A Rapid cross-sectional mixed methods study to scope, understand and co-develop the policy priorities for reducing inequalities and mitigating the long-term impacts of COVID-19 for CYP with SEND

Research Question What are the perceptions, experiences, lessons learnt, and priorities of children and young people (CYP) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their parents/carers and stakeholders for reducing inequalities and mitigating the long-term impacts of COVID-19 for CYP with SEND?

Background CYP with SEND are an underrepresented group in COVID-19 research, despite having experienced continued disruptions and reduced access to essential education, health and social care services.

Preliminary research has highlighted how these children have declining mental health, increased anxiety, social regression and behavioural breakdowns.

However, more research is needed to not only further establish the impact of COVID-19 on CYP with SEND, but also to identify priorities and effective strategies to mitigate the long-term harm on this vulnerable group.

Aims and Objectives The aim of the research is to examine the perceptions, experiences, lessons learnt and priorities of CYP with SEND, their parents/carers and stakeholders to reduce the inequalities and mitigate the long-term impacts of COVID-19 for CYP with SEND.

We have five objectives to achieve this: To examine the evidence and policy To capture the impact and lessons learnt from various perspectives To explore the experiences of CYP with SEND, parents/caregivers and stakeholders To understand potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the long-term development and wellbeing of this generation To work collaboratively with CYP, parents/carers and stakeholders to identify priorities for going forward through lockdowns and restarts to promote recovery Methods We will use a Rapid Assessment and Response (RAR) approach to learn from and work with stakeholders, and make informed and timely decisions regarding policy.

This study will collect data across three phases (1 and 2 running concurrently). Phase 1 will use rapid review methods to map key concepts, current evidence and SEND policy during the pandemic.

Phase 2, a mixed-methods cross-sectional sequential design, will consist of online quantitative surveys (n=450) and qualitative interviews (n=45) with CYP with SEND, parents/carers, and key stakeholders.

Phase 3 will consist of a prioritisation exercise with CYP with SEND and key stakeholders, using an adapted Policy-Delphi approach.

Timelines for Delivery Phase 1 scoping review (1-4 months); Phase 2 quantitative participant recruitment, data collection and analysis (1-5 months); Phase 2 qualitative data collection and analysis (3-5 months); Phase 3 recruitment, data collection and analysis (5-6 months); dissemination (6-7 months).

Anticipated Impact and Dissemination We anticipate that the impacts from this project will be multiple and will link to various audiences.

We anticipate the following: Contribute to the understanding and knowledge around the impact of COVID-19 on CYP with SEND New accessible guidelines on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CYP with SEND Integration of findings into health, social care and policy documents and provision to facilitate change An evidence-based policy report will be developed to inform strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on CYP with SEND.

Separate bespoke summary reports will also be developed for each of the stakeholder groups, including a summary for parents/carers and an accessible child-friendly report.