Launched jointly this week by the council and the NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the ‘7 SEND outcomes’ set out what children, young people, their families and the organisations they’re working with, want to achieve.

Developed in partnership with local children, young people and their families, the 7 SEND outcomes for York are: 

1. I am healthy
2. I have a choice and I am heard
3. I am safe
4. I achieve my goals
5. I am included
6. I can overcome challenges and difficulties on my own or with support
7. I am becoming independent

Each outcome will look different for each child depending on the nature of their disability, so a more in-depth list of descriptors is available on the YorOk website.

Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education at City of York Council, explained: "In York, we want all children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to live the best lives they can.

"That’s why the council and the NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group have worked with parents, carers and young people to jointly produce this new outcomes framework. 

“It will enable us and our partners to measure how effective we are in supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, helping us to commission new services, check the quality of our work and ensure we’re listening to the voices of children and young people."

Michelle Carrington, Executive Director for Quality & Nursing at NHS Vale of York CCG, said: "The SEND Outcomes Framework reflects the strength of the partnership and joint working approach between the CCG and Council towards the improvement of services and support for children with additional needs.  

"CCG and health providers have worked positively with Council, parents and children and young people across a range of health matters to promote the outcomes and are seeing a positive impact on provision and support."