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In this issue:
It's been quite a testing 12 months in the world of SEND. With the Government's action plan still unlikely to be in full swing until at least 2025, the legal processes will continue as they are, meaning some of the current pressures in the system will too. It is deeply frustrating for all involved, who had hoped that 2014 was the precursor for a more equitable system.
What we do see is a steely determination from most people working with our children and young people to not give up - and enable them and their families to navigate the difficulties. We can only hope that 2024 brings us calmer seas.
This bulletin does try to focus on more positive news, and we are always keen to hear more - if you have any stories that will help inspire others, then please contact us (email - sendnews@coventry.gov.uk).
Happy holidays and a peaceful New Year
Chris Firth, SENDIASS manager
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Popular children's author Jacqueline Wilson has dedicated her latest book "The Best Sleepover in the World", to a mother and daughter who help teach Makaton through their YouTube channel.
"Makaton with Lucinda" features Lucinda Holt and her mum Nikki, in teaching simple Makaton signs. There are some festive ones on there as well just in time for Christmas - perfect for sharing simple signs with friends and family to support young people with additional communication needs.
You can also read the full story about the book dedication on the BBC website.
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The ADHD Foundation has produced a guide to support education settings and practitioners to think about their approach to supporting young people with ADHD and achieving better outcomes..
The aim of the resource is to
"offer a fresh perspective on this endlessly fascinating and often misunderstood neurodevelopmental condition.", offering tips, myths and a focus on executive functioning and working memory.
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The Autism Central Hub, a new programme offering accessible autism education, training and support for families, carers and personal assistants in England.
They also have a range of resources available to watch and read.
See what’s on offer
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If you're struggling with the current cost of living, you might be eligible for support through the Support for Families with Disabled Children Fund.
Funded by the Department for Education and managed by Family Fund, the SFDC programme provides a wide range of grant items to families in England with a low-income, who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person
To be eligible, you must also be:
- The main carer for a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 or younger
- Resident in England
- In receipt of benefits, or on a low income from working
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50 Things to Do is about sharing inspiration for fun, affordable early learning to help every child in Coventry reach their potential.
This helpful set of ideas for play and learning, featured in an app (see QR code below), website, and printed resources, is free to mums, dads, and caregivers.
"50 Things to Do" is based on the simple notion that quality time with family, indoors and outdoors, is a great way to support children’s development. They've put together 50 fun, low or no-cost activities for you to explore and enjoy at your own pace.
Each activity idea also includes a section on SEND, with ideas of how to adjust the activity to your child's development stage or disability. There's also an events calendar of free or low-cost activities which can help to tick things off the list!
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On Tuesday 21 November, CYA met with Richard Early, the head of UK content regulation policy at Meta.
This meeting acted as a follow-up to a meeting with Richard back in the spring. It was a positive meeting with lots discussed including:
- Updates from Richard about AI, Ofcom consultations, and the Online Safety Act 2023.
- The policy surrounding group names, in particular those that include slurs.
- Hateful posts and comments that have remained on the platform after being reported.
- Stakeholder meetings and how CYA can move forward in being part of some.
- The intention behind hidden comments.
Find out more about the work of CYA and their campaigns, and how to join in at on their website.
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Coventry's Rian Dodds has raising awareness and inspiring all with his one-hand toast-buttering challenge.
Rian was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer earlier this year, and after rounds of chemotherapy had to have not one, but two, amputations of his left arm. The idea of the challenge came when meeting with his former headteacher at All Saints Primary school, and has been taken on by a range of people including stars of Strictly and Coventry City FC.
Rian is now starting a new challenge, which he will be promoting through both TV and radio appearances. We look forward to seeing who gets involved this time!
Find out more about Rian's journey.
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If you're looking to take your child to the theatre this Christmas (or any time), there are a range of SEND-friendly performances at The Belgrade. This includes performances which are relaxed, captioned, audio described and BSL signed.
https://www.belgrade.co.uk/your-visit/access/
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Coventry's Family Learning programme have a range of FREE learning opportunities available in 2024.
So, whether you're looking for support as a new parent, or someone dealing with new challenges as a young person gets older, there's a range of different opportunities to choose from .
Check out their web pages for more course information and booking details
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The Children's Autism Support Service are offering four three-hour sessions for parents/carers of autistic children, looking at sensory challenges, communication and looking after yourself.
Find out more and book
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Sleep issues are common for children and young people and can have a huge impact on the quality of family life. This FREE two-hour workshop from Coventry Parenting looks at the importance of sleep, understanding sleep cycles, causes of sleep issues and what you can do to support your child to sleep better.
This session will be delivered by a parenting practitioner who has been trained by The National Sleep Charity.
Sessions are on Tuesday 9 January 1.00 - 2.30pm or Monday 4 March 1.00 - 2.30pm.
Both sessions will be online.
To book your place on a workshop email parenting@coventry.gov.uk
and please include the following details in your email:
Your name, address, postcode, age of child and child’s name, name of any professionals supporting you. e.g., health visitor, family worker, social worker, school nurse, parents email address and your preferred workshop date.
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If you are looking for an Autism Friendly Evening- Light Trail Experience then 'Warwick Castle' could be the right place for you & your families!
On 4th January, there will be an Autism-Friendly Evening at Warwick Castle.
Please their website for further details and the booking process!
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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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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.
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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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 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 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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