Derwen College welcomed students from specialist colleges across the UK as one of the host venues for Natspec Parliament, which gives young people with SEND the chance to share their views on the issues that matter most to them.
As the West Midlands hub, Derwen College welcomed students from Cambian Pengwern College, Glasshouse College and Coleg Elidyr, bringing together voices from across the specialist further education sector.
The Student Voice event launched with a recap of events for Natspec’s The Power of Specialist Further Education campaign, with learners discussing how College is helping them to achieve their aspirations and what inclusion means to them.
Christina Welsh, Senior Policy Officer at Natspec, also spoke to students about the Government’s SEND White Paper consultation, encouraging them to think about how future reforms could support young people with SEND.
Student Council President Jonny said: “It was interesting, and good to have information about the future and EHCP changes.”
AJ talked about his experience at College and about having a say in his own future living and work options. He said: “Quite interesting, I enjoyed sharing own positive experience.”
Learner Voice lead Tab Crinson said that students enjoyed hearing about other colleges, and were particularly interested in how Cambian Pengwern are using AI apps in their learning. Students were very keen to find out more.