New efforts to champion the voices of children and young people with SEND in Worcestershire

Worcestershire County Council and NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) are proud to welcome Chanika Benain and Amy Knight, newly appointed Co-production Officers, who are already making a positive impact by helping to ensure children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are seen, heard, and valued.

As part of the ongoing improvement work led by Worcestershire’s Local Area Partnership, Chanika and Amy have been working tirelessly over the past few months to engage directly with children and young people across Worcestershire. 

Their mission: to put young voices at the centre of decisions that affect them.

From classroom visits to one-on-one conversations in homes and family hubs, the duo has been meeting children and young people where they are - creating safe, welcoming spaces to hear what matters most to them. In June, they ran a series of workshops in schools, asking young people what “good” looks like in their lives, and what they need to feel happy, fulfilled, and supported.

This valuable insight will help shape Worcestershire’s SEND strategy and quality assurance plans, ensuring that services are developed not just for young people, but with them.

Chanika and Amy have already visited Heart of Worcestershire College, Fort Royal Primary, Perryfields Primary PRU, and Pershore High School - with upcoming visits scheduled to Kempsey Primary, Pitcheroak, Wyre Forest School, and Christopher Whitehead Language College. 

Their outreach also includes meeting children and young people supported at family hubs and in their own homes.

They’re particularly excited about the interest shown by young people in joining the new SEND forum, which will offer a regular platform for young people to meet and talk about the things that are important to them. The first meeting is being planned for July and will be held online – anyone who is interested in joining can contact Chanika and Amy to find out more.

Chanika and Amy are also hosting an event at The Hive on 7th August to launch their work and further engage with children, young people and families. The event will include fun activities for children and young people, and information stalls linked to different SEND services in Worcestershire.

Children and young people have already shared powerful feedback in the workshops:
“I only want to be in meetings when they are saying good things so I can feel proud.”
“I want to see my friends when I am not in school.”
“I want people to understand me.”

Councillor Dr Stephen Foster, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Worcestershire County Council, said:
“We know we need to do more to truly listen to and involve children and young people with SEND in the decisions that affect their lives. Having Chanika and Amy on board is an important step in the right direction. Their work is helping us build stronger, more meaningful relationships with young people, and ensuring their voices are not just heard - but acted upon.”

If you know a young person who would like to share their voice or learn more, contact Chanika and Amy at SENDco-productionteam@worcestershire.gov.uk or visit the SEND Co-Production pages of our website.