Voices into Action (VIA) Toolkit

A digital resource supporting learner and family participation in educational decision-making

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UK (England)

Researching the educational experiences of young people with special educational needs and disabilities

About:

The UK (England) Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been working to improve data coverage and evidence base over children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England. In 2022, the ONS conducted a qualitative study involving 62 young people with SEND between the ages of 11 and 16, looking at their educational experiences, preferences and needs. Parents, caregivers and a small sample of school staff were also included.

Outcomes:

The ONS published a report summarising the study’s findings, which included:

  • the strategies young people use to manage their learning and emotional well-being;
  • consequences of unmet educational needs (e.g. isolation and exclusion) and preferences for support needs being met;
  • young people’s views on what schools should do more of, including staff training;
  • that good communication and relationships between families, young people and staff have a positive impact;
  • young people’s view on how schools could promote inclusion, including recognising achievements beyond academic grades;
  • families experiencing difficulties navigating the system.

Read the full report and access the young person friendly version.

Key element(s) of the VIA Framework:

This is a clear example of SPACE, VOICE and AUDIENCE. The ONS provided participants with a formalised, supportive forum to share their experiences and perspectives with researchers at the national level. Though this study could inform future policy development, its purpose was to fill a gap in evidence around educational experiences of young people with SEND, not to make definitive recommendations for policy-makers.