National SEND Best Practice Conference 2024
Earlier this year, there was a celebration of teamwork and partnership in SEND at the National SEND Best Practice Conference 2024.
One of our young people, Jimmy, accompanied by Heather, Aisia, and his dad Gary, embarked on an exciting journey to the conference. Travelling by train and taxi, Jimmy’s adventure wasn’t just about reaching a destination – it was a celebration of all of his hard work and dedication in improving participation and SEND services for many young people.
The Conference
Hosted on March 12th, the conference brought together 100 leaders, children, young people, and parents & carers, all working towards inclusive cultures and positive outcomes for those with SEND.
Among the attendees, Jimmy stood out as a finalist for the young people’s Hero Category, showcasing his remarkable contributions to the SEND community.
More about Jimmy
Jimmy’s nomination was a recognition of his collaborative work with organisations like Kids Young People’s Participation Team (YPPT), The Collective, and Making Participation Work.
Through his efforts, Jimmy has advocated for improved participation and SEND services, amplifying the voices of young people like himself and paving the way for a more inclusive future.
Jimmy’s Speech
I am so proud to even be nominated for this award, let alone be here as a finalist. Knowing how amazing the other finalists are, I never in a million years thought I would be here receiving this. It really is an honour.
As you heard my name is Jimmy and I am now a volunteer for kids. I have been with Kids charity as a young person since I was 12, which seems like a very long time ago!
Working with Kids and the participation team has helped me to develop my confidence, learn new skills and be able to help others learn from my experiences. Helping people see how important it is that all young people have the chance to heard, and that we want to be heard.
The Kids Collective is now making it possible for so many more young people with SEND to be involved in national work, making a meaningful difference to all services. The project is funded by the Department for Education, but they encourage us to work with health services as well as local authorities.
I am so excited to be co-chairing the working party for the next Collective Get Together in August – this is a chance for us to come together, in person and online, and really dive deeper in to SEND reform work – ensuring change has young people’s voices at the heart.
Part of the reason I am as passionate and active as I am is because of the Kids team. They say I am an inspiration but really this goes two ways. Without their encouragement, motivation and support I would not be the empowered young man I am today with the drive to make sure every young person with SEND has the opportunity to be heard!
We’re so proud of Jimmy here at Kids, and know he has a continued bright future ahead of him – Well done Jimmy!
We are so proud of everything Jimmy has achieved on his participation journey with Kids. We can now welcome Jimmy to Team Kids as he has recently become a volunteer to carry on this amazing work. Well done Jimmy, a well deserved win.
Heather & the KIDS team
