Overview

We asked for Inclusion Champions during October and early November 2021. We wanted people to be supporters for families with children and young people with SEND.

The Inclusion Champions initiative launched, and expressions of interest came from across the county. By the deadline of Thursday 18 November, we had almost 80 expressions of interest, representing everything from dental practices to SENCOs, from early years to the police. Everyone jumped on board to become a champion for the benefit of children and young people with SEND and their families in Somerset.

Inclusion Champions are one of the mechanisms that will play a key role in demonstrating that SEND is everyone’s business. They will promote an inclusive, listening culture across the Local Area through role modelling, leadership and amplifying the voice of children, young people and families.

Training for the champions has started, including the topics: Courageous Conversations, Building Trust, and Being a Force for Change. The sessions are being co-produced and co-facilitated with the Somerset Parent Carer Forum, the SC SEND Participation Team (including the Young Persons Champion), The NHS Leadership Academy and the National Development Team for Inclusion.

The Inclusion Champions is an ongoing initiative. Recruitment of new champions is expected to take place annually.

If you are interested in becoming a future Inclusion Champion, please email SENDImprovement@somerset.gov.uk