Stockport Area Partnership is to be commended for its outstanding achievement in being redesignated as a Youth Justice SEND Quality Lead, accompanied by a well-deserved Child First Commendation. This recognition reflects a sustained and system-wide commitment to excellence, innovation, and the prioritisation of children and young people with SEND across the youth justice continuum.
The partnership has demonstrated substantial progress since its original Quality Mark accreditation, evolving into a mature and highly integrated system. Performance across the Ten Key Statements is consistently strong, with most areas achieving the highest ratings and all previously identified development priorities fully addressed. This evidences not only effective implementation, but also a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice.
At the heart of this success lies exceptional strategic integration and governance. Stockport has established a clear “golden thread” linking SEND and Youth Justice across operational and leadership levels, supported by robust representation on partnership boards and strong director-level oversight. This ensures coherent commissioning, shared accountability, and alignment of priorities across education, health, and social care services.
Equally impressive is the strength of the workforce. Staff across the partnership are highly trained in SEND, with embedded expertise in areas such as autism, ADHD, trauma-informed practice, and speech, language, and communication needs. This investment has led to increased confidence and capability, enabling practitioners to respond effectively to complex and often overlapping needs.
A notable strength is the move to universal and systematic screening. All young people are now consistently assessed for SEND, supported by integrated tools that enhance visibility and coordination. Direct access to specialist services, including Speech and Language Therapy, ensures timely identification and intervention, representing a decisive shift from reactive to proactive practice.
Multi-agency collaboration is another defining feature. Strong information-sharing processes and joint planning mechanisms ensure continuity of support, particularly at critical transition points such as custody and resettlement. This is reinforced by effective links to regional structures and integrated pathways spanning custody to community.
Stockport’s emphasis on early intervention and prevention is equally commendable. Through diversion panels, targeted initiatives, and strong links with schools and family services, the partnership is actively reducing the risk of young people entering the justice system. This preventative approach is complemented by a clear commitment to participation, with young people’s voices embedded in assessment, planning, and service design through tools such as Mind of My Own.
The Child First Commendation is particularly well earned. The partnership demonstrates a deep and authentic commitment to placing children’s needs, voices, and experiences at the centre of practice. Its approach is equitable, inclusive, and focused on long-term outcomes, including education, wellbeing, and community integration.
In conclusion, Stockport Area Partnership now stands as a sector-leading model of SEND-informed youth justice practice. Its integrated leadership, skilled workforce, and unwavering commitment to children position it strongly to support system-wide learning and the dissemination of best practice nationally.
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