Latest SEND News and Updates

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SEND News

20 July - 57th edition

SEND News and Update

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

  • Share your views on SEND and Alternate Provision reforms

    Annual health checks for adults and young people aged 14 or over with a learning disability

  • Bedfordshire and Luton Children’s Community Health HUB
  • SEND Summer Activities Programme

  • Disability Related Discounts

  • Free activities during the summer holidays for children who receive free school meals.
  • Being a parent of a child affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Anger in children and young people - Parent Insight

  • Positive Body Image for Children - Parent Insight

  • What's On
  • Children's Centres SEND Support Coffee Mornings

Share your views on SEND and Alternate Provision reforms

The SEND and Alternate Provision green paper consultation deadline has been extended to close on 22 July.   Now is the time to reflect on the proposals and share your response before it’s too late. 

Resources are available to help you understand the proposal. These resources include:

  • question and answer sessions that cover mandatory mediation
  • behaviour
  • accountability
  • school SEND budgets and
  • teacher training.

Respond to the consultation 


Annual health checks for adults and young people aged 14 or over with a learning disability

Annual Health Check

An annual health check helps you stay well by talking about your health and finding any problems early, so you get the right care.

You do not have to be ill to have a health check – in fact, most people have their annual health check when they're feeling well. 

A GP (Doctor) or Nurse will usually undertake the Annual Health Check and most practices should be signed up to provide an annual health check for patients with a learning disability over the age of 14.  

GP practices have a list of people with Learning Disabilities.  People on this list will be offered a health check.

The annual health check will cover:

  • Communication needs
  • Immunisations
  • Invitation to cancer screening as appropriate 
  • Lifestyle advice
  • A physical examination
  • Questions about general health and wellbeing
  • Medication
  • Behaviour
  • Care Plan
  • Any concerns you wish to discuss

At the end of the health check the GP or Nurse should give you a copy of your health action plan. 

Next steps 

You can contact your GP to ensure that your young person is registered on the learning disability register and request their Annual Health Check.

More information can be found on the 

Local Offer


Bedfordshire and Luton Children’s Community Health HUB

Health Hub

The Bedfordshire and Luton Children’s Community Health HUB is a one stop service for our Health Visiting, School Nursing 0-19 and our Looked after Children Teams for parents, carers and professionals. 

To access the Health HUB call 0300 555 0606 or email:  ccs.bedsandlutonchildrenshealthhub@nhs.net

Trained Hub administrators will be at the end of the phone to help and advise, and to signpost you to the correct services.


SEND Summer Activities Programme

SEND Summer Activities Programme

Check out our summer of fun and make sure your family experiences a range of exciting and unforgettable activities and adventures this summer holiday for SEND children, young people and their families.

Together with SNAP Parent Carer Forum we have co-produced this jam-packed timetable for over the summer holidays. 

Families can enjoy exclusive swimming sessions at multiple pools across Central Bedfordshire, relaxed screenings at Grove Theatre in Dunstable, as well as countryside activities at Rushmere Country Park.

For further information and how to book visit the:

SEND local offer


Disability Related Discounts

Did you know that as a parent or carer of a child with special educational needs or disabilities, you may be able to get discounted or free entry to a range of leisure options?

You may also find that you can skip lengthy queues.  Not all attractions will advertise their discounts, so don't be afraid to ask!  You may need to have with you evidence of disability - a copy of your award letter for Disability Living Allowance for example.

Further information can be found on our

SEND Local Offer


Free activities during the summer holidays for children who receive free school meals.

Sessions are inclusive so are suitable for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) and they'll also be running a series of activities specifically for children with SEND.

More information

HAF

Being a parent of a child affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder

A FREE 10 week programme run by parents for Mums, Dads and Carers beginning 20th September.

EPEC

Anger in children and young people - Parent Insight

Anger in children and young people - Parent Insight

More information and how to book


Positive Body Image for Children - Parent Insight

Positive Body Image for Children - Parent Insight

More information and how to book


What's on

More events and workshops that are being held this month are on our What's On Calendar 


Children's Centres SEND Support Coffee Mornings

Leighton Buzzard Mencap Opportunity Group
Thursdays 10 – 11:30 (Termtime only) 

Casual chat & play session for parents, carers & their children who have additional needs. Support for parents, carers & their children who have additional needs.
Ring 01525 384368 to book on.

SEND Stay and Play
Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:0
0 am
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 – 2:3
0 pm
Shefford and Stotfold Children’s Centre

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

SEND Support coffee afternoon every 4th Thursday of the month,
1:30 – 2:30 am
Flitwick Children’s Centre 

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

SEND Coffee morning, Stay and Play 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

Support group for parents or carers with children who have SEND
Biggleswade Youth Centre - every other Wednesday, 1:30 – 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


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 What's On page.

If you would like to be featured then please email details about your service and/or event to local.offer@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk