Engagement and co-production
Please find below details of local and national engagement and co-production opportunitities.
Development of the SEND Local Offer channel on the new Livewell Southend website
The new Livewell Southend website went live in June 2023. It is important that the SEND Local Offer section of the site meets the needs of local families and professionals, and that information is clear and easy to find.
The SEND Local Offer team hosted several events where parent carers, young people and professionals told us what they liked and what needed to be improved or changed. The sessions focused on the Local Offer landing page and the main subject area pages. Some changes were made immediately. Other requests and suggestions have been taken away and will be worked on or options investigated.
If you are a group or organisation that supports families of children with SEND, or a school and you'd like us to come to a parent carer session to deliver a Local Offer introduction/feedback session please let us know.
We also welcome direct feedback from parent carers, young people or professionals. This can be provided by attending a Your Local Offer Your Way session, completing a short survey or contacting the SEND Local Offer Team at localoffer@southend.gov.uk or by phone on 01702 212328.
Development of `roadmaps` to help parent carers navigate local SEND services and support
In the SEND Strategic Action Plan, we have committed to co-produce `roadmaps` outlining services accross education, health and social care in a range of accessible formats.
We held an initial co-production session for the first roadmap on early identification and support of SEND in schools at the SSIF Seminar on Thursday 7 March.
We will be co-producing a roadmap about transitions up to end of school year 8 at a SSIF Seminar on Monday 20 May. Further information and bookings.
We will also be producing a roadmap about the Education Health and Care Needs Assessment process at a future SSIF Seminar - further details to follow, and will be developing a roadmap on the annual review process.
If you would like to be involved in completing the early identification and support roadmap, or contributing to any of the others, please email us at localoffer@southend.gov.uk
Guides on the Annual Review and Education Health and Care Needs Assessment process
In September 2022, surveys for parents and carers about their experience of the Annual Review and Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) processes were launched. In January 2023 a survey for young people about the annual review process was launched.
Some common themes have emerged which includes some dissatisfaction of how parents are involved and prepared for annual review meetings, the input of professionals, frustration with assessment delays and communication from the Team. For young people themes emerging included not having enough help to prepare for the review and not feeling confident their views were listened to.
The Local Offer team held 3 focus groups in October and November 2023 to gain further feedback from parent carers and young people about the EHCP Annual Review process and from parent carers about the Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment process.
There was feedback that suggested the experience of accessing advice and support was smoother when the child's needs were identified earlier and that more support was needed to understand the ECHP assessment process.
There were also some suggestions for how to make the process or experience better for others:
- clearer routes to access advice and support, including understanding criteria and managing expectations around waiting times
- regular and clear communication is needed to improve trust, help families feel heard and more involved with the process and develop good working relationships
- clearer advice on where to access information about future support needs
Thank you to the families who took part in the focus groups and have taken the survey so far. The Local Offer team have committed to prioritise the development of guides for families to understand each process as this has been a common recurring suggestion.
If you would like to be involved in the development of the guides please email localoffer@southend.gov.uk
In the meantime a reminder that this year's surveys are live:
- Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) process survey for parent carers
- Annual Review process survey for parent carers
- Annual Review process survey for children and young people
SSIF family feedback survey
Southend SEND Independent Forum (SSIF), the SEND Parent Carer Forum for Southend want to hear from families about their experiences of SEND in Southend.
Complete the SSIF family feedback form.
Southend City Youth Council
Southend City Youth Council is open to all young people aged 11 to 18 who live or study in Southend. To find out more, or if you would like to be involved visit: www.southendyouthcouncil.co.uk
Voices of the East forum for young people with SEND
Voices of the East is a forum for children and young people with SEND aged 5 to 25. It is an East of England region forum supported by the Essex Multi-Schools Council. The forum provides an opportunity for children and young people to speak out about things that matter to them, meet new people and hear inspirational stories. Action will be taken on the things discussed!
Meetings are held virtually every 1 to 2 months on Microsoft Teams, at a range of times, enabling attendance during the school day or after school. There will also be opportunities to get involved in person. Meetings are interactive and will include games. Current scheduled meeting dates are 9 and 10 May, 16 September and 16 October.
Email kierran.pearce@essex.gov.uk to get involved or for further questions.
Learning Disability User Voice Group
The Southend Learning Disability User Voice Group is for those aged 18 years and over with lived experience of learning disabilities. The group provides an opportunity to have a voice, be part of co-production and have representation at Living Well Strategy group meetings. Find out more about the group here.
Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System
Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (MSE ICS) are committed to listening to and understanding patient needs. Find out how to have your say and influence the development of health services in the future. Get involved information on the MSE ICS website.
EPUT Co-Production Conference
EPUT are holding their second Co-Production Conference on Thursday 10 October (9.30am to 4.30pm).
People with lived experience of using health services and partner organisations who would like to find out more about co-production opportunities at EPUT are invited to attend.
For further information and bookings please visit: EPUT Co-production Conference 2024.
Ofsted Big Listen consultation
Ofsted are seeking feedback on their work, ideas for small changes and big reforms and would like to hear from parents and families, professionals, children, young people and learners. To share your views please visit Ofsted Big Listen by 31 May 2024.