Reflections on the provision of SEND services in Hertfordshire shared at the county's SEND Summit were captured visually by illustrator Julia Bakay.

As more than 100 professionals, politicians and parents listened to keynote speakers, Julia Backay was capturing the speeches in an image.

The keynote artist specialises in visual note-taking – translating verbal messages into accessible visual maps.

And at the end of the morning session, the visual summary was presented to attendees, in the room and online.

At the heart of the image was a group of children, under the heading 'children and young people are at the centre'.

And by the side, an image of someone jumping hurdles towards the 'goal' finish line, under the heading 'Ambition vs Reality'.

The image also highlighted the 'longer journey', rising needs, and the need to go further and faster.

And it referenced listening and shared ownership, as well as the importance of partnership and co-production.

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Julia Bakay specialises in live visual note-taking. And for the event, she was tasked with capturing the key ideas through illustration, keywords and metaphors".

Her role was highlighted at the beginning of the morning by the county council's director of inclusion and skills, Hero Slinn.

And speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Slinn said it was a "creative" and "wonderful" way to reflect what had been shared.

She pointed out that visual memories are often stronger and processed more quickly than other forms.

And she said the finished work was "fabulous" and exactly what they had hoped for.

During the morning session, speeches were delivered by the county council;s director of inclusion and skills Hero Slinn, executive member for education, SEND and inclusion Cllr Mark Watkin and chief executive Angie Ridgwell.

Also addressing the conference was independent chair Dame Christine Lenehan, who was brought in to support change in the county after the SEND inspection in 2023.