Co-production and Engagement 

Outside the Box

When it comes to raising awareness about neurodiversity, free-thinking students at King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls really are thinking ‘Outside the Box’. Any given Monday lunchtime, while most of the school enjoys the midday break, you’ll find the school’s learning hub alive with topical discussion, eye-opening presentations and hands-on workshops. It’s all part of a student-led project called Outside the Box, which has become the perfect platform for exploring neurodiverse conditions, encouraging inclusion and promoting positive mental health. 

Originally started by a former student, Outside the Box is now led by Emina, Afreen, and Nimrah. This terrific trio is supported by Angela Lomas, the school’s SEN Coordinator, who helps design and deliver the sessions. Angela said: “Outside the Box is for students who are neurodiverse, but also advocates for students who are neurodiverse as well. The topics they discuss are very much guided by them and they do different activities around educating each other.

“It’s really important for the children to understand themselves to enable them to celebrate their individuality.”

Key themes tackled during these popular sessions include important subjects such as masking – where people with neurodiverse conditions feel the need to mask their symptoms to blend in. 

King Edward’s student Afreen, who co-hosts the sessions, explains: “Outside the Box helps to bring awareness of what actually happens. Not everyone is neurodiverse, so neurotypical people need to be informed of what goes on.”

She added: “We are a community of people who want change and want to get rid of any stigma around this issue.” 

SEND and Inclusion Strategies

We know that children and young people with SEND are some of the most vulnerable in our society and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with the support they need to thrive. The SEND Strategy 2023 – 2028 has been developed with this in mind, and it sets out a clear vision for improving outcomes for our CYP.

The Inclusion Strategy sets out our shared vision, key principles, principles of practice and contextual factors, to ensure that, as partners, we are working together effectively to identify and meet the needs of Birmingham’s children, young people and young adults. The strategy commits the partnership to promoting inclusion and excellent outcomes for children, young people and young adults to achieve their potential, and fulfil their dreams and aspirations

Finally, we are delighted to share Birmingham’s five-year Children and Young People’s Plan. This plan sets out the strategic actions we will take together to achieve our bold ambition: to make Birmingham a great place to grow up for all our children and young people.

All strategies have been co-produced with our stakeholders to ensure all partners make a positive difference for our children, young people and their families.