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In this issue:
The "SEND Improvement plan" was published by the Government at the end of February, and gives us an idea of some of the changes that will be put in place for supporting Children and Young People with SEND and those in alternative provision. It is likely that many of the changes planned will not happen overnight, with there being many references to "piloting" the proposals over the next couple of years. If you want to consider more responses to the plan, whether at home or on the move, there's an interesting webinar hosted by Special Needs Jungle alongside a number of SEND professionals and parents which is worth a watch.
The plan certainly seems to come at a time when there seems to be a number of challenges across the SEND system. Hopefully, the proposals will help to make the system easier to navigate for children, young people and their families and all those supporting them.
It's also hoped that a new Parent Carer Forum for Coventry will be announced shortly. Coventry has not had a PCF since the One Voice group disbanded back in January 2022. This is an important area for improving local services, so is great to know that it is close to being re-established. Keep an eye out for more details.
Chris Firth
SENDIASS manager
"Strong Voices Coventry" is a group of young people (aged between 12-25) representing the 5 specialist settings in Coventry, and Coventry and Hereward Colleges. They meet on a half-termly basis, supported by SEND IASS, to discuss issues that are important to them and their peers.
So far, since being re-established in the Autumn Term, they have met and discussed issues around short breaks and community participation, and to consider how children and young people can be more involved in decision making about the support they receive.
Each meeting is held at one of the participating schools/colleges, with young people from that setting becoming "hosts" - setting the agenda, running the meeting and evaluating the success afterwards.
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Bookings are now open for the HAF free activities this Easter school holiday (between 31 March and 16 April) – all with free food provided.
Visit the Coventry City Council HAF webpage to find out more about HAF and to see if you qualify.
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Compass support children and young people from 5 to 18 years, and up to 25, if they have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or are a Care Leaver. They also support parents, carers and professionals who are worried about a child or young person’s mental wellbeing. Compass provide self-help resources, information & advice, 1:1 or group intervention, counselling and family-based support. Supporting children & young people understand the issues they are struggling with, provide strategies to cope and achieve positive mental wellbeing.
Visit the compass webpage to find out more or to complete a ‘request for support form’.
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Coventry Telegraph features news article about how Chat Central has helped residents of Coventry.
View the story via Coventry Live.
Through a range of projects Chat Central and Active Central aim to build people up to explore their interests and occupations and start doing the things they want to do. This might be:
- meeting new friends
- rediscovering interests or finding new ones
- building confidence through trying new things in groups and having fun
- increasing connections through social networks, advice seeking and improving people’s feelings of isolation
- getting around Coventry
- group volunteering or community activity
- getting into healthy routines and light exercise
- working with what people can do not what they can’t do
Chat central engage adults of all ages and physical abilities from all areas of Coventry.
Visit the Chat Central newsletter on their webpage for more information and to find out 'what's on'.
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Coventry Interpretation and Translation Unit (CITU) is part of SEND (Special Education Needs and Disability). CITU provides interpretation and translation services in almost every language spoken in Coventry! It supports professionals, across all City Council departments, by providing a confidential and impartial service to people whose first language is not English or who have a sensory impairment.
To find out more visit the Coventry Interpretation and Translation Unit (CITU) webpage.
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The DfE have released their response to the Green Paper consultation on SEND/Alternative provision. There are a range of versions available to view from the GOV.UK SEND and alternative provision improvement plan webpage.
The initial indications are that many of the proposals from the Green Paper have been included in the plans. There are also clear proposals to make sure that children, young people and their families are involved in all aspects of implementation - we will, of course, update with any opportunities to do so.
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Contact have shared the link to their recent 'Facebook Live' session about giving disabled children medication for mood and behaviour concerns. The session features CAMHS psychiatrist Dr Mark Lovell, who along with Contacts health lead Amanda, provides advice and discussion about the pros and cons of psychiatric drugs, when it may not be appropriate to prescribe them, alternative treatment options and much more.
To find out more or to watch the session via Facebook or YouTube visit Contacts News and Views 'Watch' webpage.
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Contact have shared that almost 90% of disabled children have issues with sleep. Many can’t get into a routine, keep waking up or struggle to fall asleep at all — often due to discomfort, medication or communication issues.
Read their Sleep Guide for information and tips, plus lots of advice for parent carers.
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Designed especially for under 10s, Funtopia has high energy inflatables, role play areas, shows and competitions, character meet and greets, giant games, huge water fights, a food court and more! They also have an under 5's area for mini guests, filled with Bouncy Castles, Soft Play, Ball Pool, Ride On's and other fun toys and games.
As well as their general session Funtopia are now offering an 'Autism Friendly Session' for children with Autism, SEND and mobility disabilities who may struggle to attend a general Funtopia event. Each session has limited numbers, no music, sensory games and activities! Siblings are also welcome!
When: Saturday 22 April 2023 and Wednesday 26 July 2023
Where: Coombe Country Park, Brinklow Road, Coventry CV3 2AB
For session times, costs and further information visit the Funtopia Eventbrite page.
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SENDIASS Coffee Morning - face to face sessions take place regularly in Coventry city centre - look out for future dates!
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SENDIASS Drop-In Session - drop-ins take place regularly - look out for the next date!
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Travel Assistance Information and Advice session - save the date! 27 April 2023
You can find out more information about SENDIASS events and how to book via the SENDIASS website.
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Saturday sessions for children with autism and their siblings. Refreshments available. £5 per family.
Upcoming sessions: 1 April 2023, 13 May 2023
Time: Starts at 2pm
Where: St Georges Church, Barker Butts, lane, Coventry, CV6 1EA
Please contact Sue for more information: susankivi@yahoo.co.uk
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The new Recovery and Wellbeing Academy timetable for April - June 2023 is now available.
Sessions include: 'coping with low mood and depression' and 'obsessions and compulsions'.
To view the full range of sessions available visit the Recovery and Wellbeing website.
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A booklet providing useful information about services and support available for those who are diagnosed or who self-identify as neurodivergent, and those who care for and support them.
Access the booklet via the Dimensions webpage.
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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.
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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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Coventry City Council have developed a 'Cost of living and wellbeing support' webpage. This page has a broad range of links to information and advice you may find useful if you’re struggling financially and require support with helping you manage the cost of living pressures.
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'Act on Energy' provides free impartial advice 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 can provide 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 confidential advice around benefits, making claims, debt, money problems and challenging decisions on benefit claims.
You can contact them via their advice line: 024 7652 1101
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Coventry Citizens Advice provide a range of free, confidential advice, including housing, benefits and debt.
You can contact them via their Advice Line: 0800 144 88 48
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The Family Hubs can help you find and get help from different services in the area and will be able to give you information, advice and support. They also offer a range of activities, sessions and events.
To find out more or if you need additional support please contact your nearest Hub directly to find out if there is anything they can do to help.
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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 previous ebulletins you can do so via our SENDIASS leaflets and ebulletin webpage.
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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