The Collective Get Together 2025

Discover feedback and insights from the Collective Get Together 2025, where young people, DfE officials, and education leaders shaped discussions on SEND, inclusive classrooms, and future policy.

On Friday 1st August 2025, young people, practitioners, and policymakers came together for the Collective Get Together 2025, held online (via Teams) and in-person in Nottingham.

The event brought together:

52 young people from every region of England
Senior leaders from Kids and the Participation, Information and Advice Consortium
Officials from the Department for Education
The Minister for School Standards, Catherine McKinnell MP

The day was co-produced with the Kids Advisory Panel, who shaped the content and co-delivered elements of the introduction. They played a central role in facilitating discussions and ensuring that all young people’s voices were heard and empowered throughout the sessions.

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Sessions

There were a series of activities designed to give young people different ways to share their perspectives, experiences and ideas.

Introducing the White Paper

This session was designed to introduce young people to the concept and purpose of government white papers, with a particular focus on the forthcoming Schools and SEND white paper. It aimed to initiate meaningful discussions around policy developments, exploring how young people prefer to receive such information and how they wish to engage in ongoing dialogue. The long-term benefit of this approach is more informed and empowered young people, capable of contributing to the development of inclusive policies that support all learners, particularly those with additional needs.

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3 people are sitting and smiling; 2 are young boys and the other is a woman, Catherine Mckinnell, minister of schools

Listening Leaders

This session created a vital platform for young people to be heard directly by those in positions of power. By bringing together Kids senior leaders, DfE officers, and the Minister for School Standards, it reinforced The Collective’s commitment to ensuring youth voices shape policy. It marked a meaningful step toward inclusive decision-making, where young people influence the future of education and SEND support.

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3 woman talking in front of a Kids branded banner. One woman is a wheelchair user.

Inclusive Classrooms

Focus has previously been around difficulties and problems faced by young people within education and the SEND systems. As the experts in their lives, young people are often able to reflect and share creative ideas for solutions. This session was solution focused and offering ideas for improvement and development.

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Snakes and Ladders of the SEND System

This session gave young people a meaningful opportunity to share their experiences – both positive and challenging – within the SEND system. It enabled thoughtful reflection and discussion on how future experiences, inclusion, and support can be improved for all.

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