Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin gains national recognition for SEND

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (STW) gained well-deserved national recognition for its work within the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) arena at the first ever NHS England SEND Best Practice Conference held last month, on Tuesday 12 March.

The national conference brought SEND leaders, children and young people, and parent carers together to celebrate teamwork and partnership working in SEND.  The day honoured individuals and systems who contribute to inclusive cultures and positive outcomes for people with SEND.

Two of the county’s SEND projects were shortlisted for the notable categories of ‘Co-Production for Parent Carers’ and ‘Health and Education Partnership’.

Gareth Robinson, Executive Director of Delivery and Transformation for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “We are delighted to announce that Parents Opening Doors (PODS), the parent carer organisation for Telford,  and the Telford and Wrekin Educational Psychology Service, with support from NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, were honoured with first place in the parent carer co-production category for their ‘Challenges at Home’ project, which supports families on a group and individual basis while their children are waiting for an assessment for neurodiversity.

“Furthermore, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin was highly acknowledged as the runner-up in the Partnership Award for the Health and Education category for work carried out through the STW Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) workstream, including the delivery of the Talk Boost intervention programme across Early Years, KS1 and KS2 and the promotion of SLCN as being everyone's business.

“This national recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of all partners to improve the experience of children and young people with SEND.  It’s truly well deserved - congratulations to everyone involved.”

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, said: "I am immensely proud that two local SEND projects have been acknowledged nationally. This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and support to those with special educational needs and disabilities in our borough.

"The work we are doing is truly making a difference and it will always be our top priority to ensure that children and young people in our borough with SEND are visible, valued and included in the Telford and Wrekin community. Congratulations to all partners who have been involved."

Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: "I am immensely proud of the achievements of Shropshire Council and our partners and families who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children and young people with SEND in our area. This national recognition is a testament to everyone's dedication, collaboration and innovation. We will continue, to support and celebrate everyone's efforts and ensure that SEND is a priority for our council and our community."