Wirral Unveils Enhanced Co-production Charter to Transform SEND Services
In a collaborative effort involving children, young people, practitioners, parents, and carers, Wirral has revitalised its Co-production Charter, emphasising a commitment to working together to enhance Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. This initiative aligns with the Children and Families Act 2014, reflecting a shared dedication to inclusive practice and amplifying voices within our community.
Co-production, as defined in the charter, is a process where all stakeholders collaborate as equals from the outset, valuing everyone's experiences, voices, and ideas equally.
The Wirral Co-production Charter aims to facilitate a range of improvements, including a better understanding of the local landscape, effective resource targeting, increased accountability, strengthened relationships with families, and the development of engaging and accessible services.
Key Principles of Co-production
To address the evolving needs identified during the Wirral Voices Day and stakeholder conversations, the charter incorporates four cornerstones for effective co-production:
Welcome and Care: Ensuring all voices are heard, creating supportive communities, and creating happy and secure environments.
Value and Include: Promoting a 'can do' approach, involving all partners in decision-making processes, and responding creatively to individual needs.
Communicate: Using clear and positive language, employing inclusive means of communication, and regularly reviewing and evaluating actions with all partners.
Working in Partnership: Providing opportunities for feedback, actively encouraging co-production in decision-making, and fostering equal partnerships among partners.
These cornerstones form the foundation for the principles encapsulated in the WIRRAL approach:
Working Together: Collaborating effectively and developing strong partnerships.
Inclusive: Ensuring all voices are valued and included, creating a welcoming environment.
Responsible: Behaving considerately, representing expertise, and respecting others' opinions.
Respectful: Remaining open to diverse viewpoints and experiences.
Ambitious: Thinking beyond the usual, aiming for the best outcomes possible.
Lived Experiences: Learning from those with lived experiences to improve the overall community experience.