Teenager appointed to champion children in need

Chloe said she hopes to enable "positive outcomes" for families, children and young people in Swindon

A teenager has been elected to ensure children have access to the support they need.

Swindon Borough Council has made two appointments as it works to improve its services to youngsters with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.

Chloe, 17, is the new children's and young personas champion, advocating for users of the council's children services.

Meanwhile, Alison McIlwraith has been elected the new head of SEND.

The newly appointed pair introduced themselves in the council's SEND newsletter, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

Chloe said her 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.

"I want 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," Chloe said.

Alison McIlwraith acknowledged this time of year can be "challenging as well as exciting" for young people

In her introduction, Ms McIlwraith reminded young people of the support available following the start of the new school year.

"I especially look forward to travelling around the borough and meeting some of you and your children and young people to hear their experiences," she said.