Dynamite at the Collective Get Together 2025
Abbie, Chair of Dynamite, shares her experience at Kids’ Annual Collective Get Together 2025 and what it was like speaking to Catherine Mckinnell, Minister for Schools.
At the Kids Annual Collective Get Together 2025, we were thrilled to welcome Abbie, Chair of Dynamite, and Saarah, a dedicated volunteer, to the event.
The conference brought together young people from across the country to share their lived experiences and ideas for improving school support and the wider SEND system. This was an important opportunity to make sure young people’s experiences are heard at a national level.
During the day, Abbie met Catherine McKinnell MP, Minister for Schools, and spoke about her own journey – including how an EHCP made it possible for her to access online college. She also joined other young people in discussing the future of EHCPs, the importance of flexible education pathways, and the need for more accessible PE, highlighting how old infrastructure, misunderstanding, and lack of staff training can be real barriers to participation.
Below is Abbie’s account of the day:
“As Chair of Dynamite, I was invited by the Kids charity to visit the Department for Education building in Nottingham, with the aim of influencing UK policies for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Legislation needs to be created with the people it impacts, not just about them.
I met the Minister of State for Schools, Catherine McKinnell, and, alongside other disabled young people, we shared what’s working well – and what urgently needs improving – to help shape future change.
We spoke about the future of EHCPs, highlighting that scrapping them would remove vital support for young people outside mainstream or special schools. Education is not one-size-fits-all, and the government needs to support all pathways, including online learning and alternative provisions.
We also discussed disabled access in physical education, where old infrastructure, misunderstanding, and lack of staff training often prevent fair participation.
Disabled young people frequently feel unheard in education. Every individual’s access needs are different, and the system should adapt accordingly, offering better support for those who are struggling.”