many of the statements written in the work streams have come directly from us, in our own words. The statements are centred around individuals for a reason: the work you do impacts us directly. Behind every statement is a SEND young person’s lived experience, and it matters.

This strategy listens to us, includes us and respects us as well. It sends a message that Buckinghamshire values its SEND young people in a way I haven't seen or felt before. I urge you to remember that we matter, we deserve a place in our community and when we are given a chance to have a voice, it creates positive change for everyone."