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March signals not only the start of Spring, but unbelievably 18 months of the SEND reforms. The scale of the reforms, and the processes that support them cannot be underestimated, and nobody could have expected it to be a completely smooth transition overnight - Helen Gifford's article below is an excellent insight into where we are at the moment.
What is key to the reforms, above all else, is the need for good communication; between professionals and between those professionals and children/young people and their families. Only by people working together will we see the true benefits of the reforms in improving outcomes for our children/young people with SEND.
March has seen a couple of well attended events from parents/carers in the city (and their children) which has seen lots of questions and debate about a range of topics; if you've got a burning question that you want an answer to, or a suggestion about what information needs to be shared locally, let us know at sendnews@coventry.gov.uk. Any questions we receive will be answered through this bulletin - there will be special goody-bags for contributors too!
Have a restful Easter break
Chris Firth
Manager, SEND IASS
The Equality and Human Rights Commission and Liverpool John Moores University have launched a new online training resource that is free to use and explains, through videos, case studies and practical examples how staff can provide reasonable adjustments.
From May, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission will inspect local areas responsibilities to children and young people with SEND.
Local areas will have a longer notice period of inspections so that parents and others have greater opportunity to contribute their views and experiences.
View the full document.
The Government has launched the first stage of its consultation on national funding formulae for high needs and schools, and on the other high needs funding reforms. Seeking views on proposed improvements to the way that high needs funding is distributed and other ways we can support the administration of funding for pupils and students with SEND. View the consultation.
A consultation is seeking views on what works in peer support for children and young people's mental wellbeing; the approaches that are currently available; and how things might be improved. The DfE wants to understand what best practice looks like, what training or accreditation it might include and how peer support fits within the range of mental health support available. In particular, they want to hear from young people as they understand better than anyone the pressures that their peers face. Closing date is 24 March.
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My Friends, My Community - Awareness Week 20-26 March 2016
New information packs are available which include lots of clear information. Find out more.
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Young minds, the voice for young people's mental health and well being, have launched "No Harm Done". The aim of No Harm Done is to reassure those affected by self-harm that things can and do improve - it can be hard work, and it might feel worse before it gets better, but coming out of the other side is so worth it. Three films are available to watch now shown from the perspective of someone who has experienced issues surrounding self-harm: young people, parents and professionals.
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Coventry's Short Breaks service has a new Development Officer. Jackie Turnbull started in the role at the beginning of March, and is looking forward to providing opportunities for children and young people with SEND to experience new things, develop friendships and be active in their leisure time.
There is also a programme of events available over the Easter holidays - why not book in for some fun activities!?
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All aboard for a Train walk.
When: Saturday 9 April 2016, 1pm - 4pm. Where: Mayor's Cafe, Miners Welfare Reform, Bedworth.
Walk starts at 2pm.
Great balloon race at 3pm
Bouncy Castle, arts & crafts.
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Are you a parent or carer who supports a person with autism?
There is a free event where you can experience and practise communication tools and strategies during a day of expert led workshops. Find out more.
Free lunch.
When: Wednesday 13 April 2016, 10.00am - 3.00pm
Where: Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham, B6 6HE
Book your place.
 Contact a Family are joining us to hold a free parent session "Coping with challenging behaviours" Wednesday 20 April 2016, 10.00am - 12.00pm.
- Understanding what we mean by challenging behaviour
- Explore reasons why challenging behaviour may be used by children/young people
- Identify strategies and solutions
- How to get support and help
To book your place telephone 024 7669 4307 or email iass@coventry.gov.uk.
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 Come and talk informally to the SENDIASS team at the drop-in session, meet other parents and have a coffee.
When: Wednesday 20 April 2016, 10.30 - 12.30.
Where: Meeting Room 1, Central Library.
Refreshments available.
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Heidi is offering yoga for children with autism which can help bring the physical body and emotions in balance by a therapeutic use of yoga which in turn will help with self-regulation, cognitive behaviours and improve concentration.
Benefits can include: motor skills, eye co-ordination, confidence, social skills, pain relief and improved digestion.
Heidi can offer a programme for small groups or one-to-ones. Please contact Heidi directly at:
Yoga with Heidi, Laurel Cottage, Square Lane, Corley Ash, Coventry.
Tel: 07725 956 370
Email: yogawithheidi@hotmail.com
Keep up to date with SENDIASS in the following ways:
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