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    Gateshead SEND Participation Strategy

    We have launched our 2023-2026 SEND Participation Strategy. A participation strategy is a document which identifies the individuals, structures and processes that strengthen participation in a local authority area. To ensure it is as accessible as possible, Gateshead's strategy has been developed in partnership with local SEND children and Young People, and has three distinct versions - the written strategy, an easy-read version and an inclusive, animated version.

    We're really proud of this strategy and hope that it can help to make a real difference in the lives of the SEND community in Gateshead.

    Gateshead SEND Participation Strategy 2023-2026

    Introduction 

    We want you - the children, young people and families of Gateshead - to have the opportunity to express your views, feel heard and be actively involved in decisions that affect you. We want your views about anything the council are involved in and the council services you use.

    This strategy is our plan for how we will achieve this. Within our plan we will help you to understand how you can get involved to help make Gateshead a better place for you, your friends and family to live and thrive.

    What is participation?

    • The opportunity to be involved in decision making
    • Knowing that your views and ideas have made a difference
    • Being listened to and taken seriously
    • Having your say in anything that affects you

    What does participation mean to you?

    "Participation means being listened to and not being ignored"

    "Don't speak on behalf of people, use my words and my voice. There's nobody can say it better than yourself."

    "For me it means having people who support you with your decisions instead of other people just making decisions for you."

     

    What are the benefits of being involved?

    • "It's about me and instead of people who don't know me making decisions for me - I know myself and what I need. I have a voice." Gateshead SEND Youth Forum
    • "It creates a sense of belonging." Gateshead Parent Carer Forum
    • "It improves motivation." Gateshead Parent Carer Forum
    • "It makes me feel listened to." Gateshead SEND Youth Forum

    Getting involved means:

    • We can use your views to help us improve our services
    • We get to hear new ideas from your point of view
    • We learn what you think and what you need

    Your rights

    You have the right to be involved and have your say in any decisions that will have an impact on your life. This is confirmed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

    The agreement contains 54 principles called 'articles', of which the following are most important in relation to participation:

    Article 2

    All children have these rights, no matter who they are, where they live, what language they speak, what their religion is, whether they are a boy or girl, whether they have a disability, or whether they are rich or poor.

    Article 12

    You have the right to give your opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously.

    Article 13

    You have the right to find out things and share what you think with others unless it harms or offends other people.

    Article 23

    You have the right to special education and care if you have a disability, as well as all the rights in this convention, so that you can live a full life.

    Did you know:

    • Gateshead has a population of 196,100 people
    • 27% of the population is under 25. That's 52,900 people
    • In 2020/21 26.3% of Gateshead's children lived in absolute low income families - 9,183 children. This is an increase of 11.6% since 2015/16.
    • In January 2022, 4859 Gateshead pupils were reported by schools to have a special educational need or disability - that's 15.9% of the school population. Of these, 25.5% had an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan and 74.5% were categorised as 'SEN Support'.

    Our pledge

    To give you every opportunity to get involved we will make sure that participation is:

    • inclusive
    • respectful
    • enjoyable
    • rewarding
    • meaningful
    • a voice and a choice for children and young people

    To achieve 'Our Pledge' we will:

    • Listen to you and tell you what we have done with your feedback
    • Be honest about what is possible and what is not
    • Look for opportunities to work with you to design and deliver services
    • Celebrate your achievements  
    • Make sure that our activities help to build your confidence and skills
    • Listen to you and take your views seriously
    • Treat your views with care and respect meaningful rewarding
    • Help you to get involved and work hard to ensure you have a positive experience
    • Use a variety of interesting ways to involve and listen to you enjoyable respectful
    • Welcome views from all
    • Promote equal opportunities through a variety of communication techniques
    • Provide opportunities to engage in a way that is meaningful to you 

    How can I get involved?

    There are a number of ways you can make your voice heard in Gateshead:

    • Gateshead SEND Youth Forum
    • Gateshead Parent Carer Forum
    • Gateshead Young Inspectors
    • Gateshead Youth Assembly
    • One voice Youth Network

    Download this strategy (PDF, 433 KB)(opens new window)

    Download an easy read version of this strategy  (Word doc, 1 MB)(opens new window)

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