Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin. This week includes information on
- Message from Sue Harrison
- Early Help Parent Space Drop ins
- Low mood, Self-Harm & Suicide Wellbeing Information Sessions
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TOKKO Youth Centre
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Yvonne Newbold talk: the emotions of being the parent of a SEND child
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The First Steps to Supporting a Child with Autism Spectrum Conditions -
Autism Bedfordshire Workhop
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Positive Mindful Drumming Workshop - Spectrum Community Arts
- What’s On
Message from Sue Harrison
I am pleased to say that since our Written Statement of Action (WSoA) was approved by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in September, we have been working hard to progress the actions in that statement and fulfil our commitment to providing a better service for children and young people with SEND in Central Bedfordshire.
We have been doing this in partnership with Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG), with the support of parents through the SNAP Parent Carer Forum, and practitioners in local schools, education settings, and partnership organisations.
We are still in the early stages of our SEND improvement journey and there remains lots to be done, but as agreed with our NHS England and Department for Education advisors in our recent WSoA progress monitoring visit, we are making good progress and moving in the right direction. As promised we are sharing with you the work we have done so far as part of the SEND Improvement Programme and will continue to share updates after each school term.
We have updated our website with the actions for the areas of improvement that Ofsted and the CQC identified at their inspection in November 2019, which align with our four WSoA workstreams. To view this click here.
I know that this is a difficult time for parents and practitioners as we kick off the new term in a lockdown. I would like to reassure you that our schools remain open for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers, and rigorous risk assessments are in place to ensure that they are able to provide a safe environment for learning.
Finally, I would like to wish you a Happy New Year as we move into the Spring term, where we will continue our commitment to making Central Bedfordshire a place that all children and young people can thrive, develop and access the right opportunities for their future.
Sue Harrison, Director of Children’s Services
Early Help Parent Space Drop ins
This is a free, virtual drop in for all parents organised by the Early Help Team, alongside other organisations, including Children’s Centres and Groundworks.
This drop in includes general sessions as well as sessions covering different topics and information from other agencies.
Dunstable – Every other Tuesday at 11am
Houghton Regis – Every Tuesday at 11am
Low mood, Self-Harm & Suicide Wellbeing Information Sessions
TOKKO Youth Centre
Tokko runs a variety of services for young people and are running throughout covid finding alternative ways to support young people.
The Disability Project is aimed specifically for vulnerable young people with a variety of disabilities including autistic spectrum, downs syndrome and global developmental delay.
If you need to know more about services they run please call Tokko 01582 544990.
Yvonne Newbold talk: the emotions of being the parent of a SEND child
Yvonne Newbold will explore the emotions around being the parent of a SEND child. What are the triggers and how we are left feeling following interaction with other people? You will also have the opportunity to join Yvonne for a follow up discussion over lunch or supper the following week. Take this opportunity to put questions to Yvonne in person and discuss your issues with her and other parents and combat isolation.
- Webinar 10th Feb - Join us for two hours hosted by Yvonne Newbold and Carers in Bedfordshire, 8-10pm
- Lunch 17th Feb - Make yourself a sandwich and a drink and join us for a mid-day discussion, 12.30-2.00pm
- Drinks and Nibbles 18th Feb - For those of us that are busy in the day, an evening discussion following on from the webinar, 8.00-9.30pm
- This is for Parent Carers
The First Steps to Supporting a Child with Autism Spectrum Conditions - Autism Bedfordshire Workhop
12th January 2021 9:45 am - 12:00 pm
This will be a relaxed session, specifically for parents and carers of children who are diagnosed, newly diagnosed, or going through the diagnostic process. The session will consist of a 60 minute talk on Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), followed by an opportunity to hear from and share with other parents and carers, and gain information about local resources.
To book, contact Autism Bedfordshire 01234 214871 or enquiries@autismbeds.org
Positive Mindful Drumming workshop - Spectrum Community Arts
At 2pm on the 9th of January, Spectrum are partnering with Drum United for a FREE one off workshop to celebrate our 4th birthday!
This session will be run by the amazing Adey from Drum United, find out more about them and watch their promo video
"Positive mindful drumming combines rhythms, affirmations and mantra. It is uplifting, calming, it helps develop a positive mindset and it suits all ages and all abilities. " - Drum United
Contact 07741 280382 or jade@spectrumca.co.uk
What’s On:
SEND Support virtual coffee morning every first and third Wednesday of the month,
9:30 – 10:30 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,
1:30 – 2:30 pm
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
Please visit the Local Offer for more information on activities, services, advice and support across Central Bedfordshire for children and young people with SEND or follow us on Facebook
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
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