I almost don't want to write anything further to the bulletin, given the bumper amount of information contained within it. There's so much happening that it's very difficult to leave anything out; so we've put it all in!
This is the last bulletin of 2022, which has been another interesting year for SEND. The Government's Green Paper on SEN has come and gone, and following the consultation we still await an indication of what the future of SEN will look like. Hopefully, 2023 might see some more clarity on this front.
I hope that despite the gloomy headlines that seem to be everywhere at the moment, that you manage to enjoy December and all that it brings. And that in 2023, all is calm, all is bright.
Chris Firth
SENDIASS Manager
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Bookings are now open for 70 amazing free activities this Christmas school holiday (between 16 December and 23 December) in Coventry – all with free food provided.
You can watch the HAF Festive Fun 2022 promo video, then go to the HAF Festive Fun 2022 webpage to check eligibility and book your child's place.
You can use the 'Reach Desk' function on the webpage to translate information into a range of languages, and they also have a range of HAF letters available for families to download in a chosen language on the webpage.
To enable as many children to benefit from the HAF activities, they are kindly asking that if you book an activity and realise you cannot attend you cancel as soon as possible
At the start of November, we had a fantastic turnout at the SEND Shadow Board's first meeting since the pandemic.
Part of the AmbasSENDors project - which aims to give children and young people with SEND opportunities to be involved in influencing decision-making in Coventry - it was brilliant to see and hear from every one of the 24 young people that assembled representing Baginton Fields, Corley Academy, Hereward College, Riverbank Academy, Sherbourne Fields, and Woodfield.
The first task for the group was organising how the group will run, and they even renamed it. Arise..."Strong Voices Coventry"
Coventry Children's Speech and Language Therapy service have a number of new and updated handouts to support pre-school children who stammer and children who stammer in primary school. There is also advice for teenagers and education staff. Check them out on Coventry Children SSLT website to learn more about stammering
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Been shopping in the city on a Friday or been to an appointment? Overwhelmed? Senses going mad and need somewhere to rest before you get your bus home from Pool Meadow?
Voluntary Action Coventry recognises the needs of people with invisible disabilities, and they will give them a warm welcome in their rest-friendly space in the heart of Coventry every other Friday 1pm-3pm.
The Coventry Resting Spaces idea was sparked from Grapevines Cloudspotting action that took place during Coventry’s year as City Of Culture 2021 and is being led by a core team of locals with lived experiences of why resting spaces are beneficial and needed. Join the Resting Spaces Facebook group.
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The new 2022/2023 training brochure is now live on the Coventry Speech and Language Therapy website.
If you work in a nursery, pre-school, primary school, secondary school or college in Coventry, there are free training courses for you to attend to learn more about speech and language needs. There are also options to have training delivered in your setting.
Read the brochure on the Coventry Speech and Language Therapy website to find out more and book your place.
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Barnardo’s Children & Young People Health Engagement Project is seeking the views of children and young people across Coventry and Warwickshire who have long-term physical health conditions, in particular those with Asthma, Epilepsy and Diabetes.
The project is looking to engage children and young people from 0-18 (or 24 with a learning disability), who live with asthma, diabetes and epilepsy via a number of methods: children and young people can take part by sharing their thoughts via a short, anonymous online survey or become more involved by completing a detailed questionnaire via a telephone/face to face visit by a member of our team. They also welcome young people contacting them for a general chat to share their experiences and find out more about the project.
For further information, please contact Leanne Hughes, on 07702 444 357 (call/text/Whatsapp) or email Leanne.hughes@barnardos.org.uk
Are you aged 16-25 and transitioning into adult mental health services, or have never accessed mental health support before? If so, the Coventry and Warwickshire Mind Peer Mentor Support Service can help you build resilience and improve self-esteem!
Head to the 'Coventry and Warwickshire Mind: Peer Mentoring Service' webpage to find out more!
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Warwick Arts Centre are offering some SEND friendly Stick Man performances at Warwick Arts Centre this festive season.
Check out the below dates for BSL Interpreted and Relaxed shows, as well as a familiarisation session for those who want to check out the theatre before the big day.
- BSL Performance: Sat 17 Dec 10.30am
- Relaxed Performance: Tue 20 Dec 10.30am (Chill-out from 10am in Creative Learning Space)
- Familiarisation Session: Mon 19 Dec 10.30am
More information and to purchase tickets visit the Warwick Arts Centre booking page.
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In October 2022 Paralympics GB team member Lora Fachie was the first celebrity to read a story in braille on CBeebies with audio described illustrations.
