Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)
What’s it all about?
The Young People’s Advisory Group is a friendly and informal group of Secondary school students who meet regularly to play games, shape our local offer for SEND, and meet with guest speakers.
As a YPAG member you will meet regularly either online or face to face. We start with some fun games before moving onto a topic. You can share your views on things such as:
- How can we make life better for young people with SEND?
- What different courses would you like to be available when you leave school?
- What activities would you like to have in your local area?
- What can we do to make it easier and safer for young people to travel about in NEL?
Joining YPAG- the student’s view
Who will be in the group with me?
The group usually has two students from each school along with their SENCo or TA. The group is coordinated by Lauren Thompson, SEND Local Offer Engagement Coordinator and Communications Officer. Sometimes we might have guests speakers.
Do I have to write?
No. We are interested in your thoughts, opinions and ideas and we can write this down.
What if I change my mind about the group?
That’s fine. Just let your tutor or teaching assistant know.
Do I have to talk in front of other people?
It’s great if you do feel confident enough to talk in the group and give your views but nobody will ask you to stand up and speak or pick you out for a question. If you feel like joining in, that’s brilliant, if you are having a quite week, that’s okay too.
Don’t forget your Tutor or Teaching Assistant will be there.
Join YPAG
If you would like to know more about YPAG, or your school would like to get involved, then please contact lauren.thompson2@nelincs.gov.uk.
What’s on this year?
Friday 29 September- Together again. New starters. Post 16 YPAG update. Agenda. Games
Thursday 26 October- Preparation for Adulthood and transitions
Friday 24 November- Involving children and young people in recruiting for children’s services
Friday 15 December- Christmas celebration
Friday 26 January- Transport- getting around in our local area
Friday 23 February- SEND Awards 2024 judging panel with special guests
Friday 22 March- Easter celebration
Friday 26 April- TBC
Friday 31 May- Delivering Better Value in SEND
Friday 28 June- Summer celebration
July SEND Awards
Feedback
Feedback about YPAG can be shared on this short form. SEND Feedback Form | QuestionPro Survey
Looking back
In the 2022/23 academic year the group grew to nine schools, including students from mainstream and special schools.
On Monday 15 May, students will meet once again at Grimsby Town Hall. This is a special occasion as YPAG members will meet with special guests to make up the judging panel and pick the winners of the SEND Awards!
There were over 180 nominations. It was a difficult decision with every nomination shining in it’s own way. But with a lot of careful thought and deliberation nominations were shortlisted to the top three candidates for each award.
Students will also get a tour of the Time Trap museum and lunch.
In March the group met face to face for the first time since covid at Blundell Park. They were hosted by Grimsby Town Sports and Education Trust.
The Special Educational Needs… – North East Lincolnshire Council | Facebook
The group had a tour of the stadium and learned about the history of the team, the stadium, their supporters, and more.
The students gave their views on inclusion at their schools. Their views will be used in the Delivering Better Value in SEND project. NELC SEND Local Offer | Delivering Better Value in SEND (nelincs.gov.uk).
“Thank you for having Humberston, the kids were in their element after the trip. Great time had by us all ❤️”
The YPAG group restarted for the 2022/23 school year and we were pleased to see some returning students and some new faces. We welcomed back our regularly attending schools from 2021 and were happy to have the participation of two new schools Learning 4 Life GY, and John Whitgift.
Students were brought up to speed on the development of the second year of the SEND Awards, a very special ceremony that brought joy to many local people in our borough.
Picking up the mantel for this year, the group cast nominations for their teachers, support staff, and peers. Even the TA’s and SENCo’s got involved nominating students and colleagues.
Content coming shortly. Check back to see what the previous groups have accomplished!