Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are being asked to share their views with Hampshire County Council.

The informal consultation, which is open until Sunday, November 3, is seeking the opinions of young people with SEND, their families, and the professionals who work with them.

The aim is to improve SEND services and participation opportunities in Hampshire.

The consultation has been launched to coincide with National Inclusion Week, which runs from Monday, September 23 to Sunday, September 29.

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Cllr Steve Forster, executive member for education, said: "We are committed to achieving the best outcomes for all young people in Hampshire.

"By inviting those with additional needs to share their insights, we ensure our conversations are inclusive and valuable."

The consultation is part of the council's ongoing commitment to engaging young people with additional needs which lies at the heart of our work with the SEND Youth Forum.

Established earlier this year, the forum empowers young people aged 14 to 25 to voice their opinions and drive positive change.

He added: "By participating, young people can shape their own futures.

"Insights from the forum will support educational practices, curriculum development, and support services, giving them a sense of ownership in decision-making."

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The consultation is available online in an easy-to-read format and is fully anonymised.

For queries or to request the consultation in another language or format, individuals can call 01962 846193 or email participation.lifelong.learning@hants.gov.uk.

In addition to launching the consultation, the county council is also using National Inclusion Week to call on local businesses to provide more employment opportunities for young people with SEND through its Supported Internship Programme.

This is a comprehensive programme of study and unpaid on-the-job training, funded by the Government, which builds a range of essential skills to help SEND young people enter the workforce.

The county council is planning a 'reverse jobs fair' at its Winchester headquarters on Thursday, November 14, where potential interns will be matched with organisations.