Lora and her guide dog Tai, snuggled down in the CBeebies House to read a bedtime story about a young boy whose class mates think he can read in a secret code only to discover it is, in fact, braille.
Lora says “I am over the moon to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story for the first time in braille. I have always enjoyed reading and hope this will encourage everyone to want to read whether they use their eyes, their ears, their fingers or a secret code. Reading feeds the imagination and I will be reading to my little one from the minute they are born!”
Read more about this via the BBC media centre
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Claiming Universal Credit for a disabled 16-20 year old can be a complicated process, and this is particularly true if they are still in education.
To help, Contact’s specialist family finances team have produced new resources. These include a set of templates that parents can use to challenge the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) delays in processing claims and in organising medical assessments.
You can find these on Contact’s webpage on claiming Universal Credit for a young person in education.
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If you or your child are registered as either blind (severely sight impaired) or partially sighted (sight impaired), over the age of eight and on a means-tested benefit, you could be entitled to the loan of audio equipment from the British Wireless for the Blind Fund. The charity produces and loans out specially adapted radios, digital radios, internet audio radios, tape and CD players.
British Wireless for the Blind Fund provides radios and specially designed apps for people living with sight loss across the UK.
For more information visit the British wireless for the blind fund webpage.
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The School Exclusions Hub from Just for Kids Law contains information, advice and guidance regarding exclusions and how to challenge them.
Please share with families and professionals who are challenging exclusions. Visit the hub.
Not all school exclusions are legal, have a look at the NCB and partners factsheet.
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Did you know that if your child is 16 or older they may be entitled to adult disability payments?
We know that many deaf people and families of deaf young people don't consider deafness to be a disability. However, even if you don't consider yourself or your deaf child to be disabled, you may still be eligible for disability benefits.
If you live in England, Northern Ireland or Wales, you may be entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP):
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George Webster, CBeebies' first-ever presenter with Down's syndrome, has won a BAFTA for his achievements.
Contact said it very well: "a well-deserved award for a man whose boundless contagious energy lights up our screens every single time!"
Well done George!
NSPCC has produced some information to help with recognising the potential signs of bullying, and advice on protecting young people.
For more advice and support visit the NSPCC Bullying and Cyberbullying Advice webpage.
Childline has lots of advice about different types of bullying and a tool to help them bounce back from bullying.
The NSPCC understand how difficult it is for children to talk about bullying. Whether it's happening now or happened in the past, Childline can be contacted 24/7. Calls to 0800 1111 are free and confidential. Children can also contact Childline online.
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If you have a learning disability, you're a family member of someone with a learning disability, or work with people with a learning disability, Mencap want to hear from you!
Sign up to be a Policy Shapers and make your voice heard.
Policy Shapers support MENCAP by answering a monthly survey about things like benefits, health and social care. They can also get involved in focus groups and other activities with government officials. With a new Prime Minister in place and a cost of living crisis, it has never been more important to speak out.
12 Days of Giving is the last phase of our Movement for Good programme for 2022. For 12 days in December, they’ll be drawing 10 charities per working day to receive £1,000.
The first draw takes place on December 1st and the last on the 16th so nominate your favourite charity today!
Contact are just one charity supporting families with disabled children who are calling out for nominations to help them win, here is what they say: "We're trying to win a £1,000 grant so we can help more families with disabled children to make it through this winter's challenges."
Vote for your chosen charity on the 12 Days of Giving website.
Foothold have developed a programme aimed to offer "expert neurodiversity support for neurodiverse engineers, students and apprentices, and those who support them - designed to help you reach your full potential, and live a fulfilled life".
This is what they say:
"As someone who has been diagnosed or believes you may be neurodivergent, you may find it difficult to progress at work, finish your studies, or understand why you don’t seem to ‘fit’ in with the way everyone else does things. Now, we’ve launched our brand-new Engineering Neurodiverse Futures Programme, including our flagship Differently Wired Hub – a dedicated online resource to help you access support, learn about neurodiversity and discover more about yourself, so that you can thrive, whatever your circumstances."
To find out more visit the 'Foothold Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme' webpage.
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For people struggling to afford heating bills, 'Act on Energy' provides free impartial advice to householders and small businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire on energy efficiency and grants and projects available in your area to help keep you warm this winter.
