Priority 3: Lived Experiences
The Learn Sheffield Insights Hub is focussed on four priorities and areas of work that we are undertaking with our partners. Learn Sheffield will work with partners to develop better mechanisms to understand lived experience and improve equity.
Several recent and current Learn Sheffield projects link to this priority. Click on the tabs below to find out more about them:
SenseMaker
Learn Sheffield is working with The Cynefin Co. to trial new ways of collecting data about what it's like to grow up in Sheffield.
This work developed from our school ‘report card’ project where we were exploring ways of gathering a diverse range of stakeholder views on a school. In January 2024, we held a workshop with Professor Dave Snowden to explore the SenseMaker approach. This session is available to view here: Sensemaker Briefing January 2024.
SEND Journalling Project
In 2026, we trialled a journalling approach to SenseMaker. A group of SEND professionals and a group of parents of children with SEND were asked to record their experiences regularly over a 10 week period. They were asked to share something that had gone well, something that was a challenge or something that they wanted to be heard.
The aim is to identify strengths, challenges and pressure points within Sheffield’s SEND system, as well as giving insight into whether collecting voice in this way (journalling) is helpful. The project ran until June 2026 with feedback shared with the group at the end of the summer term.
The next phase of this project will involve new SENDCos as well as SEND professionals more widely. If you are interested in further details, please contact enquiries@learnsheffield.co.uk.