Parents, carers, children, young people and practitioners are being asked to complete a short confidential survey to help shape services for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in Somerset.
Somerset County Council, together with NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group and the Somerset Parent Carer Forum, are keen to hear views of:
- children and young people who have SEND,
- their parents, carers and families, and
- the practitioners who support them.
The survey, called the 360 Survey, is open until Friday 9 July. Anyone in these groups is encouraged to get involved to share what has gone well, to tell their experience of services, and provide suggestions they may have for how things can be improved.
The 360 Survey is anonymous and confidential.
The short online survey will close on Friday 9 July at midnight. People are encouraged to complete it here: www.somerset.gov.uk/360survey
Councillor Frances Nicholson, Somerset County Council’s Lead Member for Children Services, said: “We are keen to listen to children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to their families and carers, and to the staff who support them. We need to hear their views on SEND services in Somerset, so that we can ensure our plans best meet the needs of our children and young people with SEND now and in the future.
“The 360 Survey is a really important way for you to tell us what we need to know. You have until Friday 9 July at midnight to have your say and I encourage parents, carers, young people and practitioners alike to please complete the short online survey and let us know your thoughts.”
Becky Applewood, Deputy Director of Women’s and Children’s Health for Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, said “It is important that as many people as possible complete this survey to help us understand what we need to do to make our services better. Anyone involved in SEND services in Somerset has a vital part to play in helping us to make sure the services and plans we develop for the children and young people of Somerset are right for them and meet their needs. This is only possible if people share their views and let us know what is important to them.
“The survey does not take long to complete, but it provides a crucial insight into how we are doing now; allowing us better plan our services and ensure that properly support those that need them the most.”
Tina Emery, Director, Somerset Parent Carer Forum, said: “The 360 survey has been really helpful in looking at systems across Somerset, however to get a better picture and a better understanding of what really is happening, not just by those who receive the services, but by those who provide them, we need everyone to take part.
“We can only change systems if we know what needs changing, but also looking at services which everyone thinks are good and learn from them.”
If anyone would prefer to complete a paper copy, or needs help to complete the survey, contact the Somerset Parent Carer Forum in one of the following ways:
- Email: getinvolved@somersetparentcarerforum.org.uk
- Call: 01458 259384
- Text: 07543 680365
The results of the survey will be published on Somerset’s Local Offer website later this year.