To find out more visit the Act on Energy Website
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P3 are running drop in advice sessions on a fortnightly basis in the family hubs across the city. If you need help with: Housing/tenancy issues, independent living skills, money management/benefit advice, health and well-being or general advice and support, contact P3 on 08081 962660 or visit your local family hub to find out more
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Coventry Independent Advice Service is a charity offering free advice, information and support to Coventry residents. The service is confidential and their skilled advisers can help you with things like:
- identifying entitlement to benefits and helping you make claims
- helping you to sort out debt or other money problems
- challenging decisions on benefit claims
You can contact them via their advice line on 024 7652 1101.
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Coventry Citizens Advice help people solve their individual problems and build resilience for the future. Last year they supported over 20,000 people online, over the phone and face to face providing free, impartial, independent and confidential advice. Coventry Citizens Advice operate an "Open Door" service in the city Centre.
You can contact them via their Advice Line on 0800 144 88 48
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Contact have developed a page on their website dedicated to providing cost of living advice. The information aims to help you find out whether you’re eligible for financial support for your household living costs, and gives energy saving tips and offers help around household bills.
Find out more on the 'Contact: Cost of living advice' webpage.
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In partnership with SEND Information, Advice and Support Service, The Coventry Independent Advice Service (CIAS) and National Energy Action (NEA) will be running a FREE session for parents/carers on Benefits and Energy. Please note this is not a drop in session.
Representatives from the above agencies will be providing information around key areas such as; Energy, Debt, Grants, Universal Credit, DLA, Benefits and ‘cost of living’ information.
When: Wednesday 7 December 2022, 10am – 12pm
Venue: Committee Room 3, Coventry Council House, Earl Street, Coventry, CV1 5RR
To book your place contact SENDIASS via email: iass@coventry.gov.uk or TEL: 024 7669 4307 to book your place.
You can also contact Coventry Independent Advice Service (CIAS) directly on: 024 76 52 1101 for specific advice on your situation.
Contact are offering four FREE Speech and Language Support workshops in December for parent carers of disabled children who have communication difficulties.
Choose the best workshop depending on your child's age — and then book your place on Eventbrite via one of the links below:
Early Years (ages 0-5): 6 December, 4pm
Primary school (ages 6-11): 8 December, 7pm 12 December, 7pm
Secondary school (ages 11-16): 13 December, 7pm
Each workshop is led by an experienced Speech and Language Therapist who will explain the communication chain (and which part isn't working for your child), useful support strategies, and how best to work with practitioners.
Caudwell Children have a number of new workshops that they can offer to families of a child with a diagnosis of autism or a range of other conditions.
Visit the Caudwell Children website for information and to see if you qualify.
If you would like to meet other carers in a safe and friendly environment the Carers' Trust has a new monthly carers group.
When: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Where: Herald Lodge Care Home in Canley
Time: 2.30pm to 3.30pm
You are welcome to attend with those you are caring for and there will be staff from the care home available to help with activities, whilst a coffee shop area is available for carers to chat and have a hot drink and cake. Everyone is welcome to come along!
There is parking onsite, and Herald Lodge is opposite Canley train station.
For more details contact Rebecca Waite via email rebecca.waite@carerstrusthofe.org.uk or telephone: 024 7663 2972.
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Chat central have a number of events running over December 2022. Check out the posters below and visit their Chat Central webpage for more information.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Mind Peer Support Groups for autistic young adults offer a mix of informal social time and designated learning sessions.
When: Coventry: Saturday 10:30am-12noon
Visit the Coventry and Warwickshire Mind 'Adult Autism Support Service' webpage for more information.
Do you have a child aged 2-11 and live in Coventry?
Family Learning have a range of Family Learning courses running this Autumn 2022 and into the New Year 2023 to support families in Coventry. Courses include:
- A face to face parenting course called Positive Family Foundations (an alternative to Triple P)
- A recorded online parenting course (downloadable version of Positive Family Foundations)
- Two downloadable online courses about helping children with their homework (one on English / one on maths)
- A face to face Stay and Play group called Autumn Fun
Visit the adult education website for more information.
The Coventry School Nursing team is running a number of free online parent information sessions for the following areas of concern: toileting, sleep, eating, behaviour and anxiety.
You can view the latest Coventry School Nursing Newsletter via the school nursing newsletter website.
Below is the date of the last 'Autism Café' for 2022 and the first couple of dates for the New Year 2023.
- 17 December 2022
- 7 January 2023
- 4 February 2023
Venue: St. George's Church, Barker Butts Lane, Coventry, CV6 1EA.
When: Sessions start at 2pm
Admission fees apply. For more details please contact Sue: susankivi@yahoo.co.uk
See poster below for further 2023 dates.
