Next week, we see our younger residents heading back, or starting, school after the summer holidays.
We are very proud that all schools in our borough are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.
These schools celebrated very impressive A Level and GCSE results this summer. It is good to witness so many young people seeing their hard work and determination pay off, allowing them to move on to the next stage of their education or starting their career.
This time of year can be overwhelming for children and parents/carers, so we have put together some useful information to help with the return to school.
School can seem a big step for both children and parents. It’s normal for every child to develop at a slightly different pace. There are lots of activities you can do with your little one to help them develop the skills they need for school.
Frimley Healthier Together has advice for parents and children as they head off to school.
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The Family Information Service (FIS) provides free, impartial information and advice about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and all other family matters from where to find your nearest baby clinic, to getting support on child behaviour and so much more, including:
- SEND information on how to access services and support including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Education, childcare and early years funding
- Leisure and holiday activities
- Advice and support services
- Brokerage service for those struggling to find childcare
Contact the Family Information Service at: fis@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.
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The Bracknell Forest Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) provides free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for children, young people up to age 25, parents and carers.
IASS provides a wide variety of resources on their website as well as information on legislation and guidance.
You can contact IASS by email: iass@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or by phone on:0134435401.
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The Local Offer helps children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and their families, make informed choices about the support and services they receive. It does this by gathering together all the information that families may need in one place. The Local Offer will continue to develop and grow as more provision, guidance and information is added. Changes will also be made as it responds to local need.
The Local Offer includes information on:
- Health and social care services
- Education and transitions
- Childcare and people who look after you
- Post-16 provision
- Short breaks, activities and things to do
- Advice and support services
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The Bracknell Forest Parent Carer Forum is a voluntary and independent group of parents and carers of children and young people who have special educational needs or a disability.
They aim to improve and make positive changes to not only the lives of the young people but also the lives of their families.
Alongside Bracknell Forest Council, East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, local schools and community groups, they work to inform, shape and develop current and new services to make a difference in Bracknell Forest.
The Parent Carer Forum runs events each month, both in person and online.
For more information, visit the Parent Carer website or Facebook page.
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For many families, the return to school can bring financial challenges.
There is help available and eligible families are encouraged to look into the support offered.
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Bracknell Forest Council cost of living support
There is a range of support available to families to help with the cost of living, including the Household Support Fund.
Support is available for food, housing, energy and childcare. Simply visit our website to see the support available to you.
Free school meals
Children who attend a Bracknell Forest school and whose parents or carers receive certain benefits, may be entitled to free school meals.
All children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are eligible for free school meals.
Even if your child is in one of these classes, and is automatically entitled to claim a free school meal, it is still important that you apply for free school meals. This will make sure the school receives the extra government funding to which they are entitled to.
Help with school uniform
Schools can offer help with uniform. Information about the availability of second-hand uniforms should be available on the school’s website. This could be done by either the school itself or the PTA. If you are unsure, you can always contact the school office for further information.
Three local charities can offer help with school uniform for those on the lowest incomes, these are:
While children are only just going back to school, for those who are due to start primary school, or move up to secondary school in September 2024, here are the key dates for the application process.
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Applying for primary school for September 2024
All information regarding the primary school application process will be available from 5 November 2023.
Applying for secondary school for September 2024
All information regarding the secondary school application will be available from 12 September 2023.
Have you ever thought about working in a school? There is still time to sign up to the community learning’s working in school course.
The course is running on Tuesdays from 5 September to 10 October, 12 noon – 2pm.
You will gain an understanding of the impact you will have on the teachers, families, and the children you are working with.
The course is £50 or free to eligible jobseekers.
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