In Barnsley we have taken an innovative approach to participation and co-production. This page demonstrates the journey the local area has been on to get to this point, the rationale behind our approach and how our participation systems work together.
As set out in the SEND Code of practice 1.12: Local authorities should work with children, young people and parents to establish the aims of their participation, mark progress and build trust. They should make use of existing organisations and forums which represent the views of parents – and those which represent the views of children and young people directly – and where these do not exist, local authorities should consider establishing them.
Barnsley is committed to working together with children, young people, parents and carers. Following on from the ending of the last traditional PCF in Barnsley in March 2023, a joint decision was taken by the Local Authority and Contact to try a different approach in Barnsley. With the support of the Department for Education (DfE), the Local Area began working with parents, carers and service partners to establish a new way of working together.