Meet The Team My name is Josh Wadsworth, Bradford born and I’m the newest member of the SEND Transformation and Compliance team based in Margaret McMillan Tower.  My employment history is a diverse one, from Gymnastics Coach to Ground Worker but for the past 4 years I worked as a Teacher of Science, in 2 Secondary Schools across Bradford. Having helped children and young people access the curriculum and get the best out of them in the classroom, I have now made it my ambition to make sure that those with SEND in Bradford can access the best provisions available to them and therefore have the best opportunities in life. Children services are at the heart of Bradford’s exciting transformation and I am very proud to be a part of that, helping shape and support the district on this journey.

SEND Ambassadors

Our young people have already met this month to talk about their role as SEND Ambassadors and things they are going to do to raise the profile of children and young people with SEND across the District.

SEND Ambassadors Meeting 14th January 2020 The meeting of our SEND Ambassadors was well attended with seven brilliant young people eager to help us on our journey of improving the support and services across the District. These are some of the things they want to do: Send a letter to schools about their role and ask to meet children and young people with SEND to find out about their experiences; Create an online presence (a website perhaps or via social media) to offer help and answer questions;

Get a regular slot with a local community radio station; Campaign around funding and all disability issues including writing to local MPs asking for meetings; and Regularly present to council managers so that they truly understand the issues children and young people with SEND face on a daily basis. If you are a child or young person with SEND and want to join the Ambassador group please contact us via SENDT&C@bradford.gov.uk or on 01274 435300

Preparing for Adulthood-Developing Independence, Employment and Training

It is a huge step when a young person with SEND is at the stage to move from childhood to adulthood. There is whole section on the Local Offer website dedicated to preparing the individual and their families for adulthood and what that entails.

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Education, Health and Care Plans: Gathering the view of children and young people

As your child's Annual Review approaches it is important for them to prepare for it. This helpful resource can support your child when it is time for their review.

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Frequently Asked Questions: This Month

Q.The things stated in my child’s EHCP (the provision section) are not being provided?

Talk with the SENDCo at your child’s school or college. Highlight the things that are not being provided so that the school can address them. If you are not happy with the school’s response contact your SEND Casework officer at the Council.

Q.If I have a meeting at school and I need some support?

Try to prepare as much as possible. Make notes. Write out what you want and the questions you will need to ask. Take someone with you – your partner, family member or friend. Contact beforehand, or ask to come along, relevant support organisations. SENDIASS are a source of support as well.

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Parental engagement events

As reported in the last newsletter, the SEND Transformation & Compliance Team have arranged engagement events with parents in order to hear first hand experiences with regard to SEND provision and services. This will help inform our SEND Strategy and actions to improve things (see Parental Engagement Events below).

We have responded to parental requests to hold events around the District (not just in the centre of Bradford) and we will be looking to hold more events in other areas of the District which will be publicised in due course.

Places will be limited to 30 attendees per event and light refreshments will be provided.

To get further details and book a place email SENDT&C@bradford.gov.uk or call us on 01274 435300

Positive Behaviour Support Workshops

There are a series of parent workshops available to support and provide advice around the issue of behaviour in children with special needs and disabilities. The workshops are three hours in length and are single sessions, parents only need to attend one of them. During the workshop parents have the opportunity to find out about the causes of challenging behaviour and learn some strategies for coping.

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Consultation on the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement for learners aged 16 to 18 in further education and continuing learners aged 19 to 24

What is the consultation about?

Bradford Council is currently consulting on its proposed Post 16 Transport Policy Statement for 2020/2021 with young people aged 16 to 18 and their parents/carers and learners aged 19 to 24 with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and their parents/carers.

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Revised SEND Strategy

Following the period of consultation on our revised SEND Strategy for the District the next step is to seek approval at the next SEND Strategic Partnership Board. Once approved it will be shared widely with regular updates on ‘what we are doing’ and ‘what next’.

SEND Slogan Survey

Bradford Council’s Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) Strategy is being revised and we need a new ‘strapline’ or ‘slogan’ to go with it. This was part of the consultation on the revised strategy and since then we have met with our SEND Ambassadors who have come up with 2 options.

Take Part

Did you know …

… that we can be found on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube? Follow our social media channels for the latest news and information from the Local Offer team.

Christmas Competition Winner

Congratulations to Tracey who was the lucky winner of the pantomime tickets. Thanks to all for your entries. Most of you answered correctly, the missing dwarf was Sleepy.