The Department for Education (DfE) recently published a major SEND reform consultation, titled “Putting Children and Young People First, open until 18 May 2026.
Our College staff adapted the questionnaires and created Easy Read resources for our student council members to take part in sessions and share their views. These adaptations supported our learners to understand the questions and consider what these mean for their future, ensuring that learner voice is meaningful, accessible, and genuinely reflects their views and aspirations.
“At Seashell, our learners with physical and complex needs are fully involved in expressing their views through the consistent use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This ensures that every learner has a voice, regardless of their communication or physical challenges, and can actively contribute to decisions about their education, support, and daily experiences,” said Maureen Wilkins, College Teacher.
By embedding AAC and accessible resources across provision, we are supporting not only communication but also independence, dignity, and meaningful participation. This enables us to ensure that our learners are heard and that their individual needs, preferences, and aspirations are understood and responded to effectively.
Thank you to all staff for their continued commitment to enabling our learners with physical and complex needs to communicate, participate, and thrive.
