Two significant appointments have been made at Swindon Borough Council as the authority seeks to improve its services to youngsters with special education needs and disabilities and their families.

The new head of SEBD at Euclid Street is Alson McIlwraith while the new children’s and young personas champion advocating for users of the council’s services is 17-year-old Chloe.

They both introduced themselves on the council’s SEND newsletter.

Ms Mcilwraith said: “I’m delighted to have joined Swindon at the end of August.

"I know that the new school year can be challenging as well as exciting especially for those starting school for the first time or moving onto another phase of education.

“I would like to remind you that we are here to support you so please do contact the team as we need to work together to ensure that all children in Swindon have a successful educational journey. I especially look forward to travelling around the borough and meeting some of you and your children and young people to hear about your experiences.”

The newsletter introduced Chloe, aged 17, who has five siblings, two dogs and loves Harry Potter and Halloween.

She said: “My role involves working with children, young people and their families to ensure that children and young people have access to the support they may need, ensuring that the local offer is accessible to for both young people and parent/carers. My main goal is to ensure that children and young people remain at the heart of everything we do within the service.

“We’re all aware of how difficult the SEND system can be to understand and navigate, so my main aim is to work with children, young people and their families to ensure the process is as accessible, understandable and inclusive as possible – this ensures that we create positive outcomes for children, young people and families.

"By working within SBC we are able to come together to provide appropriate support and information for everyone within the SEND community. One of our main goals is to make all our support and information accessible and inclusive.

“I think the most important aspect of my role that is incredibly important for children and young people and their families to understand is that they have a designated person that is championing their voice - willing for it to be heard and motivated to ensure that it’s listened to.”