Remi
Remi is autistic, and his family found support through Kids Early Years SEND groups where Remi could truly thrive. His dad, Matthew, shares their journey.
Our 2025 recap
As we look back on 2025, we’re so proud of the incredible journey we’ve shared, supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Here are some of the year’s highlights!
Published: 22 Dec 2025
Our impact
This year, we’ve supported many families and professionals working in education, health, and social care across the UK, expanding our reach and delivering direct services in 65 Local Authority areas.
There has been lots of coversation about SEND in the news this year, and our “Speak Up” value has never been more important – especially ahead of the anticipated future SEND reforms. Ensuring the voices of disabled children, young people, and their families are heard is at the heart of what we do.
Through our Youth Voice programme, The Collective continued to play a crucial role in gathering and amplifying the views of over 500 young people with SEND from across England, making sure their experiences and perspectives are represented in national decision-making.
Families we have supported
AJ
AJ* is 15 years old and part of a Navy family. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, he joined our Understanding Me Young Person workshop to build confidence, develop practical skills, and embrace his individuality.
*Name has been changed for anonymity.
Grace & Emmanuella
Grace is mum to Emmanuella who was born prematurely at 26 weeks and has cerebral palsy, requiring specialised care. Grace explains the challenges they faced and how Kids’ portage home-based learning service has helped them.
Expanding our digital support
SEND in education advice
We expanded our online information provision with a new SEND in education advice section, designed to help parent carers navigate the world of SEND and the education system. There are lots of resources covering all age groups to ensure every child gets the education they deserve.
Young People’s Hub
Navigating adulthood support
A new adulthood section was introduced on the Hub, designed to help young people easily explore and navigate information and guidance on the journey to adulthood.
SEND in education for young people
A new SEND in education section has been developed, providing tips on how to manage school and college, explore new courses & training, and ways to keep learning and growing.
Driving Digital Inclusion Programme
The Driving Digital Inclusion Programme was launched by the Digital Services Consortium (DSC), an alliance of 12 leading charities, co-chaired by Kids and Sense. This two-year programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and BBC Children in Need, will support over 20,000 disabled children, young people, and families by providing digital devices, skills training, and ongoing support tailored to their needs. This initiative is all about removing barriers and creating a future where disabled children and young people are digitally connected – not left behind.
Youth Voice highlights
Young People’s Advisory Panel
We launched the Kids Young People’s Advisory Panel, bringing together 13–25-year-olds with SEND to share their thoughts, experiences, and expertise to help guide Kids’ strategic direction and decision-making.
The Collective Get Together
On Friday 1st August, our Annual Collective Get Together brought together over 50 incredible young people with SEND, alongside practitioners, decision-makers, and leaders – all united by one goal: to make sure young people’s voices are heard loud and clear in the decisions that affect their lives.
Advocacy and change
Kids provided evidence to ‘Solving the SEND Crisis’ inquiry
In January, we submitted detailed written evidence to the Education Select Committee’s ‘Solving the SEND Crisis’ inquiry, and our CEO, Katie Ghose, also gave oral evidence to the Committee, sharing the voices and experiences of children, young people, and families we support. The final report was published in September and many of the findings align with the issues we’ve long highlighted and our key recommendations are reflected.
End the Cliff Edge campaign
We teamed up with the Challenging Behaviour Foundation to call for urgent improvements in how young people with a learning disability are supported as they transition into adulthood. As part of the campaign, we invited people to sign our open letter to MPs, urging immediate action. We also created a young person-friendly version of the letter, ensuring that young people themselves could understand the campaign and have their voices heard.
Event highlights
London Marathon
On Sunday 27th April 2025, 41 runners completed the London Marathon and raised over £84,000! It was such a hot day, but that didn’t stop the strength and energy of Team Kids. From the first mile to the finish line, the cheers, the determination, and the support was incredible.
Christmas Carol Concert
Our Christmas Carol Concert was a truly magical evening, filled with heartfelt festive readings and personal stories from Samantha Renke, Paul Brand, Stephen Unwin, and Abi – Kids Advisory Panel member.
Event partnerships
Colour Run
In August, we joined 60 amazing children and parents and took part in a Colour Run raising over £4500 for Brandesburton School Therapeutic Interventions. Lifestyle team ‘No More Mehhs’ – led by the brilliant Macie, Ellie, Maria and Autumn – also raised over £1500 to support our Hull Family Activity groups, which they attend.
Comic Con
This year marked our very first time at MCM London Comic Con, and what an incredible weekend it was! We created a chill zone designed for families and young people who needed a moment to relax, recharge, and enjoy all the fun at their own pace, and had a stall in the main hall where people could learn more about what we do and take a photo in front of our bright Kids banners.
Continued partnerships
Greystar
We are incredibly greateful for our partnership with Greystar ! This year marks another milestone in our journey together, with the Greystar team once again demonstrating extraordinary commitment, creativity and generosity in support of Kids. Thanks to the passion and energy of colleagues across the business, an estimated £200,000 was raised to help transform the lives of children and young people with SEND and their families.
Cranswick Country Foods
The bi-annual Charity Golf Day, organised by Cranswick Country Foods, was a phenomenal success, raising an impressive £116,921.53! The event brought together teams of Cranswick colleagues, suppliers, and customers, who showcased their skills and sportsmanship – all while making a real difference in the lives of disabled children and young people.
Volunteer highlights
248 amazing volunteers
This year, 248 volunteers generously gave their time to enhance our playgrounds, create new play equipment, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with SEND.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their time and energy – we are truly grateful!
Looking ahead to 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, we are committed to continue to speak up and amplify the voices of disabled children, young people, and their families. Their experiences should shape the decisions that affect their lives, and we’re making sure they are heard.
Our vision remains the same: a society where disabled children, young people, and their families have equal rights, opportunities, and the chance to thrive.
Ready to break down barriers in 2026?
With your support we can create brighter futures with disabled children and young people.