Congratulations to the Bedford & Central Bedfordshire Area Partnership for attaining Youth Justice SEND Quality Lead Status with a Child First Commendation
Bedfordshire Youth Justice Service (BYJS), in close partnership with the SEND Team and a wide range of agencies, has achieved the prestigious Youth Justice Quality Lead status with a Child First Commendation—a testament to its commitment to early intervention, inclusion, and the holistic support of vulnerable young people.
A cornerstone of BYJS’s success is the proactive information exchange and planning between the Youth Justice Team, SEND, Social Care, Health, and Looked After Children (LAC) Teams. This collaborative approach ensures that young people at risk of entering the justice system are identified early, with tailored provision put in place to reduce first-time offending. Regular multi-agency meetings, joint panels, and the integration of education and health professionals into decision-making have enabled swift, coordinated responses to emerging needs. The Speech and Language 180 pathway stands out as a flagship preventative initiative: it offers outreach assessment and intervention to secondary pupils at risk of exclusion, addressing unmet speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) that often underpin challenging behaviour and vulnerability to offending.
The impact of co-located Speech and Language Therapy within BYJS and partner schools has been transformative. It has significantly increased the identification of SLCN within the YJS —from 19% to 73% in just two years. Combined with the 180 Pathway, delivered in partnership with NHS Speech and Language Therapy, Greys Education Centre, and Bedford Borough Council has led to more successful EHCP applications, reduced exclusions, and improved engagement in education. Case studies highlight how timely assessment and multi-agency planning have kept young people in school, prevented exclusions, and diverted them from the criminal justice system.
BYJS’s commitment to the voice of the child and family is equally impressive. Through anonymous surveys, focus groups, podcasts, and creative projects, young people and their families are actively engaged in shaping their support and evaluating its impact. Communication passports, developed with young people, empower them in key processes such as police interviews and court appearances. Feedback from peer audits and inspections consistently praises the strong sense of engagement and trust built with children and families.
Achieving the Youth Justice Quality Lead standard with a Child First Commendation is a celebration of BYOS’s dedication to partnership, prevention, and putting young people’s needs and voices at the heart of practice. The service’s innovative, joined-up approach is making a real difference—reducing exclusions, supporting inclusion, and giving every young person the best chance to thrive.
Well done Bedford & Central Bedfordshire Area Partnership!
Well done Bedfordshire!
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
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