Students from years 9 and 10 recently attended the Young Person’s Advisory Council ‘Truth from the Youth’ session, organised by the North Northants Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS). Held at the Municipal Offices in Kettering, the event aimed to empower the voices of young people, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), and support them in various aspects of their lives, including their futures post-school.

The IASS provides a platform for young people to share their valuable insights and opinions. During the session, students participated in a range of activities and ‘movement breaks’—games designed to keep them engaged and thinking. One of the key activities involved creating posters that highlighted the skills and experience gained from attending the trip, such as improved communication skills, making new friends, and learning new techniques. These posters will be presented at a Truth from the Youth event next month to help improve the service, with the goal of ensuring it meets the needs of young people.

An in-depth discussion allowed students to express their thoughts on common misconceptions about individuals with SEN. For example, they addressed myths such as ‘people with autism can’t make eye contact’ and ‘because I struggled to speak when I was young, people thought I was stupid.’ The session provided a safe space for students with SEN to work collaboratively and celebrate their successes.

SEN Teaching Assistant, Libby West, said, ‘The inclusive and supportive environment was made possible by the dedicated staff, who went above and beyond to ensure that all students had a positive experience and gained the most from the day. Special thanks go to Mr. English, who organised the event and oversees the trips and careers for the SEND team at BWA.'