Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin. This week includes information on
New Local Offer website
Central Bedfordshire Council and local area partners have been working hard to co-produce a new Local Offer website. As part of this project, we have been working closely with SNAP Parent Carer Forum, who have asked for further co-production activity over the following weeks. This is because SNAP PCF want to ensure that parents and young people have the opportunity to continue to participate, as their views and experience will be pivotal in ensuring we have a website that meets their needs.
This means the date of the launch of the new website has been put back by 4 weeks. We are sure you will agree this is the right approach because we want to ensure families are at the heart of the process.
SNAP PCF will be hosting parent panels which will be focused on specific areas of the new website and will be an opportunity for parents and carers to give feedback. These will be held on the following dates:
- 5 October 10.00 – 11.30 am Education
- 11 October 10.00 - 11.30 am Health
- 12 October 10.00 - 11.30 am Care
We will also be asking education settings and local voluntary organisations to gain feedback from young people.
The new website will be launched on 28th October 2021, and there will be a series of launch events, week commencing 1st November 2021 – watch this space for more information on these events which will include some fun activities for families to enjoy whilst learning about our new Local Offer!
The new Local Offer website will be a one stop shop for parents/carers, children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to find information, advice and support services available. In response to the feedback we receive from families and young people, the new website will be more engaging, easier to navigate and will of course be continually improved by being updated. This is to ensure that all information on the Local Offer is up to date and helpful for families with SEND in Central Bedfordshire.
Update on future ways of working of the Medical Needs Education Team
Over this half term we will be beginning the process of returning to teaching in the home and continue with our work in schools. We also hope to be able to resume teaching in libraries as soon as this is approved at CBC.
This is a process that will take time to re-establish as a service as we have been working remotely for such a long time due to COVID. Decisions will involve a combination of factors, including timetabling, geographical location and travel time, which all need to be factored in, as well as the risk assessment processes.
Each teacher will be talking to the families, young people and schools about ways forward and plans will gradually be made from there and introduced. We will be offering a combination of teaching as we move forwards - for example one remote lesson and one face to face if young people are having 2 hours for example in a subject – to balance things out for everyone.
Please email Heather Anderson, Head of Medical Needs Education Team, if you have any questions about this.
Bedfordshire and Luton CAMHS Parent Partnership Forum
Parent Insight -What is a Young Carer?
Monday October 11, 2021 - 4:30 – 5:30 pm
This is a virtual information session to learn more about Young Carers, the definition of a Young Carer and what support is available for them.
The session will be split into 2 parts:
16.30-17.00: Information on what is a Young carer- Presentation from carers in Beds and Early Help Young Carer lead.
17.00-17.30:Time to ask questions
Parenting Insight Session -SEND
Thursday November 11, 2021 - 4:30 – 5:30 pm
This is a virtual workshop to support families, the session will provide a basic overview of SEND. The aim of the session is to support families to develop an understanding of SEND needs and support available to them .
The session will be split into 2 parts:
16.30-17.00: Information regarding SEND support- guest speakers from SNAP PCF, SENDIASS and Homestart
17.00-17.30:Time to ask questions
Junior Respite Club - Families United Network
Monday 25th October
Morning session 9.30 am - 12.30 pm
Afternoon session 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm
Junior Respite Club is a short breaks service designed for young people with more complex or severe learning disabilities who require a higher level of support.
The Club runs fortnightly on Saturdays (term time only) and on selected dates in the school holidays and provides opportunities for young people aged from 4 to 11 years to spend time with their peers; allowing their family to take a break from their usual caring responsibilities.
Imagination Dance Half Term Workshops
What's on
More events and workshops that are being held this month are on our Events Calendar
Do you provide a service or run events for children and young people with SEND and their families?
We would like to offer providers the opportunity to advertise local SEND services and events in our fortnightly SEND news bulletin, on our local offer Facebook page and to be included in the local offer events calendar.
If you would like to be featured then please email details about your service and/or event to local.offer@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Children's Centres SEND Support Coffee mornings
SEND session with play activities and opportunity for parents to talk to other parents
7th October from 10:00 – 11:30 am
Leighton Buzzard Children’s Centre
Booking is essential due to Covid restrictions please call 01525 384368. Children welcome.
SEND - Stay, Play & Chat
Every Monday from 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Dunstable Children’s Centre
If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8106/0300 300 8104
SEND Support virtual coffee afternoon every second Monday of the month,
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Shefford and Stotfold Children’s Centre
If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8112
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 Wednesday, 1:00 am – 2:30 pm
Fortnightly catch ups and support online and face-to-face. 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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