Sandwell Council’s Haleema Yousaf has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2021 for services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Haleema, who is team leader of the council’s Fair Access, Exclusion and Reintegration Team, said she was “humbled” to receive the honour and described it as an achievement for the whole team.
Haleema said it was brought home to her how far she had come during a conversation with a Sandwell headteacher, who had taught her as a child at school in Birmingham.
Haleema said: “She was visibly moved by the thought that someone she had taught would one day lead a team unequivocally committed to making a difference to children and young people with SEND.
“My path to the world of fair access, exclusions and reintegration was a natural one after a career working with vulnerable children.
“They say no woman is an island and my achievement in steadying and reducing exclusions has come out of the meaningful and trusting partnerships I have developed, with schools at the core, together with dedicated team members and a wider support service to lean on.
“I am humbled to be accepting this award on behalf of everyone who has contributed to the success of the team. It is truly our achievement.”
Councillor Joyce Underhill, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for best start in life, said: “I would like to congratulate Haleema on her MBE. I would like to recognise and thank Haleema and her team for all their hard work supporting Sandwell schools and our children and young people.”
Deputy Council Leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “What a wonderful achievement – well done Haleema on this very well-deserved honour.”
