The government has set out proposals to reform the SEND system in England in its schools white paper (summary documents for parents and carers, here). There is currently a SEND Reform consultation, open until
NEW Mencap coffee mornings for families with a child from birth to ten years of age. (10am - 11.30am) - 6 May at Park Lane Centre community hall, and 20 May at Kirkgate Centre in Shipley. No need to book just drop-in. Read more.
Bradford District NHS Care Trust's mental health support group - Wednesday, 6 May (10.30am or 7pm). Email: mhstparentsupport@bdct.onmicrosoft.com
Bradford SENDIASS session - 13 May (10am - 12 noon). SEND support in mainstream schools (without an EHCP). To book call: 01274 513300
Carers Resource offers support for carers in Bradford district. Read more.
Find mental health advice and support with Healthy Minds Bradford district.
Drop- in at Priestly Connects SEND events - Weds 17 June (8.30am - 10.30am) at Green Lane primary school (2pm - 4pm) at Westbourne primary school.
Free Immersive Woodland Circus Shows - 5 May, 26 May (10am-1pm) with a focus on climate and the nature crisis. Accessible to all families. Read more.
Poppy Grove Forest School's Teddy Bears’ Picnic - 25 May (1pm - 2.30pm), bring a favourite teddy for a muddy adventure. For children aged 2 and over. £10 per child. Read more.
Young people (aged 10-21) and parents and carers - have your say about 'growing up in an online world' national consultation. Closes 26 May, 2026. Read more.
Answering your questions from the 'Shaping SEND' event
At the previous 'Shaping SEND' One Plan event, a number of questions were asked by parents and carers. We have now collected these and Dan Careless, Interim Director of SEND and Inclusion has answered them (with input from Julie Bruce, Manager of Parents’ Forum for Bradford and Airedale (PFBA). Read the FAQs – Shaping SEND sessions.
The next SEND One plan event you are invited to will take place on Thursday, 14 May, (10am-12pm) at Keighley Central Hall (Main Hall). To book, email: supportnews@PFBA.org.uk
Calling parents/carers of young people - school year 9 and or above!
SNOOP, Special Needs Objective Outreach Project have put together a survey about Preparation for Adulthood and would love your help in answering a few questions. The results of the survey will feed into the SEND team's 'Preparation For Adulthood' workstream.
Join us in-between our monthly newsletters for all the latest news from across Bradford district. Follow our Local Offer Facebook page.
A graphic showing the Local Offer branding with the Family Hubs logo along with 'Best Start in Life' and the text 'SEND support in Bradford district's Family Hubs.'
Emotionally Based School Avoidance
Led by the friendly and supportive Educational Psychologist team, you’ll find a safe space to share and listen to other parents and get ideas to help. You will need to be able to attend all four sessions. To book, e-mail: EBSA@bradford.gov.uk
Weds, 10 June - 1 July (1pm - 2.30pm) at Bradford South Family Hub (Reevy)
SEND 'Life Admin' session (parent-volunteer led)
A new friendly drop-in for families with a child with special education needs and/or disabilities. Run with support from a parent-volunteer with lived experience, the session will focus on helping you with paperwork, forms and admin - with a cuppa and a chat.
Taking place monthly at different venues across the district, come along and speak to specialist SEND services who can provide advice, support and signposting.
18 May (2pm - 4.30pm) at Bradford South Family Hub (TFD).
27 July (1pm - 3.pm) at Bradford East Family Hub (Barkerend).
SEND Toilet Training Workshop
The special needs and public health school nursing team can provide support around toilet training at these workshops. All sessions run between 9.30am - 11.30am. To book, send your name, your child's name and school, your contact number and the date you wish to attend to: sendtoilettraining@bdct.nhs.uk
18 May (10.30am to 12 noon) at Bradford East Family Hub (Barkerend)
Creative session for people (aged 18+) with learning disabilities
A welcoming space to meet, socialise and take part in activities such as arts and crafts. Call: 07904 953864 or email: info@volunteeringbradford.org
11 May (2pm - 4pm) at Bradford West Family Hub (Bevan)
For further Information about all groups, visit the Family Hub's timetables (SEND activities highlighted in Orange).
Service Spotlight: Audiology
A picture showing a child's hearing being tested.
Read our One Minute Guide for a brief overview of deaf services available across the Bradford district.
What does the Audiology service do?
Tests the hearing of children up to the age of 18 years (up to 16 in Airedale) where there is a concern about hearing and provides assessment, monitoring and rehabilitation for hearing loss. They provide the latest digital hearing aids and offer an in depth, full after care programme. They also offer help, support and advice for family members.
How to get a referral
Referrals are accepted from any healthcare professional who has contact with the child including GP, health visitors and school nurses.
Could you or someone you know be a Bradford district childminder?
A pictue showing childminder Aalya counting numbers with a child.
Bradford Council are looking for committed people to become Bradford district childminders.
Meet Aalya (above) who is a Bradford district childminder. Watch Aalya's video about being a childminder here.
Aalya says 'if I was to describe my job in three words it would be fun, challenging and exciting. It's a very rewarding job as you see children develop over time, you see them learn little things every day. This is like no other job, and if you're thinking of exploring childminding as a career i'd say just go for it.'
The first step is signing up for a free childminding information session, you can find out more and sign up here.
Benefits of childminding as a career, include:
flexibility to fit around your life
it's a rewarding job
you can vary what you do each day
the chance to create strong bonds with children and their families.
Spread the word about SEND news!
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