Inclusion is at the heart of our work at the council, and this week we’ve published our new Local Area Inclusion Plan, setting out clearly how we’re tackling important matters such as health, community, and job opportunities for Derby’s children and young people, particularly for those who with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those in Alternative Provision (AP).
Following consultation with over 2,000 Derby stakeholders, including schools, children and young people, parent/carers and families, we’ve set out three core aims, underpinned with objectives and practical plans to make sure that children and young people ages 0-25 are supported to achieve strong outcomes and positive destinations.
The three interconnected aims are:
- Aim 1 - Champion an ambitious and inclusive city
- Aim 2 - Meet the needs of our children at the right time and place
- Aim 3 - A strong, collaborative system that helps our children live their best life.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, describes the importance of this collaborative approach to strategy:
Our children and young people deserve the very best from those who are making decisions on their behalf. Through co-production with these youngsters, this plan sets out how we effectively prepare them for the future and get them closer to the labour market, developing clear pathways with support from businesses.
This ensures that Derby’s young people feel supported, empowered and included, and that their voice has been heard and acted upon.
At its core, the Local Area Inclusion Plan promotes inclusion across the community and in mainstream settings, finding ways to support young people earlier and reducing the pressures on specialist services. In consultation with young people, the plan sets out six key outcomes that Derby’s young people have stated are vital to living their best life.
These are:
- I have real-life experiences, learning opportunities, good careers advice and guidance, and insight into the world of work
- I have a plan for my future
- I am active, independent and take part in my local community
- I enjoy good physical and mental health and live a healthy lifestyle
- I am supported to dream big
- Those that care for me understand how they can help me and realise my potential.
Andy Smith CBE, Strategic Director of People Services, explains:
Every child in Derby deserves to be seen, heard, and supported to thrive. This plan is our commitment—to work together across services so children, young people, and their families get the right help at the right time, for the brightest futures possible.
Sharon Buckby, Director of Learning, Inclusion and Skills, is confident that this plan will lead to better outcomes for Derby’s children and young people. She said:
Our holistic approach to inclusion means that we are supporting children and young people at the right time, in the right place with a focus on early intervention.
We do also understand that there is a need for specialist intervention in some cases, and this plan looks to address some of those challenges with long waits for assessment. We are passionate about supporting every young person to achieve their potential.
Jo Hunter, Deputy Chief Nurse, highlighted the collaborative nature of the work:
Collaborative working across the local area, knowledge exchange and an understanding of experiences of the system has really strengthened our approach to inclusion.
Taking a multi-disciplinary approach to areas of need means our response can be strengths based, insightful and targeted, leading to the effective use of resources and best possible outcomes for young people with physical disabilities and special educational needs.
The Local Area Inclusion Plan is available to read on our website, in an easily digestible, at-a-glance format.