Analysis of support for young people with special educational needs (SEN) in the youth justice sector in Wales

The Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) of the Welsh Assembly Government commissioned Arad Consulting, in association with Dr Jonathan Evans of the University of Glamorgan, to undertake an Analysis of support for young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in the youth justice sector in Wales. The aim of the study was to undertake research on the support available to young people (ages 10 -17) as well as the support for practitioners in the sector. This report outlines the findings of the research, drawing on a review of the academic and policy literature and a stakeholder engagement exercise to obtain the views of practitioners working within the youth justice sector in Wales. The initial review focused on the research conducted in the jurisdiction of England and Wales but the literature search was subsequently broadened to include research conducted in Scotland, Northern Ireland and other countries (including other parts of Europe, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand). The standard procedures for systematic literature reviews were followed and reliable academic databases accessed. Following the literature review, the research team engaged practitioners working within the youth justice sector through the following methods: • A group discussion with 13 Youth Offending Team (YOT) managers, (and a telephone consultation with one additional YOT manager). • A qualitative survey of Education Training and Employment (ETE) staff within YOTs, two responses received. • A qualitative survey of YOT managers in six YOTs in England bordering Wales, two responses received. • Follow-up telephone consultations with these individuals. The current definition of Special Educational Needs, as applied by the Welsh Assembly Government, shaped the review: “Children have special educational needs if they have a learning which calls for special educational provision to be made for them.”