Exploring the experiences of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
This report builds upon our 2022 report on a similar topic, which told us about the care experiences of children, young people and their families in Gateshead, while highlighting a need to investigate the experience of care transition specifically. Gateshead Council's Transitions Team created survey questions with input from Healthwatch Gateshead, which were presented to participants by our Engagement and Involvement Officers.
The questions focused on services provided, opportunities available, and the involvement of parents, carers, and families during the transition from children's social care to adult social care services. Feedback was positive in most areas and neutral in others, while highlighting the following key themes:
- Individual Differences: the specific needs of participants were highly individual, necessitating unique adjustments in order to provide suitable care and support.
- The Importance of Communication: participants reported inconsistent levels of communication, with some being unaware of available services.
- Tailored Approaches: feedback suggested a need for person-centred, family focused approach to help young people with SEND receive clear communication and have agency in their care.
The full report is available for download below:
