What does Good Look Like?

30/09/2024

PACC has recently been involved in discussions about how the effectiveness of the Shropshire SEND system is measured, as part of the development of a Shropshire SEND Outcomes Framework. 

The aim of the SEND system is to support children and young people with SEND 0-25 years, to achieve the best possible outcomes in their lives. This can include many things; academic achievement, good health, having a role in their community etc.  Collecting data about waiting times, exam results, exclusions etc is important but so is listening to the experience of SEND young people and their families and understanding what good looks like for them.

Its helpful to have a framework to describe what a good life might look like when we are considering what support children and young people with SEND might need, this is particularly important as young people prepare for and transition to adulthood. PACC has been considering how we could use the seven areas outlined in the table below to describe the quality of life experienced by an individual and what indicators could be used to measure it.

Quality of life domains and some indicators (Shalock et al, 2002, Bigby et al, 2014)

We feel that the seven ‘domains’ in the table enable a more realistic and comprehensive consideration of what is working or not working in a young persons life, and enables a discussion that doesn’t just focus on acedemic attainment to happen.  It is important that the system thinks about how the emotional and physical wellbeing of young people with SEND is supported, alongside what will give their life purpose, regardless of ability or acedemic achievement.

A consultation about the Shropshire SEND Outcomes Framework is currently being planned and information will be shared by PACC when this is available.  We will continue to promote the understanding of what needs to happen to improve the lives of children and young people with SEND in the widest sense.  If you have any questions or feedback on any of the above please email Sarah on enquiries@paccshropshire.org.uk