Bexley Council's Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, to discuss key improvements and ongoing challenges in services for children and young people.

The meeting highlighted the positive impact of the Time 2 Talk youth forum on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services. The forum's work, along with school-based participation and engagement groups, has led to the introduction of additional measures to reduce dog fouling near two Bexley special schools.

Strengthening the Voice of Young People in SEND

Word cloud showing how young people feel when they are listened to, created during a workshop with KIDZ.
Word cloud showing how young people feel when they are listened to, created during a workshop with KIDZ.Source: Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee papers, 14 October 2025

One of the key topics discussed was strengthening the voice of children and young people in SEND services. Wendy Vincent, Head of SEND, noted in the Item 05 - Strengthening the Voice of the Child in SEN document that a SEND Participation and Engagement Officer started in January 2025 and has been instrumental in setting up school groups and regular surveys. Joe, a member of Time 2 Talk, shared his experience: Time to talk has been a lot, it's something different to be fair. It gives you a chance to, like, talk your feelings and have your voice heard.

Grace, another member, highlighted the group's work on accessibility issues, including lowering counters in shops and a wheelchair accessibility audit of Danson Park. The specific outcomes of the audit are not detailed in the meeting information. Wendy Vincent also noted that the group has addressed dog mess outside schools, working with the council to find solutions. The Time 2 Talk group has had a positive impact, resulting in:

  • A co-produced SEND and PfA Strategy and Strategic Action Plan. The meeting information indicates that this plan already exists. There are also plans for a co-designed young people Introduction to Preparing for Adulthood event in October 2025.
  • A better understanding on young people's views on the quality of EHCP annual reviews and EHCP's, Preparing for Adulthood and community safety.
  • A better understanding on the quality and impact of Careers Advice for young people with SEND in Bexley.
  • A co-produced Young Peoples Participation Charter.
  • Leaders of SEND being visible to children and young people and meeting directly with them.
  • Plans for a co-designed young people Introduction to Preparing for Adulthood event in October 2025.
  • The co-design of a vocational profile to be used at all Post 14 EHCP annual reviews.
  • The introduction of additional measures to reduce the level of dog fouling outside 2 Bexley Special Schools.
  • Production of a directory of clubs and leisure activities for young people with SEND in Bexley.
  • A wheelchair accessibility audit of Danson Park.
  • A co-produced SEN Self-Evaluation Framework.

Councillor Ward-Wilson asked Joe and Grace what they get out of being involved in Time to Talk. Joe responded, I'd say you get out of it, you get new friends. You actually, you know, get heard, you know. The main thing you get out of it is, yeah, is meeting new people and actually having your voice heard.

Councillor Craske inquired about recruiting new members. Grace suggested visiting schools and using posters to raise awareness. Wendy Vincent added that they are working with secondary schools and establishing engagement groups in primary schools, focusing on global majority communities and children who don't use voice to speak.

Other Business

The committee also received a six-month update on the recommendations of the Safety Valve Intervention and Support Programme Scrutiny Project Sub-Group and discussed the work programme for the coming year. A visit to the new Shenstone School was scheduled for 20 October 2025.