Corona Virus
Learning from lockdown
Parents and carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are being asked to help Northumberland County Council understand the impact COVID-19 has had on them and their families.
A survey looking into the impact that COVID-19 has had on learning and the health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families with SEND in Northumberland is being undertaken. This will help the Council and NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (the CCG) better understand how residents can be supported in times such as these and identify anything we may need to do differently moving forwards.
Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director with responsibility for Adult and Children’s services said: “It is important for our team to touch base with our young people and families on this, so we can appropriately review our plans, and ensure any issues that have risen due to the pandemic are considered.”
The Northumberland 2019-2022 Strategy for Special Educational Needs already sets out the local partnership’s vision for developing and improving the support provided for the children and young people with additional needs and their families, but the pandemic has shown other barriers can be faced bringing the need for more input from families and young people.
“We want to give parents the confidence that their child is receiving the best support possible, but we are aware that during these times difficulties are being faced. This survey will help us understand those challenges, and help us to learn and adapt from this in the future” continued Cath.
The Council and the CCG recognise the role and responsibility that parents and carers have in influencing and shaping the experiences of their children and young people, they are the ones that know them best.
Councillor Wayne Daley, Cabinet Member with a special interest in Children’s Services said: “By working together now, and in the future the Council and the CCG can ensure that children, young people and their families will continue to receive the support and encouragement they need in order to reach their full potential and be effectively prepared for adult life.
“I encourage those who are supported by our SEND services to get involved in the survey, and help us shape a service plan to meet your needs.”
The survey is available now, and can be accessed online HERE until Friday, 14 August.
Northumberland Parent Carer Forum said: “This is a great opportunity for our voices to be heard. It will act as a sounding board for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and will feed into a future plan of support for our community. We are encouraging all parents and carers to feedback into this survey, and support the Council in moving this forward so they can further support us.”
Siobhan Brown, Chief Operating Officer for the CCG said: “It’s vital that we hear your views so we can reflect on the impact that COVID-19 has had on children and young people using SEND services and their families. Your feedback will help us keep improving and understand what has worked well, and what hasn’t to ensure we can provide the best possible services to support you.”
Paper copies of the survey can be requested by email to karen.davison01@
