Hook Lane Primary School in Welling has launched its first-ever Special
Educational Needs (SEN) School Council, providing pupils with SEND a
platform to share their views, influence school decisions and celebrate
inclusion within the school and wider community.

The council, which officially began in January 2026, is made up of eight pupils
from years 3–6, including both pupils with and without Education, Health and
Care Plans (EHCPs). For two members of the school’s ASD Resource Provision,
joining the council marked the first time they felt confident to participate in a
school-wide group.

The pupils have been supported by Mrs Cheeseman, Lead ASD T eacher ,
through pre-meetings using visual supports, social stories and calming
strategies to prepare for formal sessions.

Since its launch, the council has held two formal meetings with Becca Gill,
Bexley’s SEND Participation and Engagement Officer , and Mrs Poole, the
school’s Community Ambassador. The children have already contributed ideas
and shared feedback with Bexley Council, including suggestions for creating
quieter sensory areas in local parks and playgrounds.

The council also made its first outing to the Civic Centre in Bexley on 28th
January, where six of the children confidently spoke in front of a group – an
achievement highlighting their growing confidence and engagement.

Mrs Cheeseman, Lead ASD T eacher , said:
” I t’ s b e en a w ond erf ul e x peri ence
al r e ad y. O n t h ei r fi rst out i n g t o get h er , si x of t h e ch i l d r en confi d ent l y s pok e i n
f r ont of a gr ou p wh i ch w as a f ant ast i c ach i e v ement . T h i s i s j ust t h e b e gi nni n g ,and w e ar e e x ci t e d t o se e h o w t h e counci l gr o ws and mak es t h ei r v oi ces h e ar d
acr oss t h e sch ool .
”
Ms Kelly, Inclusion Manager , added:
“T h e ch i l d r en h a v e al r e ad y pr o vi d e d
f e e d b ack t o B e xl e y C ounci l wi t h t h ei r
‘
e v en b et t er i f’ su g gest i ons f or f urt h er
ad a pt at i ons t o f ut ur e me et i n gs , wh i ch w e h a v e b e en t ol d wi l l b e t ak en on
b oar d and a p pl i e d at me et i n gs goi n g f orw ar d . T h e y’ v e al so b e en i n vi t e d t o a
me et i n g wi t h t h e P ark s T e am t o f urt h er d i scuss t h ei r i d e as f or qui et er sensor y
ar e as wi t h i n B e xl e y park s and pl a y gr ound s.
”
Pupil Kaelyn Brown shared:
” I l i k e h a vi n g t h e o p port uni t y t o t al k ab out wh at
B e xl e y C ounci l coul d d o t o mak e t h i n gs e v en b et t er f or S E N ch i l d r en.
”
Hook Lane Primary School is one of just four primary schools in Bexley working
with the SEND Participation and Engagement Officer to develop SEN councils,
following their successful introduction in some local secondary schools. The
initiative aims to ensure that all pupils, regardless of ability, have the
opportunity to influence decisions and celebrate inclusion both in school and
the wider community.