Congratulations to the Southwark Area Partnership for attaining Youth Justice SEND Quality Lead Status (Redesignation) with a Child First Commendation
Southwark Area Partnership is proud to celebrate its successful revalidation as a Youth Justice SEND Quality Lead, enhanced with a prestigious Child First Commendation. This achievement reflects years of dedicated collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the youth justice system.
At the heart of this success is the power of co-location and partnership working. Southwark’s Youth Justice Service (YJS) has embedded a clinical team comprising Speech and Language Therapists (SALT), CAMHS practitioners, psychologists, and family therapists within its operations. These professionals deliver regular training on trauma-informed practice, neurodiversity, and communication strategies, ensuring that every case manager and volunteer understands the complexities of SEND and structural disadvantage. This integrated approach has transformed practice, enabling rapid, holistic responses to emerging needs and fostering trust with families and schools.
Strategic leadership has been pivotal. The appointment of a Deputy Director of Education/SEND has elevated education to a core priority across children’s services. Monthly Cross-System Education Group meetings, chaired by this Deputy Director, bring together all agencies—SEND teams, Virtual School, Pupil Referral Units, and YJS—to share intelligence, review protocols, and plan interventions. This structure ensures that education is “everybody’s business,” and that EHCPs are actively used in assessment and intervention planning rather than being static documents.
Southwark’s multi-agency approach extends beyond statutory services. The YJS works closely with MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) to identify children at risk early, while third-sector partners such as Youth-Ink, Roadworks Media, and St Giles provide creative pathways into education, training, and employment. The innovative Turnaround Team, operating in homes and schools, exemplifies proactive prevention—screening for SEND and liaising with YJS specialists to prevent escalation and reduce first-time offending.
This achievement also reflects a culture of continuous learning and courageous leadership. Initiatives such as the Learning Fest, thematic inspections, and emotion coaching training have embedded trauma-informed and strengths-based practice throughout the service. Strategic commissioners and senior leaders have ensured that SEND remains high on the agenda, with robust auditing, data-driven planning, and joint commissioning to sustain progress.
The impact is clear: better educational continuity, reduced exclusions, and improved engagement with families. Young people now experience services that listen, adapt, and respond swiftly – placing their voice and aspirations at the centre. As one parent reflected after a Restorative Family meeting: “You don’t always get a chance to get this stuff off your chest—I feel much better now.”
Southwark’s journey demonstrates what is possible when co-located expertise, strategic vision, and community partnerships unite under a Child First ethos. This revalidation is not just an award—it is a testament to Southwark’s belief that every child deserves hope, opportunity, and a future.
The Youth Justice SEND Quality Award lasts for a period of three years, after which redesignation is possible.
Please find attached an official logo and a certificate (please check) that can be used as evidence of the Award.
Hearty congratulations and best wishes
Marius
Back to News- Share:
