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It's hard to believe that we are at the end of the academic year again already - this year feels like it has gone even more quickly than the previous one. It's been a strange year, in which there was confirmation that anyone could be the President of the United States; a refocus on community spirit in the face of tragedy; and the year when I discovered a pizza with a crust stuffed with a hot dog. A strange year, indeed.
It's fair to say that it's been another very challenging year in SEN, as the March 2018 deadline for transferring the old system of statements into the new EHC plans draws ever nearer. Staff across education, health and care services have faced an enormous challenge to ensure that the focus remains on ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and young people despite this increased workload and less resource.
However, it's important to recognise that almost 3 years into the reforms, we've still collectively got a long way to go in turning the principals of the code from aspirations to reality.
But whether you're dream is to be a President, or just to find an even more unhealthy way to enjoy an italian-orientated teatime treat, this year has proved that everything's possible.
Have an enjoyable summer
Chris Firth, Manager SENDIASS
 Children and Young People from Sherbourne Fields school have used their creative heads to design a poster to raise awareness of the Local Offer.
Working alongside the Children & Young Person's Officer from SEND IASS, the group decided to focus on the theme of signposting to all things related to SEND.
The final version will soon be adourning the walls of education, community and health settings across the city.
A big thank you to Sherbourne Fields and the pupils and staff involved!
Young people from Hereward College have also been designing a Children & Young Persons's website - more on this in the next Ebulletin.
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 If you are a parent/carer or a young person currently going through the process of an Education Health and Care Needs Assessment - either as a transfer from a statement or a new request - you can access Independent Support through one of two providers in the city.
Funding for the project has now been confirmed until March 2018.
See full details and contact details.
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 New arrangements for children and young people currently accessing home-to-school transport come into effect in September 2017.
Therefore, a formal application needs to be made for any child by Monday 31 July.
An application form can be filled in online or you can request an application form from SEND Management Services (02476 831614.
If you do not apply, your current arrangements may not be available in September 2017.
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 In September 2017, there will be some changes to the SEND Service provided by the Local Authority. This includes some changes to the names of the teams associated in supporting children and young people with SEND.
The new names will be:
- SEND Early Years
- Education Psychology (Formerly EPS)
- SEMH & Learning (formerly LAWS)
- Complex Communication Team (formerly CIASS)
- Sensory Team (formerly Sensory and Physical Support Service)
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July heralded the first of a series of "Ask the Experts" events put together by the One Voice Parents Group and SEND IASS. Around 30 parents/carers were able to put their questions to a panel of representatives from the Local Authority and Health services. Topics of discussion included home to school transport, waiting lists for health services and Education Health and Care plans.
A summary of questions will be available shortly through the Local Offer.
If you were unable to make it, there will be future opportunities to be involved in the Autumn and Spring terms - watch this space for further details.
 Do you know about Browsealoud?
Browsealoud enables hundreds of web pages (and downloadable documents held within them) on the Coventry City Council website to be more accessible for all in a range of different ways.
These include; translating into over 100 languages; speakaloud (which enables you to listen to pages/documents in either English or a range of languages); a range of viewing options; you can even make an MP3 to listen to!
For more information, go to www.coventry.gov.uk/translate
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Below is a selection of upcoming events around SEND. If you know of any additional parents groups, child/young person's activities, and/or training around SEND that you think would be useful for others to attend, why not add them to the Local Offer?
 The Herbert's famous sensory space for families returns with A Very Viking Voyage on Friday 18 August.
This is a stimulating experience for children aged up to 16 years to play creatively and explore using inspiring and sensory materials.
Our Early Bird sessions are designed for SEN children, as individuals or as part of a group booking.
The sessions cater for up to 12 children, to provide a calm space for them to explore. Siblings are also welcome to join in the fun.
If you have any further questions or to book email lisa.ford@culturecoventry.com or call 024 7623 7542.
Places are limited to a first come, first served basis.
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 Autism West Midlands have a range of events happening throughout the summer, for children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Condition and their families.
Unfortunately, whilst none of these events are based in Coventry, they offer good value deals on local attractions such as Think Tank, Hatton Country World and a trip to the seaside!
Check out the events listing!
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Are you involved with a parents group? If so, why not tell us about it so more parents can join in?
 The Coventry Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Local Offer brings together information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.
The SEND Local Offer will cover services available to the public across education, health and social care:
Education: such as nurseries, playgroups, schools and colleges as well as support services like Educational Psychology and SEN services
Health: children's and adult services including GPs, therapists and hospital services
Social care: such as short break services and children's and adult disability services.
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If you have any comments or wish to contribute something to the next bulletin, please let us know by contacting us sendnews@coventry.gov.uk
Alternatively, you can keep up to date through SEND IASS's;
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