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As we move into the spring the days become longer and we start to feel a little lighter in our steps, well at least I do! The spring does provide us with some positive energy and we have a lot to be positive about at the moment.
Firstly, following a revisit from Ofsted and CQC we were able to demonstrate that we had made effective progress in four of the five areas of focus that had been highlighted during our SEND Area inspection. We were very close to achieving the required progress in all five areas, but we agreed that additional work to support our young people aged 18-25 was needed and we look forward to working with the DfE on our Accelerated Performance Plan in this area.
Although we are still feeling the pressure of the pandemic, I am very pleased to share that we have consistently achieved some of the highest attendance rates in our special schools both regionally and nationally. This has only been possible due to the close working relationships between the local authority, schools and parent carers, and due to the creative and flexible approach of our school staff teams, which I would like to acknowledge and thank alongside the wider teams that continue to work so hard during these challenging times.
Rules regarding isolation maybe changing as from 1 April, but it is still as important as ever to maintain our focus on appropriate measures, particularly regular hands washing. While we learn to live with COVID-19 we all still need to consider the impact we can have as individuals to keeping people safe.
As a final note – I would like to acknowledge the work, commitment and achievements of Sheelagh Sullivan who will retire from her role as head of SEND & Inclusion services at the end of April. I am sure you will join me in thanking Sheelagh and wishing her the very best in her retirement. We have successfully recruited a replacement and details will be shared as soon as I am able to do so.
Enjoy the spring, look after yourself, you are all valuable!
Toni Bailey
Assistant Director SEND / Inclusion
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Goodbye from Sheelagh Sullivan, Head Of SEN and Inclusion Services
I just wanted to say a big thank you to families of Peterborough for all of the wisdom and kind support that I have received from so many of you over the 8 years that I have been in Peterborough. I’m sorry to be leaving but I’m also proud of the many changes we have made together to improve the experience of children and young people with SEND in the city. There will always be more to do and as families I know you will be at the heart of whatever changes the future brings. I wish you all the very best for the future and I hope to hear from afar about your success.
My gratitude and best wishes to all.
Sheelagh Sullivan
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Peterborough Statutory Assessment and Monitoring Service (SAMS) Multi-agency Statutory Training Lv 1&2 2021/22
The SAMs Transitions Officers are continuing to run a jointly delivered multi-agency training programme for a range of stakeholders and delivery partners this Academic year.
Aim of the Statutory Training
The overall aim is for delivery partners to 'understand their responsibilities concerning EHCPs (particularly annual reviews) and annual review processes and timelines to conform to statutory expectations'. The focus of these will be to provide very clear and transparent direction on Statutory guidelines and processes which we must all be adhering to, including information on EHC Needs Assessments, consultations, Annual Reviews, and all associated paperwork.
Training calendar
You can find the full schedule of all training sessions online. To stay up to date with all training bookmark the Peterborough SEND Training webpage
How to book
You can book a place online using the booking form or contact sohail.hayat@peterborough.gov.uk for any queries.
Superhero Series
Superhero Series is the UK’s one and only disability sports series for the everyday Superhero! For all their challenges you can either fly solo or team up with family and friends to do as much or as little as you wish, with as much or as little support as you need. If you want flippers or floats in the water or need to use your powerchair, they will make it possible.
Making a Difference to Young People's Lives through Personalised Care
This report from the National Children’s Bureau report aims to understand how personalised care interventions can better support children and young people who experience poor mental health and social deprivation.
The report makes a series of recommendations aimed at improving the experiences of this group. You can read the report here.
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Peterborough SEN and Inclusion Services brochure - 21-22
How the world looks to vision impaired children and young people video
The Thomas Pocklington Trust have produced a video ‘What do we see 2 – How the world looks to vision impaired children and young people‘
The video simulates the five most common conditions affecting vision impaired children and young people in the UK today.
In this video they have simulated the conditions in an educational setting and used augmented reality to show how things typically look to those living with Nystagmus, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Cataracts, Retinopathy of Prematurity and Optic Atrophy.
Let our children be heard
This resource for parents of children with severe and complex speech, language and communication needs has been produced by ICAN (the children’s communication charity) and Contact (for families with disabled children).
It includes many quotes from parents who have given a useful insight into their experiences.
 Council for Disabled Children
the Council for Disabled Children's Winter newsletter is now available.
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Peterborough Reads Looking for Reading Buddies
Peterborough Reads inspires families across the city to read together, and helps parents to support their children’s literacy skills. We particularly work with early years professionals to improve early reading and writing skills, and to ease the transition between primary and secondary school.
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What is a Reading Buddy?
A Reading Buddy is a volunteer who reads with children regularly on a one-to-one basis, helping to develop their enjoyment of books. As a Reading Buddy you will work with children each week. No previous experience is necessary as training will be given. All you need is patience and enthusiasm
Reading Buddies will need to be able to commit to an hour each week for at least one school term. You will work with children to develop their confidence to read and discuss a book, either in English or their home language. You will support children in their reading and spend time discussing the story to develop their wider understanding. You will need to agree to the school’s volunteer policy
What do Reading Buddies and children think?
“Reading with a Reading Buddy is so much fun. My Reading Buddy is very kind and if I get stuck on a word she helps me work it out.” – Primary School pupil
“It is so rewarding working with the same children each week and watching them progress in their reading. In becoming a Reading Buddy I have learnt a wider range of reading strategies and questioning techniques.” – Reading Buddy
If you feel confident that you can commit an hour each week for a term, please sign up to become a Reading Buddy!
Family Voice Upcoming Events
Family Voice are a local registered charity who are actively seeking to improve services in all areas of the lives of children and young people with disabilities or additional needs. They support parents and carers of children and young people aged 0—25 years with a disability or additional needs.
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Forums
Family Voice Peterborough are having a range of different open forums in collaboration with different services from Peterborough City Council. The different services will go through what they can offer parent/carer/young persons and how they can help ranging from Special Educational Needs, Preparing for Adulthood and more.
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