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In this issue:
Spring is a time when we hopefully step out of the darker days and head into a more feelgood time - and after the seemingly endless rain that has plagued us this winter, we can only hope that the sunshine starts to put their hat on and quickly.
With so many national issues affecting SEN at the moment - from waiting times (for seemingly everything!) and huge increases in statutory requests - it can sometimes feel like the dark clouds are gathering. But there are some new shoots of life on the horizon, with a number of new areas of support for children, young people and their families which we will continue to detail here.
I'd like to draw people's attention particularly to the shout out for new members of the AmbasSENDors group, which meets on a monthly basis. Aimed at those young people in Secondary mainstream schools with SEND (11-16), it's a place to come and socialise in a relaxed environment (and work on those communication skills).
Have a great Easter holiday!
Chris Firth, SENDIASS manager
IPSEA have launched a new online signposting directory to complement their collection of free SEND legal guides and template letters available on their website.
Finding the right advice organisations can be overwhelming, and the signposting directory aims to simplify this journey by offering a user-friendly list covering a wide range of topics and includes SEND guidance and advice on accessing services and support.
If you haven't already seen it, Coventry and Warwickshire also has it's own 'Neurodevelopment booklet' which provides useful information about local and national services and support available for those who are diagnosed or who self-identify as neurodivergent, and those who care for and support them.
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Everyone should be able to feel OK at school.
That’s why 'Ambitious about Autism' have created the 'Autistic and OK' programme to help autistic pupils understand their own mental health and wellbeing and feel OK at school.
The brand-new 'Autistic and OK' programme aims to build a whole-school community where autistic pupils feel understood and accepted. The programme toolkit contains a full set of resources for pupils, teachers, parents and carers to help autistic young people understand their own mental health and feel OK at school.
The toolkit is free for all secondary schools and has ready-to-use resources to run the programme.
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Mencap have launched their manifesto which outlines the actions they want all political parties to include in their manifestos if they are serious about improving the lives of people with a learning disability.
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AmbasSENDors - Call for new members
Coventry SENDIASS AmbasSENDors group is looking for some new members.
If you're between 11-16, have a special educational need/disability and are attending a mainstream school, we'd love to invite you along!
We meet once a month, normally at the Coventry Boys and Girls Club on a Tuesday between 5.30pm and 7pm, with a view of having some fun, socialising with other young people and contributing to discussion about support you receive at school and in the community.
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Speech and Language UK have a new progress checker on their website for children from 6 months to 11 years old. It can be used by parents/carers and education staff to monitor a child's progress and get some advice of how to support them. |
SENDIASS offer a range of SEND related sessions throughout the year both independently and in partnership with other agencies. You can find out more information about the upcoming SENDIASS events below, or future sessions, via the SENDIASS website.
To hear about our sessions and events first hand contact us via iass@coventry.gov.uk and ask to join our mailing list!
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Coffee Morning - 9.30am-11.30am
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Venue: The Wave, Coffee Tots Community Room, New Union street, Coventry, CV1 2PS
- SENDIASS drop-In session
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Emotion Coaching - 30/04/24 (12.30pm - 2.30pm)
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Bookings are now open for the Coventry HAF Spring Fun programme! There are over 100 different activities, all with free food provided, during the Easter school holidays.
HAF aims to have a wide range of inclusive activities, experiences and clubs as well as some activities tailored specifically towards children or young people with SEND.
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Ladybug Lodge offer 'Stay and Play' sensory sessions for children and young people with SEND throughout school holidays at community venues in Coventry.
Find out what's on this Easter via their webpage below or Lady Bug Lodge Facebook page.
Contact:
Tel: 07523 329786
Email: info@ladybuglodge.co.uk
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The Autism Cafe sessions this term at St George's Church will be held on the following dates:
- 13 April 2024
- 11 May 2024
Cost: £5 per family (siblings welcome)
Time: 2pm - 4.30pm
Venue: 116-118 Barkers Butts Lane, Coventry, United Kingdom, CV6 1EA
For more information please contact: Sue Moazzenkivi: susankivi@yahoo.co.uk
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The Community Autism Support Service (CASS) offers training and education courses for parents, carers, family members and professionals in Coventry and Warwickshire. |
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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