Latest SEND News and Updates

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SEND News

3 August - 58th edition

SEND News and Update

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

  • National Co-production Week 2022

  • CHUMS workshops

  • Caraline Carers Support Group
  • Free tickets to the relaxed screenings at the Grove Theatre for SNAP PCF members
  • SEND Summer Activities Programme

  • Disability Related Discounts

  • Free activities during the summer holidays for children who receive free school meals.
  • Specrum Community Arts - Free Virtual Taster Sessions!
  • What's On
  • Children's Centres SEND Support Coffee Mornings

National Co-production Week 2022

Central Bedfordshire’s SEND Co-Production Charter was launched in July 2021, developed in partnership with SNAP Parent Carer Forum, and feedback from over 35 parents/carers, 145 young people with SEND from 17 schools and settings, and professionals from health and social care services. 

This year, as part of National Co-Production Week, we asked all local schools to make a commitment to working together to make sure the principles of effective Co-Production underpin and shape the work with parent/carers, children and young people with SEND by pledging their school / college’s support for The Co-Production Charter.

View a list of Schools and Colleges that have committed to the pledge.


CHUMS workshops

Families  can explore dates/times of our workshops and if you wish to attend any workshop,  a Psychoeducation Workshop Registration Form must be completed.

We ask all families to complete the registration form at least one week prior to the workshop they wish to attend.

Please note families must be registered to a GP in Central Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough or Luton to receive a place on the workshop. The workshops are delivered virtually via Microsoft teams video call and places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

 CHUMSchumschumschumschums

Caraline Carers Support Group

Caraline

Free tickets to the relaxed screenings at the Grove Theatre for SNAP PCF members

If you would like to join SNAP PCF please complete their Membership form 

Relaxed screenings

For further information on other activities and how to book visit the:

SEND local offer


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

Specrum Community Arts - Free Virtual Taster Sessions!

Spectrum is thrilled to be able to offer FREE taster sessions of our virtual classes this September!

Sign up and try out our virtual sessions, hosted every week on zoom, to see if they would be the perfect fit for you, completely free of charge! 

These FREE VIRTUAL TASTER SESSIONS will be:

Learn a Dance Routine - Monday 5th of September, 5.30 - 6.00 pm

Sensory Tales - Tuesday 6th of September, 5.30 - 6.00 pm

Find out more


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