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In this issue:
Summer's here again, although it's not exactly clear from the weather that it has started yet. However, we've already had Godiva Festival, Wimbledon and our seemingly annual England football team disappointment, so I guess we need to start thinking about Christmas!
Last year many families contacted us in regards to summer activities for their children and young people and expressed some concern about what was available. We've tried to list as much in the bulletin as we are aware of for this year, so hopefully there will be ample opportunities for engagement and enjoyment.
It's been a very challenging academic year for many involved in SEND across Coventry (and the rest of the country). If you feel like you are not able to share your thoughts on what is happening, why not contact Coventry's parent carer forum (email covpf@entrustcarepartnership.org.uk)? Their role is to be a forum to look at local capacity and inform strategic thinking around SEND in Coventry.
Here's hoping for a rewarding summer period.
Chris Firth
Manager, SENDIASS
Over the past year, Coventry and surrounding spaces have benefitted from an increase in the amount of "Changing Places"; accessible changing facilities for those with complex additional needs.
The toilets are fitted with specialist equipment such as a hoist and changing bench and provide sufficient space for up to two carers to support the person with a disability to use the Changing Place.
The recent unveiling of the facility in the War Memorial Park was undertaken by a couple of AmbasSENDors from Sherbourne Fields school. Young people had previously recognised that access to such facilities locally was still one of the biggest barriers for families in visiting attractions.
Access full details of Coventry's Changing Places facilities.
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The Holiday Activities and Food programme is back this summer, featuring over 150 activities for children and young people between July and September.
There are some specific activities for young people with SEND listed as well.
If you are not already involved you can find out more, including whether your child is eligible, through the HAF website.
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Coventry Rocks website has lots of information on activities and events for children across Coventry for you to browse at your leisure. |
Coventry Family Information Directory’ - have information on their site of clubs, groups, sessions and activities for children with SEND that may be of interest to you:
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SENDIASS Summer Activity Page!
SENDIASS have been working hard to put a page together to help direct parents/carers to providers that may be running activities, groups, sessions or clubs over the summer holidays for families of children with SEND.
This page is a work in progress and we will be adding and developing it over time. If you know of any sessions or activities for children with SEND that we have not included we'd love to hear from you!
Email us at: SENDnews@coventry.gov.uk
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Are you the parent, carer or family member of an autistic child?
Join the CASS 1hr 'toolbox sessions' covering 25+ topics including school, food and friendships.
Sessions run fortnightly Tuesday evenings and Thursday lunchtimes.
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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.
Anyone interested can call us on 024 7669 4307 or email iass@coventry.gov.uk
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Do you want to find out more about support available for your Child/YP’s emotional health and wellbeing?
Is your child experiencing issues such as:
- Low mood
- Mild to moderate anxiety
- Body image
- Eating difficulties
- Bullying & peer relationships
- Family conflict
- Difficulty managing change
- Parental divorce, separation
- Bereavement or loss
- Managing strong emotions
‘COMPASS’ support children and young people from 5 to 18 years (and up to 25, if they have SEND or are a care leaver) who are experiencing the above issues. They also support parents, carers and professionals who are worried about a child or young person’s mental wellbeing.
They 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.
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SENDIASS have been working hard to develop a new webpage offering information and links to organisations who provide sessions and workshops tailored towards parents and carers of children/young people with SEND.
* Note: not all sessions are specifically focused on SEND however may still be helpful depending on need and circumstances.
This page is a work in progress and we will be adding and developing it over time. If you know of any organisations that are running sessions/workshops for parents/carers of children/young people with SEND, that we have not included we'd love to hear from you!
Email us at: SENDnews@coventry.gov.uk
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Are you a parent or carer of a child who has SEND who will start secondary school in September 2024?
Coventry City Council are offering parents and carers in Coventry a short specialist course developed by a team of Educational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists and Child Psychotherapists designed to support both you and your child as they transition into secondary school.
Building on the principles of nurturing emotional wellbeing shaped by the Solihull Approach, the course will help you to develop your communication, support their development.
To find out more about this, or other courses on offer, and to book your place, visit the 'In Our Place' webpage below.
Free access code: SPIRES3
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Want to find out how to raise happy, secure and well-behaved children and teenagers?
Coventry Parenting Team are offering parents and carers the opportunity to join their ‘Positive Family Foundations’ course FREE of charge.
Two programmes are available one for 0-10years olds and another for secondary age 11-16
Visit their webpage to find out more about this course and email Kate to reserve a place: kate.steventon@coventry.gov.uk
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The wave will be offering their next 'quiet time' session this summer aiming to offer a fun-filled, but calm and relaxing environment for children with complex needs and disabilities.
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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 Summer holidays via their webpage below or Lady Bug Lodge Facebook page.
Tel: 07523 329786
Email: info@ladybuglodge.co.uk
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In collaboration with Ladybug Lodge Ascension Dance Company have launched Inclusive Dance Classes, specifically for children with additional needs! A dance group for young people, regardless of disabilities, long-term health conditions or mental health challenges.
There are two Inclusive Dance groups:
'EXPLORE' for 5-9 year olds (supported by Ladybug Lodge) and 'JOURNEY' for 14-25 year olds
All session will be held at The Albany Theatre, Albany Road, CV5 6JQ
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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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