As we approach the end of 2025, the SEND partnership has been reflecting on work achieved this year, and work still to do. The team have been preparing for the Local Area SEND inspection expected in the new year, and Bradford Council’s Assistant Director of SEND and Inclusion has been working with partners in education, health, social care including the parent carer network to develop a ‘SEND One Plan’. Find out how you can get involved in upcoming parent/carer engagement session below. 

SEND support at Family Hubs

SEND support is available in Bradford district's family hubs. Monthly SEND events are now taking place. Come along and speak to specialist services that can provide advice and support with, Autism, ADHD, Sleep issues, speech and language development, Information on Education and/or relationship issues.

Sensory rooms/spaces

Many of the Bradford district hubs have a sensory room or a sensory space now. The sensory spaces are completely free to use and can be booked either for an individual or for a group, whatever suits you and your child(ren).

Take a look at the Family Hubs - latest timetables and book your place now.

New One Minute Guides

If you’re not sure where to get support with SEND, the team have developed a range of One Minute Guides on a wide range of topics covering SEND information and support, health and wellbeing, short breaks, social care, parent/carer support, schools and EHC Plans.

All of the guides are co-produced with professionals working in SEND and health and social care and parent/carers.

We’ve just added two new guides that you might find helpful:

• Carer wellbeing
• New to SEND (ages 0-25)

For the complete list visit the SEND Local Offer website: One Minute Guides.

If you have any feedback about our guides or want to suggest extra topics email: localoffer@bradford.gov.uk

Deaf veterinary nurse's visit to Girlington Primary School

Girlington Primary School Resourced Provision organised a visit from a Deaf Veterinary Nurse called Julie. Deaf pupils from Swain House and Hanson also went to join in so that they could all learn about the work that she does.

Julie shared her experiences of life and work as a veterinary nurse, explaining how she cares for animals and supports vets in their daily practice. She also set up hands‑on activities designed especially for deaf children, giving them the chance to role‑play as vet nurses. Pupils practiced looking after animals, carrying out mock operations, and even learning how to use bandages and give injections.

Mencap family engagement project is coming to Bradford!

This project is a new and free project and will provide support for families of children up to 10 years of age with special educational needs and disabilities. No diagnosis or pathway is needed to receive this support. All members of the team have lived experience of caring for children with SEND and so can offer understanding, advice and signposting. This project will be co-produced with families and stakeholders. We will keep you updated in future newsletters - if you would like to get involved or find out more, email: FEPBradford@mencap.org.uk

Brad Starz experience at the 29% Festival! 

29% Festival took place last month, the festival is a free yearly festival of live performance, music, dance, art and workshops organised by Common/Wealth Theatre company. 

The Brad Starz planned their own chilled out room for the day. During the event around 30 young people, most who were neurodiverse visited the room to take some time out and regulate. There was crafting and even a 'doodle wall' inside which was a big hit. A couple of young people even took a nap (which the group felt was a sign it was a really relaxed space!). Lots of the young people who came to the room returned repeatedly throughout the day when the needed it. They said things like: 

"this is good, I needed this" 

"it was a relaxing yet a fun vibe"

Billie, above photo (Brad Starz member) also performed two amazing poems in front of a big audience and gained the confidence to continue sharing her poetry publicly, much of which is influenced by her experience of being neurodiverse.

Flu Vaccines

All children aged two to 16 years of age are eligible for the flu vaccine, extending to those aged six months to 18 years in clinical risk groups.

Most school-aged children will receive their flu vaccinations at school, those who miss their school or nursery session can book a flu vaccine at your GP, pharmacy or through the NHS App. 

If someone you care for has a learning disability they should be offered a free flu vaccine. Please take up this offer as it can help reduce respiratory issues which are a leading cause of ill health for people with learning disabilities. If your GP practice hasn’t contacted you yet, please give them a ring to arrange vaccines. 

You can get a free flu jab if you are the main carer for a disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance, or live with someone who has a weakened immune system.