SOfS campaign to introduce SEND education into the curriculum
One of Shout Out for SEND’s actions as part of our Children and Young People’s plan is to push for more SEND teaching to students in order to promote a more inclusive environment in schools. Since our meeting around this important issue (click the button below to find out about it), Sam, our lead worker, and Serena, our acting chair, have been working hard on making sure this is heard locally and nationally.
Department for Education’s response to our open letter
Laura Kyrke-Smith MP shared our letter on our behalf to Catherine McKinnell MP, the Minister for School Standards. Click below to see Catherine’s response to what we had to say.
Read the DfE’s response to our letter
Being included in the National Youth Shadow Panel’s report
We were also heard at the Youth Shadow Panel’s Curriculum and Assessment review. Sam attended their publication event at the Houses of Parliament, where they mentioned the importance of this issue within their wide spanning, insightful report. This report engaged with over 750 young people, and the organisations they work with represent 10.5 million young people.
Following listening to our voices at Shout Out for SEND, their report specifically recommends: “The curriculum should include reference to neurodiversity and SEND, and how neurodiverse or disabled students might experience and present the symptoms of adverse mental health differently to their neurotypical and/or non-disabled peers.”
Impact in Buckinghamshire
Sam has been working with Carol Stottor, the council’s PSHE lead, to explore what impact our Shout Out for SEND Reps can have in our area.
In September 2025, Carol shared our ideas and insights with all PSHE leads in the county to promote their understanding of the importance of SEND education in schools.
She also promoted the use of LEANS (Learning About Neurodiversity at School) which are free lesson plans for teachers to educate students (ages 8-11) on including people with SEND.
If you’d like to find out more about Shout Out for SEND, email ShoutOutforSEND@Buckinghamshire.gov.uk.