Improving SEND in Norfolk
Friends and activities
We want children and young people to:
- Be provided with and supported to enjoy a wide range of experiences and opportunities
- Take part in activities both independently and with their families
Our key priorities
Our key priorities for children and young people under the theme of friends and activities are:
- My family and I know where to find out about opportunities available to us
- I am supported to have the confidence and motivation to take advantage of the activities and experiences that interest me the most
- I have activities that I can enjoy independently and that help me develop relationships with my family and friends
- I can develop skills and confidence through taking part in activities of my choice
- I can enjoy activities and experiences without worrying about bullying
What we have done
To meet our key priorities for friends and activities, we have:
- Reviewed where opportunities and activities for children and young people with SEND are promoted. We have engaged with partners, charities and families to understand where they look for activities.
- Hosted an online calendar of SEND events and activities
- Co-produced an information guide about different types of SEND to support providers to be more inclusive. This is with alternative education, leisure, sports and youth clubs and providers.
- Made inclusion and SEND training a requirement for providers. This is to ensure they can meet the needs of and include all children and young people with SEND.
What we plan to do next
We will:
- Co-produce a new buddy programme with young people. This will support young people with SEND to engage with events and activities. Buddies will also be a young person with SEND.
- Support youth and leisure providers to become more inclusive. This will be through a defined training offer for different levels of SEND needs and sharing of best practice.
