Midland Metropolitan University Hospital Emergency & Children's Emergency Department Experience Report

A child or young person (0-25) is said to have SEND if they have a learning difficulty or disability which requires special educational provision to be made for them in order to support them to progress. Local service provision is governed by Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015, although other legislation, such as the Equality Act 2010, is also relevant. The introduction of the Children and Families Act and SEND Code of Practice placed greater emphasis on the inclusion of children, young people, parents and carers in planning and decision-making, as well as on supporting aspirations and improving outcomes. This should be facilitated by strengthening joint planning and commissioning of services and the publication of a Local Offer, listing information about local SEND support.

Healthwatch Sandwell collaborated with the NHS Youth Worker Team Manager in Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust to create a report to spotlight a youth worker pilot project for young people with long term conditions. The short funding timelines for the pilot project were highlighted alongside the impacts. The spotlight report called for consideration of extension and time and funding for the pilot project work.