Feedback Friday

This week, the focus has been on improving the quality assurance of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) at County Hall. A key area of attention was ensuring the child’s voice in Section A is clearly reflected throughout the EHCP and that their aspirations are captured in a meaningful way. This work highlights the importance of truly understanding what children want to express.

Understanding the Child’s Voice in EHCPs

Capturing a child’s voice is not always straightforward. For example, one child expressed a wish: “When I grow up, I’d like to be a butterfly.” At first glance, this might seem whimsical or unclear. However, through sensitive questioning and time, it became clear the child meant they wanted to “fly” — to move freely and play with other children without adult supervision. This insight came from a case study shared by the Council for Disabled Children (CDC), showing how important it is to explore beyond the literal meaning.

This example reminds us that children’s aspirations often carry deeper meanings. Professionals working on EHCPs need to listen carefully and ask the right questions to understand what children truly want. This approach helps ensure that EHCPs reflect the child’s hopes and needs accurately.

Capturing Voices of Non-Verbal Children

Another challenge discussed was how to include the views of non-verbal children. It is essential that these children’s perspectives are not overlooked. Various methods can help gather their input, such as:

• Observing body language and facial expressions

• Using communication aids like picture boards or technology

• Involving parents, carers, and professionals who know the child well

• Creating safe, supportive environments where children feel comfortable expressing themselves

  
  

These approaches ensure that every child’s voice is represented meaningfully in their EHCP, regardless of how they communicate.

Progress on EHCP Backlog and Next Steps

Michelle White shared encouraging news about the backlog of new EHCPs that were overdue by more than 20 weeks. This backlog has now been reduced to zero, a significant achievement considering the number of EHCPs in Leicestershire has grown to around 8,000. This progress shows the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the process.

With the backlog cleared, the focus will now shift to Annual Reviews. These reviews are crucial for updating EHCPs to reflect children’s changing needs and aspirations over time.

Representing Your Voices in National SEND Discussions

This week also included participation in the CDC members’ meeting, where voices from across the SEND community were represented. Many charities and organisations came together to discuss the upcoming SEND White Paper, which is expected to be published and open for consultation at the end of January. This White Paper will shape future policies and practices, so staying informed and engaged will be important.

More details about the SEND White Paper will be shared in the next newsletter later this month.