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

• Welcome and update from Sue Harrison

• COVID-19: Home to school transport

• Free Introduction to Sensory Processing - online workshop

• Carers in Bedfordshire Parent Carer Bulletin

• Promoting Positive Emotional Wellbeing

• The first steps to supporting a child with Autism Spectrum Conditions

• What’s On

Hello and welcome to our eighth edition of our SEND email bulletin. 

I am pleased to say that we officially submitted our Written Statement of Action (WSOA) yesterday (1 September) outlining the actions our partnership will be taking to address the six areas of weaknesses identified by Ofsted and CQC.

We are now waiting to receive a formal response from Ofsted as to whether they agree with our WSOA or have some suggested changes to make to it. Once Ofsted confirm they are happy with our WSOA, we will publish it on our website and share it with you.

I would like to thank all the SEND children and young people, parents, carers and professionals, who have worked with us over the past few months through virtual group sessions and online surveys to help develop our WSOA. Your views, comments and feedback have been invaluable to us in helping create a plan of action that really demonstrates what you want and need from services for children and young people with SEND in Central Bedfordshire.

I know that the current pandemic has provided some challenges for us all and that has led to some delays and us having to adapt how we have worked in order to produce the WSOA. I want to say how much I appreciate your patience during this time and adapting with us.

Work has already begun on many of the actions set out in the WSOA, and I look forwards to continuing our conversations with our parents, carers, and children to monitor the impact of our actions.  Ofsted and the department of education will also monitor our progress against the WSOA every three months, once our WSOA has been accepted.

I look forward to building on the positive start we have made.  Please do look out for the next Meet the Director virtual meeting dates and come along to share your views and experiences of our services.

As schools reopen following the long Covid restrictions, I wish you and your children a positive return.

All the best,

Sue Harrison, Director of Children's Services

COVID-19: Home to school transport

As schools re-open in September 2020, we are following government guidance on how your child can get to and from their school. Pupils should, wherever possible, avoid public transport (including school transport) and: walk to school cycle to school travel in a car Find out more

Free Introduction to Sensory Processing - online workshop

Are you a parent/carer living in Central Bedfordshire and you will like to understand more about sensory processing?

There will a FREE online workshop on the introduction to sensory processing. The workshop will be held over two sessions and will last two hours each.

The sessions will be held on:

• Tuesday 6th October at 10.00am - 12.00
• Friday 9th October at 10.00am – 12.00

The workshop will cover a basic overview of sensory processing to include:

1. What the senses are and why they are so important for everyday skills
2. How poor sensory processing can present itself in children
3. Examples of how it may feel to experience poor sensory processing
4. Helpful strategies that can support everyday living

Please note you MUST attend both of the sessions if you sign up to the workshop.

More information and how to book

Carers in Bedfordshire Parent Carer Bulletin

A new online bulletin with news, updates and information for Parent/Carers from Carers in Bedfordshire.

Find out more here

Promoting Positive Emotional Wellbeing Virtual Workshop for families

Do you want to learn more about feeling happy and calm at home?

Worried about childen returning to school or other changes happening?

Activities and information will be aimed at all children.  Younger children may need support from an adult. See below timings for children, parents and professionals.

17:00-17:30: Activities and information tailored to children of all ages (no boring adult bits allowed)

17:30- 18:00: Information for parents and professionals to support children

The first steps to supporting a child with Autism Spectrum Conditions

What’s On:

SEND Support virtual coffee afternoon every first Tuesday of the month,
beginning 8 September 
1:30 – 2:30 am
Shefford and Stotfold Children’s Centre

If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8112

SEND Support virtual coffee afternoon every other Monday,
2:00 – 3:00 am
Leighton Buzzard Children’s Centre 

If you would like to book a space please call 01525 384368

SEND Support virtual coffee morning every first and third Thursday of the month,
10:00 – 11:00 am
Flitwick Children’s Centre 

If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8111

SEND Support virtual coffee morning every first and third Friday of the month,
10:30 – 11:30 am
Houghton Regis Children’s Centre 

If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8115

Super Kids Online – virtual support group for parents or carers with children who have SEND
Sandy Children's Centre - every other Thursday, 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Fortnightly catch ups and support online.  A chance to speak to professionals from the CDC, Early Years Support Team, Speech and Language plus more.

To book a free place contact Karen on 0300 300 6009 or email karen.burton@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

We hope you have found the information in the bulletin helpful. We would love to hear your feedback and what you would like to see in future editions.  Please let us know by emailing send.feedback@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk