Tameside SEND Co-production Charter: Strengthening Partnerships for Lasting Change
In October 2025, Tameside restarted its work to design a SEND Co-production Charter – a milestone in our journey to embed meaningful co-production across the Local Area Partnership (LAP) for SEND. This refreshed version builds on earlier work and now serves as a strategic tool to support the delivery of our SEND Strategy and Priority Action Plan, ensuring that co-production is not only aspirational but embedded in the way we work.
A Charter Built on Collaboration
The charter was co-produced through a series of sessions facilitated by the Council for Disabled Children, using resources provided by the Department for Education. These sessions brought together:
- Children and young people with SEND
- Parents, carers, and their families
- Education, health, and social care professionals
- Voluntary and community sector partners
Together, we explored what co-production means in practice and how it can drive better outcomes for children and young people. We looked at what it meant for us in Tameside, creating the 4C’s of Co-production—a locally defined framework that reflects our shared values and ambitions.
Our Pledge: Five Key Areas for Co-production
As part of our commitment, the charter highlights five specific pieces of work that we pledge to co-produce with families and partners.
SENDIASS Service
Co-produce a more accessible, impartial, and family-informed SENDIASS offer that empowers families to navigate the SEND system confidently.
Target: April 2026
ISCAN Therapies
Develop therapy plans collaboratively with families to ensure advice is tailored and fully reflected in EHCPs.
Target: September 2026
Local Offer Navigation
Improve clarity and accessibility through a co-produced “Who’s Who” resource, helping families know who to contact for support.
Target: September 2026
Preparation for Adulthood (PFA)
Co-design transition plans with young people and families to support seamless pathways into adult life.
Target: September 2026
EHCP Quality and Annual Reviews
Embed co-production in EHCP reviews to ensure plans are person-centred, aspirational, and responsive to changing needs.
Ongoing
A Framework for Action
The updated charter acts as a foundation for improvement, guiding how we work together to:
- Build trust and transparency across the system
- Ensure lived experience informs every stage of service development
- Promote inclusive, person-centred approaches
- Support children and young people to prepare for adulthood with confidence and support
Working with Families
At the heart of this charter is a commitment to working with parents, carers, and their families—not just consulting them, but involving them as equal partners in shaping services. Their insights, experiences, and aspirations are central to how we design, deliver, and evaluate support across education, health, and care.
Looking Ahead
This charter is a living document, evolving with the needs of our community. It will continue to be reviewed and refined as we deliver on our strategic priorities and deepen our commitment to co-production.
Together, we are building a SEND system in Tameside that works with families—not just for them.
Read here: Tameside SEND Co-production Charter and Development Plan
