Introduction
We want Somerset’s Local Offer to be accessible to everyone. This means removing barriers that can make it harder to use everyday services. It also means helping children, young people and families feel confident, have more choice and become more independent.
Working together
We want every child and young person to have the chance to do their best, be happy and have choice and control over their life.
The Somerset SEND Strategy and SEND Charter explains how we are working together to improve support for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with SEND and their families.
Children and young people should be at the centre of decisions about their lives and the support they receive. Services across Somerset need to work together to make this happen.
We want our services to be welcoming and easy to use. Staff should use clear and consistent language, share information when appropriate and help you find the right support. It should also be clear who is responsible for what.
Measuring impact
We want to understand the difference our work makes, not just count what services have done. This helps us see whether changes are improving the lives of children and young people with SEND and their families.
Our shared outcomes help services work towards the same aims.
We also check our agreements with organisations that provide services on our behalf. We look at how they measure their work and the difference it makes. This helps make sure services support inclusion and meet our SEND strategy.
This means families should be able to expect the same approach and standards, whichever service they use.
Inclusive provision
The Somerset Graduated Response Framework explains the support children and young people with SEND should receive in education. It is for families, children and young people, education staff and professionals.
Somerset’s Education Accessibility Protocol can provide funding to help a mainstream school become accessible for an individual disabled pupil. This is for changes that have a high cost which cannot be paid for in another way.
Getting your voice heard
Sometimes you or your child or young person may need help to make sure your views are heard. This could be at a meeting with a school, doctor, social worker or another professional.
You can ask a friend or family member to come with you for support. They can help you explain your views or speak up on your behalf.
You can also get help from an independent advocate. An advocate can help you understand your options, express your views and make sure people listen to what matters to you. Find organisations and services that offer advice and advocacy.