Families, carers, professionals and people with lived experience came together on 7 October to help shape the future of accessible outdoor provision in the local area at Haydon Wick Parish Council’s SEND Consultation Brunch.
Hosted by Councillors Vinay Manro and Leanne Stevenson, the event brought together a wide range of stakeholders to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore opportunities for improving outdoor spaces for children, young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The event welcomed valuable contributions from Infinity Playgrounds, Harlequin Group, Mums on a Mission, Teamability, Uplands Trust, GLL Haydon Centre, SEND school staff, support workers and residents from Argyll House. The Parish Council would also like to thank Little Grazey for providing the brunch platters that helped create a welcoming environment for open and constructive discussions.
The consultation formed part of the Parish Council’s early fact-finding work to better understand whether there is a need for additional inclusive outdoor provision within the community and, if so, what that provision could look like. It does not represent a commitment to a specific project, site or funding arrangement, but rather an opportunity to listen, learn and gather evidence to inform future decision-making.
A key theme emerging from the discussions was the need for improved opportunities for older children, teenagers and young adults with SEND. Participants highlighted that opportunities for play, recreation, social interaction and wellbeing should continue beyond childhood, helping to reduce social isolation and support greater independence.
Attendees shared ideas about what a genuinely inclusive outdoor space might include. Suggestions ranged from integrated accessible play equipment and sensory experiences to nature-based activities, quiet spaces, accessible routes and facilities designed to accommodate a wide range of physical, sensory and developmental needs. Feedback also highlighted the importance of creating spaces where people of different ages and abilities can spend time together, rather than separating users into dedicated areas.
The consultation reinforced the importance of involving people with lived experience throughout any future stages of exploration and development. Families, carers, support workers and SEND communities highlighted the need for ongoing engagement to ensure any future proposals are informed by real experiences and practical needs.
Alongside discussions about a dedicated inclusive space, participants also highlighted opportunities to improve accessibility across existing parks and play areas, helping to create a more inclusive environment throughout the wider community.
What Happens Next?
The Parish Council will now continue gathering evidence and feedback from residents, families, SEND organisations, care providers and education settings. Further work will include exploring local needs, assessing potential locations, considering accessibility requirements, identifying possible funding opportunities and engaging with relevant partners.
Several locations have been identified for initial investigation and further discussion at the relevant Committee meetings.
Future engagement activities may include visits to local SEND care homes, discussions with SEND secondary schools and colleges, ongoing engagement with community organisations and further Community Led Action Plan sessions.
This ongoing work will help ensure that any future recommendations are evidence-based, financially sustainable, informed by lived experience and reflective of the needs of the community.
Residents who were unable to attend the consultation brunch can still share their views by completing the online survey:
For further information, please contact the Deputy Clerk, HR & Services Manager at deputyclerk@haydonwick.gov.uk.
Haydon Wick Parish Council would like to thank everyone who attended, contributed and shared their experiences. The feedback received will play an important role in helping inform future discussions and ensuring that any potential next steps are inclusive, proportionate and shaped by the community they aim to serve.
