Council launches new SEND and Alternative Provision strategy at event for young people

Hundreds of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Sutton attended the Council’s third Preparation for Adulthood event on 7 November at Westcroft Leisure Centre.

Preparing for adulthood is important for all young people, but it is particularly important for young people with SEND as it can be harder for these young people to access ongoing educational opportunities, employment, health services, and to live independent lives. Our Preparation for Adulthood event offered an opportunity for young people with SEND from a variety of different Sutton schools to meet with different services, organisations, community groups and charities from across the borough to learn about the support available to enable them to prepare for adulthood and to live more independently. 

As well as stalls about independence, community inclusion, education/employment, and health, there were also organised games, fun activities and a free raffle hosted by the Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Colin Stears with the support of student volunteers, prizes were kindly donated by staff and local businesses.

Preparation for Adulthood forms part of the Council’s new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy 2024-27. 

The three-year SEND and AP strategy was created in partnership with parents, children and young people and professionals. 

Councillor Marian James, Chair of Sutton Council’s People Committee, said: “Our three-year strategy sets out the wide range of ambitious changes we’re making together with our partners to make Sutton an inclusive borough for all. 

“There are so many people and services in Sutton who have such a passion for supporting young people with SEND, and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in last week's fantastic event!”

Event sponsors South London Partnership, said: “For the third year in a row, the South London Careers Hub is pleased to have sponsored the Preparing for Adulthood SEND event in Sutton. These events are vitally important, highlighting to young people, their families and wider networks, the support available across the borough and helping them prepare and move forward into adulthood. It was inspiring to see so many young people in attendance and we were encouraged to see the large number of organisations who were out in force, committed to supporting every young person take their best next step.”

Twelve young people with SEND were also invited to the Civic Offices to use their individual skills and talents to help in planning the event. Supported by staff and parents/carers, they helped by designing event posters, building a model of a house, planning activities, and discussing ideas and formats for a short promotional film about the event. On the day, we had 3 young people helping on the stalls and with filming. These young people have played a key role in helping with this year's event!

Thank you to all those who took part in the event.