Engaging with Children and Young People with SEND

This bite-sized briefing will support your setting to use some simple strategies to successfully support children and young people attending your activity. 

Download the presentation. 

Staff knowledge and understanding.

Many children will be anxious when they attend a new setting until they get used to how the sessions run and the staff that are around them.

This presentation shares helpful ideas and useful resources for welcoming children into a new setting. 

A range of resources for sensory support: Sensory - Suffolk County Council

Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child - Written for parents, by parents: ECC Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child indesign V8

Video Guides from Suffolk County Council's Inclusion Facilitation online support series: 

• Online Support Series: An Introduction to Person Centred Planning
• Creating a One Page Profile
• Using the ABCD model
• Therapeutic Timetables
• Precision Monitoring
• Planning positive transitions and endings

Widgit Symbol Resource Packs created in partnership with professionals, many free to download - Widgit Symbol Resources | Ready-Made Teaching Materials

Engaging Teenagers: Practical Tips for Activity Providers

Teenagers can sometimes be one of the hardest groups to engage in activities. As young people develop their independence, they often become less interested in activities that feel overly structured, adult-led, or designed without their input. However, with the right approach, providers can create opportunities that teenagers genuinely want to attend.

Start with Relationships

Teenagers are more likely to engage when they feel respected, listened to, and valued. Take time to build positive relationships and get to know young people as individuals. Show a genuine interest in their hobbies, interests, and goals rather than focusing solely on the activity itself.

A welcoming environment, where young people feel safe to express themselves without judgement, can make a significant difference to their participation and confidence.

Involve Young People in Decision-Making

Teenagers are more likely to engage with activities they have helped shape. Wherever possible, ask for their views and involve them in planning sessions, choosing themes, selecting equipment, or suggesting new activities.

This could be as simple as:

• Conducting regular surveys or feedback sessions.
• Offering choices within activities.
• Creating youth advisory groups.
• Allowing young people to take on leadership roles.

When teenagers feel ownership over an activity, they are often more motivated to attend and participate.

Focus on Interests, Not Age

Rather than assuming what teenagers will enjoy, ask them directly. Interests vary widely between individuals. Some may enjoy sports and physical activities, while others may prefer technology, gaming, creative arts, animals, music, cooking, or social opportunities.

Providing a range of activities and being willing to adapt based on feedback can help providers reach a wider group of young people.

Support Independence

Teenage years are a time of increasing independence. Activities should help young people develop confidence, decision-making skills, and responsibility at a level appropriate to their age and needs.

Providers can support this by:

• Encouraging young people to make choices.
• Offering opportunities to learn new skills.
• Providing meaningful responsibilities.
• Recognising achievements and progress.

For young people with SEND, promoting independence may require additional support, but it remains an important goal.

Create Opportunities for Social Connection

Many teenagers attend activities because of the opportunity to spend time with peers. Building social interaction into sessions can improve engagement and enjoyment.

Consider:

• Small group projects.
• Team challenges.
• Shared interests clubs.
• Peer mentoring opportunities.
• Social time before or after activities.

The focus should be on creating genuine opportunities for connection rather than forcing interaction.

Be Flexible and Adaptable

Teenagers' needs, interests, and confidence levels can change quickly. What works for one group may not work for another.

Successful providers regularly:

• Seek feedback.
• Observe participation levels.
• Adapt activities when engagement drops.
• Remain open to new ideas from young people.

Flexibility helps ensure activities remain relevant and enjoyable.

Recognise the Importance of Identity

Adolescence is a key period for developing personal identity. Activities should provide opportunities for self-expression and celebrate diversity.

Young people benefit from environments where they:

Feel respected and accepted.
Can explore their interests safely.
See positive role models.
Feel their voice matters.

Inclusive practice is particularly important for teenagers with SEND, who may have experienced barriers to participation elsewhere.

Key Takeaway

The most effective way to engage teenagers is not to design activities for them, but to design activities with them. By building strong relationships, listening to their views, supporting independence, and creating opportunities based on their interests, providers can develop services that teenagers want to attend and continue attending.

Teenagers are far more likely to engage when they feel respected, have genuine choice, and can see that their opinions influence the activities being offered.