Cumberland SEND and Alternative Provision Partnership launch their first Annual SEND Surveys

The 2 surveys, 1 for children and young people and 1 for parents and carers, intend to capture the voices of the SEND community in Cumberland. The feedback will be used to understand the effectiveness of SEND services and provision, including education, health, and social care services, as well as identify gaps and areas for development within the SEND system.  

Both surveys were co-produced, with the parent/carer survey being designed with SENDAC, as well as parents and carers from the wider community. The children and young people’s survey was designed with Unique Voices, a new active participation group for young people with SEND supported by Cumberland Council. There is also an accessible ‘Widgit’ version of the children and young people’s survey, which features pictures and diagrams to support with reading and understanding of the questions being asked.  

The Cumberland SEND and Alternative Provision Partnership would encourage any children and young people with SEND and their parents and carers to please compete the relevant survey. The survey will be open until Friday, 7 March 2025, with a public report to be published by the end of April 2025.   

Cllr Elaine Lynch, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning and Development for Cumberland Council said: 

"These surveys are a great opportunity for the Cumberland SEND and Alternative Provision Partnership to know the experiences and views of our young people with SEND and their parents and carers. This is vital for the Cumberland area to establish how our SEND services are currently performing, where the strengths are and where we can make improvements. I would strongly encourage you all (any children and young people with SEND and their parents and carers) to complete your relevant survey to ensure your voices are heard and helping to inform our work going forward.”