How we work together with children, young people and families
Our families have told us that it is really important that they are central to decision making to help to shape and inform how services develop. We use the motto, "Nothing for us, without us."
This page is for:
- Children and young people
- Parents and carers
- Families supporting a child or young person
You know your lives best.
Your thoughts, experiences and ideas matter.
At Stoke‑on‑Trent City Council, we want to work with you, not make decisions without you. When we listen and work together, support and services work better and are more likely to meet real needs.
Working together in Stoke‑on‑Trent
We involve children, young people and families in many ways, including youth engagement sessions and ongoing conversations.
Our youth engagement sessions are led by our Youth Participation Lead and our Local Offer Lead.
They help make sure sessions are:
- Safe and welcoming
- Easy to understand and accessible
- Planned around what matters most to children, young people and families
Sessions are designed so people can take part in ways that feel comfortable for them.
What does “working together” mean?
Working together means families, young people and professionals:
- Listening to each other
- Sharing ideas and experiences
- Making decisions together
It means decisions are made with families, not just for families, wherever possible.
Co‑production
Co‑production means:
- Children, young people, families and professionals work as equals
- Everyone’s experience and knowledge is valued
- Services are planned, reviewed and improved together
This way of working is expected by law and supports better outcomes for everyone.
Participation
Participation means:
- Everyone is supported to take part
- Children and young people are encouraged to share their views
- People can take part in ways that work best for them
This might include speaking, writing, drawing, or using other forms of communication.
Consultation
Consultation means:
- Asking for views, ideas and feedback
- Listening to what families and young people say
- Using feedback to improve services and make changes where possible
Why working together is important
Working together helps everyone understand each other better.
For children and young people
- They feel listened to and respected
- Support fits their real needs
- Confidence and independence grow
- Our young people have told us that when they feel truly heard they feel:
- happy
- proud
- powerful
- included
- respected
- appreciated
For parents and carers
- Their knowledge of their child is valued
- Decisions are clearer and easier to understand
- Trust in services improves
For services
- Professionals understand families better
- Support is more helpful and effective
- Services improve over time
Your right to be involved
Children, young people and families have the right to be involved in decisions that affect them.
This includes rights in:
- The Children and Families Act 2014
- The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
- The Care Act 2014
- The NHS Constitution
These laws mean services must listen and take your views seriously.
Ways you can take part
There are lots of ways families and young people can be involved, depending on what decisions are being made.
Decisions about your own life (Individual participation)
Children and young people can:
- Share views in EHCP meetings and Annual Reviews
- Talk about what helps at school, college or home
- Say what matters to them about health and wellbeing
Example in Stoke‑on‑Trent
- A child sharing their views in their preferred way of communication for an EHCP Annual Review.
Helping improve services (Service‑level participation)
Families and young people can:
- Give feedback on services they use
- Take part in surveys, groups or discussions
- Share what works well and what needs to change
Example in Stoke‑on‑Trent
- Parents sharing feedback through the Stoke‑on‑Trent Parent Carer Forum.
Shaping services for the future (Strategic participation)
Families and young people can:
- Help plan or review services
- Take part in SEND or engagement groups
- Work with the council and partners to improve how services work
Example in Stoke‑on‑Trent
- Young people sharing views through local youth voice activities.
How we make sure people are listened to
The Lundy Model of Participation
We use the Lundy Model to guide good participation and make sure involvement is meaningful.
Space
- Safe, welcoming and accessible places
- Clear and inclusive information
Voice
- Support to share views
- Time to think and respond
Audience
- Views shared with the right decision‑makers
- Clear information about who is listening
Influence
- Views taken seriously
- Decisions explained. Feedback is given to ensure children and young people can see how their voice has been used.
- People can see what difference their views made
Making it easier to take part
We want everyone to have a fair chance to be involved.
This includes:
- Clear, simple language
- Accessible buildings and online meetings
- Support for communication or sensory needs
- Quiet spaces and breaks
- Friendly, supportive, consistent staff
Accessibility information should be clear and kept up to date.
Planning meetings and activities
When sessions are planned with families and young people, we:
- Are clear about the purpose
- Choose times that work for those involved
- Ask about SEND or medical needs in advance
- Get consent from parents and carers when needed
- Meet in places where people feel comfortable
- Explain what will happen next
Sessions should feel safe, relaxed and welcoming.
“You said, we did” – sharing what changed
If you give your time and share your views, you should be told what happened.
We will explain:
- What changed because of your views
- What was possible
- What was not possible and why
Feedback may be shared through meetings, emails, the Local Offer website, videos or social media.
Remember
- Your views matter
- Working together makes things better
- You have the right to be listened to