On Friday 3 July, more than 60 professionals, stakeholders, school leaders, local authority colleagues, health partners, colleagues from the DFE, representatives from OKE and Tameside Umbrella Parent Carer Forum came together for an important workshop focused on Preparing for Significant Change across the Tameside SEND system. The event formed part of a wider programme of improvement activity designed to support the development of a more inclusive, responsive and collaborative system for children and young people with SEND across Tameside.
A huge thank you goes to Kath Bromfield, CDC Associate, for her expertise, support and skilled facilitation throughout this work. Kath has worked alongside colleagues across Tameside to help create the conditions for honest reflection, meaningful collaboration and a shared focus on improvement. We are also incredibly grateful to every professional, stakeholder, school representative and parent carer representative who contributed their time, experience and commitment to the workshop.
One of the most significant moments of the day was the unveiling and celebration of a unique piece of artwork co-produced with children and young people from across Tameside.
As part of the project, children in schools across the borough were asked to share their favourite inclusive spaces, where they have fun and feel they belong, and what inclusion means to them in their school, town or local community.
The responses formed the foundation of a remarkable visual representation of Tameside. Far more than an illustrated map, the artwork captures the voices, experiences and aspirations of children and young people and places them firmly at the centre of our improvement journey.
We hope this serves as a meaningful marker in time — a recognition of where we have been, the challenges that have been faced and our shared commitment to moving forward together. Centred on Tameside’s nine towns, the artwork celebrates the unique identity, places, spaces and communities that help children and young people feel a sense of belonging. Interwoven throughout are the messages shared by children and young people themselves, highlighting what inclusion, safety, acceptance, fairness and opportunity look and feel like in their everyday lives.
More than a map, this piece represents our collective ambition for the future: a system built on collaboration, compassion, curiosity and courage, where every child and young person can thrive within their local community. As we prepare for significant change, it reminds us that whilst each town has its own story, we are united by a shared responsibility to listen, learn and work together to create a more inclusive and responsive SEND system for all.
Importantly, the workshop did not end with reflection alone. Drawing on the themes, challenges and opportunities identified through the CDC engagement work, participants worked together to co-create a series of action plans focused on strengthening collaboration, improving communication, increasing shared understanding of Tameside’s vision for SEND and ensuring that change is experienced positively by children, young people and families.
The actions developed reflect a collective commitment across education, health, local authority services and parent carer representatives to work differently together. They build on the honest conversations held throughout the focus groups and workshop and provide a practical framework for addressing the barriers identified, whilst capitalising on the strengths and dedication that exist across the Tameside partnership.
As these plans move into implementation, they will help shape the next phase of Tameside’s improvement journey, ensuring that the voices of children, young people and families remain central to decision-making and that meaningful progress is made towards a more inclusive, connected and responsive SEND system for all. Further information on the outcomes of the workshop, the agreed priorities and the next steps for delivery will be shared in due course.
Together, we remain committed to listening, learning and working collaboratively to create the very best experiences, opportunities and outcomes for children and young people with SEND across Tameside.