Teen’s talk takes care of future at Westminster

REFORMS: children and families minister Edward Timpson with Elin

AN OLDHAM teenager was the toast of Westminster when a government minister praised her role in moulding the biggest special educational needs reforms in a generation.

Oldham Sixth Form College pupil Elin Franklin (17) was one of children and families minister Edward Timpson’s guests of honour at a reception marking the Children’s and Families Act.

Elin regularly met Department for Education officials to offer her ideas and thoughts on proposals.

A new system introducing a new education, health and care plan, came into operation last month. The reforms will allow parents to participate in shaping the support their children receive.

Mr Timpson said: “Elin has helped us to deliver reforms that will help millions of children who have special educational needs.”

Elin, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, became involved through her involvement in a Council for Disabled Children group: “The legislation is for young people — so I think they should be in the centre of the decision making.”