A NEW strategy has been introduced to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The scheme, called the Special Educational Needs and Disability Strategy 2024-27, was co-designed by families using the services.

It aims to ensure that individuals with SEND are visible, valued and included.

The strategy has been developed by giving an "equal voice" to families and services, ensuring that the right support is provided to help those with SEND flourish.

This makes the strategy a collective effort, belonging to everyone involved in supporting children and young people across the St Helens borough, regardless of their need for support.

Leslee Basaga, chair of the Listen4Change Parent Carer Forum, who were involved with St Helens Borough Council in the design of the strategy, praised the new initiative.

She said: "Working together with services as an equal voice from the very beginning to the end of any project makes a real difference in ensuring local services best meet the needs of children and young people with SEND and their families."

The strategy revolves around five key priorities that St Helens Borough Council and its partners will aim to achieve.

These priorities are managing transition for life, developing a curriculum for success, building a community of support, meeting multiple and complex needs, and ensuring timely assessment and effective support.

These priorities will serve as the foundation to achieve four outcomes that young people have asked for help with.

These outcomes are: I am heard, I am safe and secure, I am healthy, and I am aspirational and successful.

The work by the council and partners will be guided by three key principles: listening to children, young people and families, strengthening communications, and building a great workforce.

Mark Palethorpe, executive director for people's services at St Helens Borough Council, said: "This is a strategy that everyone is rightly proud of and it is great testament to the work of so many families involved that they see it just as much their strategy as it is a strategy for services.

"This strategy will make sure it meets their individual needs, provides them safety, supports their mental wellbeing and ultimately empowers them and their families to reach their full potential."