Pledges from our teams

Gateshead Council would like to make sure that your participation really makes a difference, that's why we've asked our teams to make pledges to help make this happen.

This is an ever growing strategy. If your team would like to make a pledge, please email [email protected].

Gateshead Virtual School:

Virtual school's pledge to Children in our Care is to give you every opportunity to have a voice in decisions around your education including support and interventions, curriculum enrichment opportunities, your aspirations, views on pathways for your future.  We will do this a minimum of three times a year through your personal education plans.  We will also seek your views at times of transition or challenge when planning next steps.

To achieve 'Our Pledge' we will:

  • listen to you, take your views seriously and tell you what we have done with your feedback
  • be honest about what is possible and what is not
  • celebrate your achievements 
  • treat your views with care and respect
  • use a variety of interesting ways to involve and listen to you
  • promote equal opportunities through a variety of communication techniques
  • provide opportunities to engage in a way that is meaningful to you

Principal Social Worker:

"As the Principal Social Worker, I will continue to promote the importance of young people being heard. Listening to the voices of our young people will help us to make sure we are doing a great job for you. We will ask ourselves if we are communicating with you the best way and will seek to learn how to understand your views."

Children and Young People's Rights and Engagement Team:

The Children and Young People's Rights and Engagement Team will make sure that your voice, opinions, and life experiences are heard throughout Gateshead Council and are reflected in the services you receive. We will take your feedback seriously and make sure that senior leaders in the council hear your words and that your views make a difference. We will do this by creating a variety of engagement opportunities for you to make sure your opinions are heard in a way which you are comfortable. This includes regular meetings of:

  • Gateshead Youth Assembly
  • Gateshead SEND Youth Forum
  • Children in Care Council
  • Be More Cat!
  • Care Experienced Forum
  • Other regular engagement groups and events

We will use a variety of methods to make sure that you understand what we're asking, and we will let you know what we've done with your views in a way which you understand. Your voice matters!

 

Quality Assurance Team Manager:

"As Team Manager for Quality Assurance, I will make sure the child's voice is clearly present in all the work I review. 

Each child or young person should feel real in their file. Their thoughts, feelings, and experiences should be clear. 

I will make sure that all decisions and plans meet the needs of the child or young person, and that the reasons for these decisions are easy to understand. 

Records should be written in a way that is suitable for the child's age, so they can understand them now and in the future."

 

 

Gateshead SEND Team:

Gateshead SEND Team are committed to ensuring that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities feel listened to, respected and supported. We will work in partnership with you, your family, and your school to understand your views and needs, ensuring that any decisions made place you and your needs at the centre. We will work closely with your family, school and other professionals to develop a clear and joined-up plan that supports you effectively.

We will aim to make sure you receive the right support at the right time so you can access education that is safe, suitable and helps you to achieve your goals. We will communicate clearly and honestly so you and your family understand what is happening and why, and we will always prioritise your safety and wellbeing.

We are committed to treating every young person fairly, and we will continue to listen, learn and improve the services we provide.

We will achieve this by:

  • Listening to yours and your family's voice and making sure it is included in decisions about your support.
  • Working in partnership with your family, schools and other services that may support you.
  • Following the SEND Code of Practice and using evidence to make fair decisions.
  • Providing clear, timely communication and keeping you updated.
  • Making sure your support is planned, reviewed and adapted to meet your current needs.
  • Ensuring safeguarding and wellbeing are always a priority.
  • Using your feedback to improve how we work.