Have you been to one of SENDIASS' coffee mornings?
They're an opportunity to meet up with other parents, have a chat (or just a listen) and support each other. Stay as long (or as little) as you are able - no pressure!
Coffee mornings take place regularly so look out for future dates!
You can find out more information about SENDIASS events via the SENDIASS website
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The Coventry Wave's next 'Quiet Time' session is now available.
When: Tuesday 20 December: 4pm-6pm.
Ideal for families and individuals who have complex needs and disabilities.
Includes access to all the slides in a calmer environment with no music and sensory toys in the lazy river.
Accessible changing facilities | Accessibility tickets available
Book now via 'The Wave' booking page on their website.
The CDC are providing a range of E-Learning courses in their latest training catalogue.
View the catalogue for full details and to access the courses.
Do you have a query about Special Educational Needs?
SENDIASS are running various drop-in sessions across the family hubs in Coventry. Come and talk informally to the SENDIASS team about any queries or concerns you may have regarding special educational needs.
No appointment needed.
Free tea and coffee will be available.
You can find out more information about SENDIASS events via the SENDIASS website
Sensory Tots are running weekly stay and play sessions for children with a hearing and/or vision impairment.
When: Tuesdays 10am-11.30am
Venue: St. George's Church Hall, Coundon, CV6 1EA
For more information call Lucy on 07944 161138 or Lora on 07944 629463.
When: Saturday 21 January 2023: 10am – 4.30pm
Where: Whitley Academy, Abbey Rd, Coventry CV3 4BD
*Free entry with ticket only – book your tickets via the Together with Autism Conference Jan 2023 Eventbrite booking page
As part of the Autism Strategy for Coventry and Warwickshire, a booklet has been produced which aims to bring together the different information and advice offered across Coventry and Warwickshire. It has been co-produced by professionals from different organisations, neurodivergent people and their families. It provides useful information about services and support available for those who are diagnosed or who self-identify as neurodivergent - specifically in relation to Autism, ADHD and DCD - and those who care for and support them.
It is intended to be updated at regular intervals, so if you are aware of services or peer support groups which have supported you or your child, and are not included, you can send suggestions to disabilitiescommissioning@warwickshire.gov.uk
Do you know about Reachdeck?
Reachdeck 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 other languages; 'speak' (which enables you to listen to pages/documents in either English or a range of languages) and a range of viewing options.
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Rise is a family of NHS-led services providing emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Rise aims to build resilience and empower children and young people (as well as the adults in their lives) to know where to go for help and advice.
It’s made up of a number of different services, each led by mental health specialists.
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The Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing is a free online tool providing personalised information to support an individual's well-being and mental health. The site consists of three separate Dimensions tool options for you to choose from; adults, children and professionals . The Dimensions report it creates, provides information that is relevant to the ratings made on each of the Dimensions. It can be used to find selfcare, local support groups and telephone help lines, and services offered through various organisations and the NHS.
Visit the Dimensions website and watch this Dimensions Introduction Video to find out more.
For guidance on how to use the Dimensions tool check out the videos below:
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Kooth is an anonymous digital counselling and support service for children and young people aged 11-25 years providing access to emotional wellbeing and early intervention mental health support. For more information visit the Kooth webpage.
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Home is supposed to be one of the safest places for us, but if you are experiencing domestic abuse then home could be frightening. If someone is in immediate danger and their life is threatened, they should dial the police on 999.
Coventry Haven - ensure safety and empowerment for women and children who are subjected to Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) in any form. They offer a range of services including a SafeToTalk Helpline 0800 111 4998 or 024 7644 4077
National Domestic Abuse Line (REFUGE) - Refuge supports women, children and men experiencing domestic violence with a range of services including a 24-hour helpline 0808 2000 247.
Young Minds - a national charity which supports children and young people with mental health and well being. They have specific resources for young people around COVID-19, and also offer support to parents.
Childline - Childline is available to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, they have trained counsellors to support you. The helpline is 0800 1111 and is available 24hrs 7 days a week.
Samaritans - Coventry & District Samaritans is an independent charity, run entirely by unpaid volunteers. They provide a free 24-hour helpline for people who are upset, troubled or who are feeling suicidal. Call 116 123 at any time of the day or night or email jo@samaritans.org
In addition to their normal services Samaritans has set up a confidential support line for NHS workers and volunteers in England. This operates from 7am to 11pm every day. NHS staff can, of course, still use the 24 hour helpline if they prefer.
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 would like to view copies of or previous ebulletins you can do so via the SENDIASS website.
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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