In her latest column, Councillor Nadine Peatfield talks about investing in inclusive school provision and supporting our young people to reach their potential:

As parents, we want to do the best for our children, and we want the reassurance of knowing that support will be there to help us, should we need it. So national headlines about the significant pressures facing the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and inclusion system are understandably concerning.

While we’re upfront about saying that Derby shares these challenges, we’re also passionate about providing the best possible support for children and young people with SEND and their families.

We’re focusing on meeting the needs of our children as early as possible with the right support, at the right time, in the right place – working closely with schools, families, and community partners to help young people reach their full potential, creating a city that’s inclusive and ambitious for all.

Over two years, we’re investing £24 million in 400 extra school places, through enhanced resource provisions in mainstream school and specialist placements. With our health partners, we’re working with all schools to provide more specialist support as part of their offer for children with SEND.

We’re working closely with schools to make sure they’re inclusive and supportive places for all children, with almost all of Derby’s schools signed up to our Inclusion Charter. Special schools are actively supporting mainstream schools to ensure all children receive the support they need. We’ve trained more than 2,000 teachers to support children who have experienced trauma and, with health colleagues, we’re focusing on targeted mental health support in schools.

All this means more children can be closer to family and friends and get the education they need within their own community, without having to travel outside the area. We know many young people with additional learning needs can make better, more sustained progress when they’re at mainstream schools with their peers and friends, with more going on to employment, education, and training.

Evidence shows our responsiveness has improved in the past 12 months and our Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) timeliness has been 100% over the last 4 months. There are 4,000 children and young people aged 0–25 with an EHCP in Derby and 96% of schools report that parents say they’ve had a good experience, with their child’s needs being met.

It’s not just about schools – we’re collaborating with partners on a new post-16 SEND Skills Centre to support young people as they transition into adulthood, helping them with careers, further education, and developing the skills they need to live independently and have successful careers.

The Derby Promise is a fantastic example of our inclusive approach, bringing all our young people together for a series of exciting events to raise their aspirations, develop their skills, and explore the world of work. As a Councillor, I’ve met children who have never left their neighbourhood, let alone visited the city centre or beyond. Encouraging them to think beyond their horizons at a young age is the best gift we can give them.

Hundreds of children have taken part in events including the Festival of Ideas, focused on science and climate action, Derby DreamFest, a day of story-telling and cultural activity, and the Festival of Sport. These events are a wonderful way for young people to connect, learn, and grow as individuals and find out what they are passionate about. 

As a mum of two, I know it’s really important we listen to parents, carers, and young people themselves. Derby's Parent Carer Forum plays a vital role in helping us understand the experiences of families, and we’re working with 100 young people across the city as SEND Ambassadors.

I recognise that, while most children with SEND in Derby have positive experiences, there are instances where families may not receive the right support at the right time. I want to make sure we understand and learn from these experiences. To enable us to hear directly from families, we’ve launched a series of ‘Let's Talk SEND’ events across the city. More information can be found on Derby’s SEND Local Offer Facebook page.

We want every child and young person with SEND to flourish and live their best lives. That’s why we’re working with families, schools, and health services to build an ambitious and inclusive city where every child can thrive.