Our SEND Young Inspectors programme gives young people the chance to visit places, try out activities, and share honest feedback about what works well – and what could be better – for people with SEND.
This inspection was our very first one, and it was led by Cadence, one of our amazing Shout Out for SEND Reps. They visited the Waterside Theatre during their pantomime performance to see how inclusive, accessible and welcoming it felt for young people with SEND.
This case study shares what they found, what they enjoyed, and what they thinks could help make the experience even better for future young people.
Why do we do SEND Young Inspections?
We do them because young people are the experts of their own experiences.
Inspections help us:
- Make sure places in Bucks are inclusive and accessible
- Show organisations what young people with SEND need to feel comfortable and safe
- Highlight what already works well
- Share real experiences so other young people know what to expect
- Encourage places to make positive, meaningful changes
- Celebrate organisations that are doing great things
Every inspection is about improving Buckinghamshire’s inclusion. It’s about listening, learning, and making things better together.
What Cadence found:
Cadence shared lots of helpful thoughts during their visit. Here are the main themes from their inspection:
✔️ Welcoming Staff
Cadence found that staff were friendly, supportive and helped them feel at ease.
✔️ Clear Information
They felt the theatre explained things well, which helped them understand what to expect.
✔️ Sensory Considerations
They commented on things like lighting, noise levels and crowding – and shared ideas to make the space feel even more comfortable for people with sensory needs.
✔️ Accessibility
Cadence looked at how easy it was to move around the building, how visible signs were, and whether the space felt easy to navigate.
✔️ Ideas for Improvements
They suggested small but important changes that could help future performances feel even more inclusive, such as clearer options and signage for quieter spaces or more sensory‑friendly adjustments.
Their feedback will help the theatre continue making their shows welcoming for all young people.
For more information
If you’d like to find out more about Shout Out for SEND, email ShoutOutforSEND@Buckinghamshire.gov.uk.