Working Together for Better Outcomes
Children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), along with their families and carers, should have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their lives. That's why Sandwell's SEND Partnership has developed the SEND Co-production Charter, a shared commitment to ensuring children, young people, parents, carers and professionals work together as equal partners.
What is the SEND Co-production Charter?
The charter is a promise from the Sandwell SEND Local Area Partnership to work with children and young people, not simply for them. It sets out how their views, experiences and ideas will help shape services, influence decision-making and drive improvements across the SEND system.
Developed alongside young people themselves, the charter places co-production at the heart of everything the partnership does. It recognises that those who use services are best placed to help design, develop and improve them.
Young Voices Shaping Change
At the centre of the charter is a simple vision:"Young Voices Shaping Change." This means creating opportunities for children and young people with SEND to speak up, share their experiences and contribute to decisions that affect their lives, education and future opportunities.
Co-production is more than consultation. It means involving children and young people from the very beginning, helping to plan, design, deliver and evaluate services as equal partners.
How Will It Work?
The partnership has committed to embedding co-production across all areas of SEND support. This includes:
- Using the Elevating Our Voices participation model to support meaningful involvement.
- Working closely with SEND groups and forums across Sandwell.
- Involving children and young people in commissioning, delivering, monitoring and evaluating services.
- Carrying out an annual SEND survey to gather feedback and inform future improvements.
- Hosting an annual young people's takeover challenge, giving young people the opportunity to review and challenge the SEND Partnership Board.
- Providing accessible information using videos, easy-read materials and visual communication methods.
Our shared commitment
The charter is built around five key principles:
- Value, Care and Welcome – ensuring everyone feels included, respected, safe and supported.
- Be Honest – communicating openly and clearly, while treating each other with respect.
- Be Ambitious – supporting children and young people to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential.
- Trust Each Other – working together as partners and recognising the value of different perspectives.
- Communicate Well – making sure every voice is heard and keeping people informed about decisions and progress.
Why is co-production important?
he SEND Co-production Charter will be making a difference when children and young people:
- Feel like equal partners in decision-making.
- Are involved at every stage of service development.
- Receive clear and accessible information.
- Know their views are listened to and acted upon.
- Help influence important decisions.
- Feel supported to achieve their goals and aspirations.
By working together, Sandwell is committed to creating a SEND system that listens, responds and delivers better outcomes for children and young people, ensuring their voices remain at the heart of everything we do.