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In this issue:
Nearly 1/6 of the way through the academic year already - time really does fly by so quickly. I hope that the start of this new year has gone well for all our young people, as it always feels more difficult to get back into the rhythm of education after the long break in the summer.
This bulletin includes a range of information that hopefully will be useful to you, either now or in the future. Remember, if you have any links or information that you think would be useful to include in future bulletins, please let us know (sendnews@coventry.gov.uk).
Finally, for anyone who has been trying unsuccessfully to contact us at SENDIASS recently, please accept our apologies - our phoneline has been out of action, so if you need any help and support, please email us on iass@coventry.gov.uk with a contact number, any best times to call back, and if possible, a brief description of your query.
Hope to be hearing from people again very soon!
Chris Firth, SENDIASS manager
With the big increase in requests for Education, Health and Care Needs assessments (EHCNA) over the last few years, there are also more instances of requests being refused.
Parents/carers and young people can find out next steps about what to do through a short video we have produced.
We'd be really interested in feedback about the video and also for any suggestions about other areas which could be covered in this way. Please email us with your feedback or suggestions: iass@coventry.gov.uk
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Coventry Parent Carer Forum (CPCF) have just launched a new 'Sensory Lending Library' for parents/carers in Coventry!
The sensory Library will offer a range of sensory toys and resources for parents and carers to borrow on a monthly basis.
Location: Harmony Family Hub, Clifton St, CV1 5GR
Contact Diane: covpf@entrustcarepartnership.org.uk for more information
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Sometimes children and young people need help to process their feelings too. If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, stress, or emotional challenges, 'Relate' are here to help. Their 'Our Time For You' counselling service offers professional support for ages 5-18.
For more information visit their webpage or call 024 7622 5863
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If your child has selective mutism, have you joined the online support group yet?
The group meets each half-term, and offers a chance to share experiences/support, alongside Coventry's education psychology and Children's Speech and Language services.
If you're interested in joining, speak to your speech and language therapist or call 024 7696 1455.
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The Community Autism Support Service is an all age autism support service running across Coventry and Warwickshire.
They now have an all new self-referral route for their autism social groups that they run for children and young people, and for adults.
Visit the CASS website for more information.
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Coventry Short Breaks 'October Half-Term Activities 2024' is currently live until 4pm on Friday 18 October 2024.
Activities will be celebrating Black History Month, Diwali and Autumn.
All families will be required to book via the on-line booking line or via the booking phone line (phone number shown on activity time-table).
Families that are new to Short Breaks will require a completed Short Breaks Passport to register.
Visit the website to view 'what's on!' and for details on how to book.
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Coventry COMPASS support CYP age 5-18 (and up to 25 if they have SEND).
They can offer support around a range of needs including:
- Low Mood
- Anxiety
- Self-harm
- Managing Emotions and Behaviours that challenge
- Relationships (Family/Peer)
- Change and Transitions
Compass also support parents/carers who are worried about a CYP’s mental wellbeing. Visit their website for more information.
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Ladybug Lodge have announced the return of their Home Ed Term Time group, based at Mosaic Family Hub!
The group will run each Monday from 9.30am - 11.30am in term time and is open to any children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities who are home educated.
Each session will have a range of group led and individual activities and access to a private sensory room for all to enjoy. Children are welcome to complete projects towards earning Pawprint Badges at every session.
There is no booking required. Contact Ladybug Lodge if you have any questions or would like additional information.
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Over the last year, Coventry local authority has been focussed on increasing support and training for professionals around SEND.
As well as developing a training programme for staff in schools - with a view to rolling this out further - there is also a "condition specific" resource been created for professionals and parents/carers alike.
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Many children and young people with recognised SEN and/or disabilities, may be impacted by school attendance issues. This has been recognised to have increased following the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Government recently updating guidance to support schools, local authorities and parents/carers.
Working Together to Improve School Attendance (August 2024) is a useful tool to help all those supporting children and young people to achieve good school attendance.
Page 23 onwards contains useful information around SEND and part-time timetables.
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The Law Commission is reviewing the legal framework governing social care for disabled children in England to ensure that the law is fair, modern and accessible, allowing children with disabilities to access the support they need.
They have published a consultation paper asking people to tell them about their experiences of the current system and setting out their provisional proposals on how it could be improved.
If you would like to have your say on the proposals the consultation is open until 20 January 2025.
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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.
Save the date (please note this session is not yet available to book):
‘Understanding and Supporting your Child with Behaviours that Distress and Challenge’ 14/11/24 Virtual session (9.30am-12noon).
To be the first to hear about this session, or our other sessions and events we are running contact us via iass@coventry.gov.uk and ask to join our mailing list!
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Coventry Family Hubs are running an online 'Sleep Tight' workshop for parents of children aged 1 up to teens. The session will be delivered by a parenting practitioner trained by the National Sleep Charity.
This workshops explores:
- the importance of sleep
- understanding sleep cycles
- causes of sleep issues
- what you can do to help your child sleep better
16/11/24 (9am - 10.30am) / 06/12/24 (10.30am - 12noon)
Email: parenting@coventry.gov.uk for more details or to book.
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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.
Ladybug lodge have also teamed up with Ascension Dance Company to offer 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.
Dance sessions hosted until Christmas are free of charge!
*A 'sustainable' fee will be implemented from January 2025 onward
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 Sessions commence on Wednesday 25 September until Wednesday 4 December. Please note there will be no session on Wednesday 30 October. At the Albany Theatre, Albany Road, Coventry, CV5 6JQ.
Explore: age 4-8 years 5.15pm - 6pm
Venture: age 9-13 years 6pm - 7pm
Designed specifically for young people with additional needs and their families. These sessions will entail exploration through dance, with spinning, climbing ad sensory movement play with different themes and props each week. Join us in a welcoming space where creativity thrives as we explore dance individually and together!
Journey: age 14-25 years 7pm - 8.30pm
A dance group for young people, regardless of disabilities, long-term health conditions or mental health challenges. Through dance we will create a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Witherslack Group (WG) are hosting several virtual webinars over the coming weeks, including;
ADHD and Girls
20/11/2024 (10am-11am)
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Have you found out in the last 18 months that your child or grandchild aged 0-12 has hearing loss?
The National Deaf Children's Society are offering some online sessions for Parents and Grandparents who are new to hearing loss.
Session topics include: relationships, play, understanding hearing loss, becoming the parent of a deaf child (amongst others)
For more information visit their webpage or email: events@ndcs.org.uk
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Coventry Rocks have information of activities and events that are taking place across the city.
Please note these activities are not specifically aimed at SEND, unless specified.
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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.
You can also find a range of information and advice via the ‘Coventry Virtual Hub’.
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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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