This seminar explores how to embed children and young people’s rights in mainstream classrooms, with a SEND focus. Drawing on participation and co-production frameworks from the National Children’s Bureau and developmental, person-centred approaches promoted by the Council for Disabled Children, it moves beyond tokenistic consultation to meaningful influence. Delegates will reflect some of the barriers limiting SEND pupil participation, explore practical communication-access strategies, and apply regulation-informed, person-centred approaches. By the end, participants will understand the difference between voice, participation, and influence, and identify clear next steps to strengthen inclusive practice and ensure pupil contributions shape classroom and leadership decisions.

Target audience: SENCO’s / Leaders, Practitioners / Support staff, Local Authority Staff

Target Key Stage: KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4 

Settings Targeted: School
SEND Focus: We will look to give examples which reflect the wide range of different needs 
Related Policy: N/A
Audience Stage: Level 1-2
Learning outcomes: 

• Distinguish between voice, participation and influence.
• Identify barriers limiting SEND pupil participation.
• Apply practical communication-access strategies in the classroom.
• Use person-centred and regulation-informed approaches to strengthen pupil voice.
• Move from consultation to genuine shared influence.
• Identify clear next steps for their setting.