What happens when young people take charge – the Leeds SEND Partnership Board takeover!
Each year students from specialist schools and settings ‘takeover’ a Leeds Area SEND and AP Partnership Board meeting as part of a National Takeover Challenge. The takeover is an opportunity for students to speak to board members about the issues that are important to them.
What is the Leeds Area SEND Partnership Board?
It is a group of partners that work together to improve the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families in Leeds. The board includes representatives from Leeds City Council, education and health and social care.
Who ‘took over’ and what happened?
On Tuesday 12 November 2024, 40 students from Broomfield South SILC, West SILC, Power House, Priesthorpe, John Jamieson, Bridge Church, Temple Moor and Green Meadows took over the Leeds Area SEND and AP Partnership Board as part of national takeover challenge.
The aim of the takeover was to:
- Learn about each other.
- Learn about the issues that are important to young people with SEND.
- Learn about what we are doing in Leeds to address the issues.
The important issues for young people with SEND…
Each of the important issues raised by young people was discussed and notes made:
Fun activities outside of school
Young people wanted a wider variety of clubs, including different times/days of the week and for activity providers to have SEND training to support their access. Young people also spoke about a need for more information for families about what is on.
Mental health support
Young people highlighted the importance of easier access to support and better mental health support for young people over 18 with SEND. They wanted professionals to have SEND training and for mental health information to be more easily accessible, including being easy to read.
Bullying and discrimination
Young people wanted more lessons in schools about bullying and discrimination, and positive message about young people with SEND.
Support for young people being bullied and discriminated against because of their disability, and information about where to get support, was also important.
SEND training for professionals
Basic SEND training for all professionals came up across the board as an important issue. Young people want professionals to know about:
- SEND and how to support young people.
- SEND services in Leeds.
- accessibility and inclusivity in the learning environment.
Disability awareness
Disability awareness amongst peers and celebrating disabilities, was also important to the young people with SEND who want people to be more supportive of their needs. They want an increase in accessible venues and better communication.
