Welcome to the second edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This edition includes information on

• How you can have your say on SEND services and support
• The temporary changes to SEND legislation and regulations
• The CAMHS Talk series of podcasts
• The Local Offer
• Coronavirus update
• What’s On in Central Bedfordshire

Have your say on our SEND services and support

We want to hear your thoughts and suggestions. So, we can make sure that we are developing the right services and support for families. Tell us about your experiences with services and support that you have received from Education Health Social Care It’s really important to us that we work with you to improve things so please share your views with us by completing our online survey, by 5pm on Friday 19 June 2020. However, if you would rather share your thoughts with us virtually, please email send.feedback@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk to book onto one of our Meet the Director Virtual Focus Groups. We still have spaces if you would like to join us to share your experiences and views of our services. We want to work with you to improve things. The groups will be led by Sue Harrison (Director of Children’s Services) and a Senior Health Representative. Louise Bartos (Head of SEND), Health provider representation and Kirsty Green (Director, SNAP Parent Carer Forum) will also be present. The following dates and times are still available if you would like to book onto one of the sessions:

Please email send.feedback@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk with a first and second choice of date.  We will then email you confirming your attendance and the joining instructions for the meeting.

SEND Legislation and Regulations

The Coronavirus Act 2020 that came into law as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, has given the government temporary powers to amend some of the legislation and guidance found in the Children & Families Act 2014 relating to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Please read more about our response to Temporary Changes to SEND Legislation and regulations.

Listen to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) podcasts

CAMHS Talk is a series of podcasts where you can listen to staff interviews, hear lively discussions between staff, service users and their families and get first-hand information about what it is like to use the CAMHS service.  So far, they have talked about: Mental Health Apps Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Therapy Dogs

Read more

Do you know about the Local Offer?

The Local Offer provides information for parents and carers of children and young people (0 to 25 years old) with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

It is a single point of information and advice that shows families what they can expect from a range of local agencies including education, health, and social care. Central Bedfordshire Council (and all local authorities) must publish a Local Offer.

The Local Offer includes information on:

• Services available to all families, such as schools and GP surgeries
• Targeted support and services for those who may need some additional short-term support
• Specialist services for children and young people, who have complex needs and need longer term specialised support

View our Local Offer

Coronavirus information and resources for parents and carers

There is a lot of uncertainty around the current COVID-19 outbreak, particularly given that the situation is constantly developing and much information about the virus remains incomplete. 

With the announcement from the government that primary school children will not be returning to school this term, we have put together some coronavirus advice which we hope that you will find helpful.

What’s On:

Support your child – Join the Online Coffee Break session

Life in lockdown has had a significant impact on our lives, bringing both gains and strains, new insights and new anxieties. As our children and young people attempt to make sense of what is happening, what is their behaviour really telling us and how can we support them best. Join Lisa Cherry  for an ‘interactive coffee break’ session focusing on building resilience, understanding attachment and promoting co-regulation. There will be opportunities for connection, learning and thinking! 

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. When: Jun 22, 2020 10:00 AM London Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsf-CrrzIiE9Mdy3YZjYML6YSv2_xLMP8E

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Spectrum Community Arts

Spectrum Community Arts are a not-for-profit organisation that provides performing arts workshops for people with disabilities and additional needs.  They are currently offering 3 zoom sessions a week! 

Sensory Movement – Mondays, 2;30 pm – 3 pm

Learn a Dance – Wednesdays, 2;30 pm – 3 pm

Interactive Stories – Fridays, 2:30 pm – 3 pm

More information and to book on a session

We hope you have enjoyed this News Bulletin and have find the information helpful. We would love to hear your feedback and what you would like to see in future issues.  Please let us know by emailing send.feedback@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk