On behalf of the Yorkshire and Humber SEND Youth Alliance, I’m pleased to share the Children and Young People’s Change Programme Report, co-produced with our peer researchers (SEND young people), CYP CP Report Final where 82 young people took part across West Yorkshire. This report captures their lived experiences in education and highlights key challenges such as:
- Limited awareness of educational rights
- Inconsistent and ineffective support
- Bullying and discrimination in schools
- Lack of preparation for adulthood and independence
You said: Many young people didn’t know their educational rights.
We did: The Yorkshire SEND Youth Alliance have created an Education Rights Guide to empower SEND young people to understand and advocate for their entitlements Education rights guide for SEND young people
While the report identifies significant challenges, it also celebrates positive experiences where young people felt supported and inspired:
- Colleges and smaller schools provided safe, inclusive environments.
- Supportive staff and mentors helped young people feel valued and respected.
- Practical learning opportunities like budgeting, cooking classes, and creative subjects boosted confidence and independence.
Why this matters for staff:
These sessions are not only an opportunity for young people to have their voices heard—they also help staff gain first-hand insights into the barriers and successes experienced by SEND learners. This can inform practice, improve inclusion strategies, and strengthen relationships between educators and students.
Call to Action:
✅ If you are based in West Yorkshire (change programme pilot areas Bradford, Wakefield, Calderdale and Leeds )and you would like us to visit your setting and run an interactive workshop with SEND learners to share the findings and co-produce solutions, please reply to this email to book a date.
✅ Share our Education Support Survey with young people in your school or college to help inform your setting and review the support SEND learners receive:
https://forms.gle/u384F2DVcETX1bDy5
I just want to thank all the education settings and organisations that took part in the first phase of the peer research! We would like to re-visit your groups in West Yorkshire so please get back In touch!