Children and young people with special educational needs and the experiences of services

The views and opinions of children and young people (CYP) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are often overlooked and most common engagement methods are not designed to engage this group or facilitate their feedback. Often the views of their parents or carers are sought rather than those of the CYP. Engaging directly with CYP with SEND can be a challenge, but a little creativity can deliver amazing results.

Moreover, CYP with SEND experience significant health and social inequalities3 and the more their voice is heard the more this can be addressed. Since September 2015, Healthwatch Northamptonshire (HWN) has engaged with CYP with SEND using a variety of activities and methods. Through attending events run by partner organisations and by delivering assemblies and Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) lessons in schools we spoke to 230 CYP with SEND, either face to face (74) or via their completion of a survey (156).

The key findings in the report include the majority of the 74 CYP that HWN engaged with at the SENDsation day reported having had a good experience with their doctor, dentist or at the hospital. 85% of the 156 CYP with SEND who answered our survey felt that there was nothing about their health and wellbeing that worried them. 56% of CYP with SEND who answered our survey said they had been bullied, including children as young as 11. 16% said they had bullied others. More females reported having been bullied than males. 22% of CYP with SEND who answered our survey reported that they had selfharmed, including children as young as 12. 85% of CYP with SEND who answered our survey felt that there wasn’t anything about their health and wellbeing that worried them at the time. Weight was the most common concern amongst those that were worried. Using innovative methods it is possible to engage with CYP with SEND.