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 and helping to shape 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.

Get Involved

Throughout the year there will be a range of opportunities for children and young people with SEND, parents and carers to share their views and help shape services, support and information.

You can get involved through:

  • Question of the Month activities
  • SEND Community Lounge discussions
  • School and college engagement activities
  • Local Offer feedback opportunities
  • Surveys, consultations and participation projects

We'll be gathering feedback on topics that matter to children, young people and families, including:

  • Education and support
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Inclusion and belonging
  • Transition and preparing for adulthood
  • Employment and future opportunities
  • Feeling safe in school, online and in the community
  • Information, advice and support
  • The Local Offer

We'll also share regular You Said, We Did updates so you can see how your feedback is helping to influence services and support for children and young people with SEND.

Your voice matters and there are lots of ways to get involved. Check this page regularly for current opportunities and updates.

Working Together in Stoke-on-Trent

We involve children, young people and families in many ways, including youth engagement sessions, participation activities, consultations and ongoing conversations.

Our engagement activities are designed to be:

  • 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 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, using visual supports, videos or 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 set out 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 children, young people and families 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: 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: 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: Young people sharing views through local youth participation 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 provided so 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 and consistent staff

Accessibility information should be clear and kept up to date.

We also work with schools, colleges, community organisations and trusted partners to help us hear from a wider range of children, young people and families, including those who may face barriers to participation.

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

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 action was taken
  • What was possible
  • What was not possible and why

Feedback and updates may be shared through:

  • The Local Offer website
  • Newsletters
  • SEND Community Lounge
  • Schools and colleges
  • Social media
  • Meetings and events

Remember

  • Your views matter
  • Working together makes things better
  • You have the right to be listened to
  • There are lots of ways to get involved
  • Your feedback can help improve services and support for children and young people with SEND

Thank you for helping us shape services and support across Stoke-on-Trent.

Useful links

Organisations and services directory