Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin. This week includes information on
New Local Offer website launch events
We would like to invite you to one of our Local Offer Website Launch Events being held on Wednesday 3 November and Saturday 6 November.
There will be fun for all the family including performances from our wonderful Music Service and a fantastic Magician and interactive sessions with health, community and voluntary services .
There will be 6 sessions, which will be an hour long as we have minimised availability to be Covid Compliant and to ensure you are safe at all times. PPE will be on hand.
If you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19 or have a family member self-isolating at home we would ask that you please do not come to the event
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To book, please click on your chosen venue, this will then open Eventbrite where you will then be able to select a time :
Day One – Wednesday 3 November 2021
Leighton Buzzard Youth Centre 10:00 - 11:00 am, 11:00 - 12:00 pm
Sandy and Biggleswade Children's Centre 2:00 - 3:00 pm, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Houghton Regis Children's Centre 6:00 - 7:00 pm, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Day Two – Saturday 6 November 2021
Flitwick Children's Centre 10:00 - 11:00 am, 11:00 - 12:00 pm
Biggleswade Youth Centre 2:00 - 3:00 pm, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Arlesey Youth Centre 6:00 - 7:00 pm, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Diagnosis Support Pack
Families have described the experience of their child receiving a neurodiversity diagnosis (e.g. Autism or ADHD) as ‘like a bereavement’ and following the lengthy diagnosis process are left with little information, or understanding of ‘what next?’ They told us that a 'one-stop shop' for information, resources and signposting following a diagnosis would be really useful, and they would like this information to be accessible and from a trusted source. The Diagnosis Support Pack (DSP) has been coproduced by families for families following a diagnosis of a neurodiversity, and contains information, resources and signposting in a variety of media (video's, infographics, animations), split into 14 sections - from sleep to medication, and lots more.
The pack has been co-produced with the help of parents, young people, local Parent Carer Forums, CAMHS, Education Psychology and other key partners.
Carers in Bedfordshire - Parents Together
Carers in Bedfordshire would like to invite you to come along to one of their Parent Carer groups to meet with other parents and a support workers. The group will be a place to share your experiences, learn from each other and gather information about services on offer for you.
Groups run for approximately 2 hours on a monthly basis at venues in Biggleswade and Ampthill.
For further information, please visit the What’s on page on their website or you can phone 0300 111 1919 or email Events@carersinbeds.org.uk
Connect - support group for parents
Family SEND Swimming session
 Houghton Regis Leisure Centre is offering a Free family SEND swimming session in the main pool.
- The pool is a 20 metre x 4 lane pool and is 1m at the shallow end. A chair based pool hoist is available if required.
- There are separate male and female changing rooms plus three family changing cubicles.
- Lockers require a trolley token or £1 coin (returned after use).
- The activity is free to participating families and free on site parking is also provided.
- Please note that usual swimming admission policy applies.
- This includes 1 adult (aged 18+) to every 2 children aged under 8 years.
All adults supervising children under eight years of age must accompany the children in the water and be within reach.
Location: Houghton Regis Leisure Centre, Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire LU5 5PY
Date: 27th Oct
Times: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Cost: FREE
No advanced booking required
Tel: 01582 866141
Email: enquiries.houghton@sll.co.uk
SEND Special - Scavenger Hunt
 This October Half Term Rushmere Country Park are pleased to offer a special free event for children with SEND where there will be a scavenger hunt and making crafty hedgehogs. These sessions are free of charge, but please let us know in advance if you are unable to make the session you have booked so we can offer your place to another SEND family.
- Minimum age – 6
- Limited numbers – only 12 places in total (booking essential)
- Accompanying adults are not required to book a place - please book for each child in your party
- All children must be accompanied by an adult
- Parking fee will apply
Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath and Reach, LU7 0EB
Date: 26th October, 2021
Times: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Cost: Activity is free to participate, normal parking fees at the park will apply.
Phone: 01525 234260
School Holiday Club - Kids in Action
26th, 28th and 30th October from 10 am - 3 pm
Kids in Action run regular youth club and kids club events at a huge, dedicated venue in Dunstable. Masses of interesting stuff to do and a huge space to get some exercise and burn off some excess energy! All with low-key but mindful supervision.
Telephone: 01582 477760
Email: info@kidsinaction.org.uk
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
Xplorer half term activities
Xplorer is a family-friendly fun navigation challenge that is educational and gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers.
It involves a healthy mix of physical activity and decision-making that the whole family can enjoy together. At each marker, children need to identify what is pictured and enjoy learning a fun fact to tell their friends
'Spectrum's Virtual Halloween Party!'
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 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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