Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin. This week includes information on
- An update on how we are improving our approach to school attendance for children with complex needs
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Have your say ... on how you would like to receive SEND information
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Free holiday fun this winter
- How to apply for free school meals
- Kooth - emotional and mental health support for children and young people
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Little Sweet Peas sessions
- What's On
- Children's Centres SEND Support Coffee Mornings
An update on how we are improving our approach to school attendance for children with complex needs
We have been reviewing our approach to school attendance when a child has a diagnosed, or an undiagnosed medical or special educational need. Over the summer term, we worked with SEND and education experts to review and develop new approaches. The experts have been working closely with the Council, schools and SNAP Parent Carer Forum through a number of workshops to co-produce and agree what good practice looks like, as well as the changes we need to make - including clear guidance for families and practitioners.
Our next step is to test the revised approach and the agreed guidance at an information session in early December, facilitated by SNAP PCF and SEND 4 Change (the external experts we have been working with). Following this session, we will make any final changes needed before we roll it out from January 2023. This process of change will help ensure that we provide the best service for children with additional needs, as we work in partnership with families and those who support them, including schools. In addition, we are reviewing the capacity needed in the school attendance team to take account of the updated guidance and the changes made.
Our education and social care teams will be fully trained on this new approach, so they can continue to work collaboratively with schools and health professionals ensuring a joined-up approach and understanding.
Have your say ... on how you would like to receive SEND information
Are you 14-25 years old and use our SEND local offer?
If you said YES, we need your help!
We want to hear from you about the SEND Local Offer and how you would like to receive the information we put out, as a young person living in Central Bedfordshire.
To have your say, simply complete our survey.
We want to know what you would like to see improved, to help us make things better for you.
The survey will be open until 30 November 2022 AND for everyone who completes the survey you will be entered into a prize draw to win a £15 Amazon Voucher.
Free holiday fun this winter
How to apply for free school meals
Kooth - emotional and mental health support for children and young people
Kooth is available for all young people aged 11-20. It is an anonymous service that young people can access with no referral and there is no threshold for support. They are a text based service and offer therapeutic support from a professional team who are online Monday - Fridays, midday - 10 pm and 6 pm - 10 pm Saturday - Sunday. You can watch a short introductory video that details the support available.
Little Sweet Peas sessions
What's on Calendar
In response to feedback from the SNAP PCF Parent/Carer Survey we have updated our What's on Calendar on the Local Offer. Now you will be able to click on a date and a list of events that are happening that day will appear on the right hand side. Just click on the event that you are interested in to read more information about it. So check it out and let us know what you think by emailing local.offer@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
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 Wednesday from 10:00 – 11:00 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 – 2:30 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
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