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In this issue:
As we approach the end of another year, we reflect on the good (and the bad) and what is to come. So how do we reflect on the state of the SEND world at the end of 2024, ten years on from the SEND reforms?
Well, keeping an eye on the press coverage of SEN over the last year, wouldn't suggest that there are many positives to take.
It's widely-reported that the SEND system faces a raft of challenges in achieving what was set out in the Children & Families Act, and this impacts all those at the forefront of the system; children and young people, parents, education settings, local authorities, and all those that support it.
We await to see whether the government's recent announcement on the injection of money into both SEND capital and resources budgets will help enable the good ship SEN to get back onto its original course; with all hands on deck, hopefully, the tide will turn in 2025.
Wishing you all a restful end to the year,
Chris Firth, Coventry SENDIASS Manager
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Are you aged 13-18 and enjoy Minecraft? Join our welcoming, creative online space designed especially for autistic teens!
This Minecraft group offers the chance to:
- Build friendships and social confidence in a safe, supportive environment
- Develop teamwork skills and learn to respect each other's boundaries
- Engage in a fun, creative outlet where you can express yourself
Whether you’re a Minecraft expert or just starting, there’s a place for everyone.
Find out more or to join!
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The Talisman Theatre is proud to present its first relaxed performance of this year’s pantomime ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.
This performance will be dedicated to creating a welcoming and more ‘relaxed’ environment for families or individuals with sensory needs and other visible and hidden disabilities.
Show: Jack and the Beanstalk
Date and time: 1 January at 2:30pm
To find out more and book, visit their website.
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Looking slightly further ahead, the Criterion Theatre in Earlsdon, Coventry will be holding a relaxed version of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time" in February.
Adaptations for the performance will include adjusted lighting and sound, a space for quiet breaks, and a relaxed approach to movement and noise in the auditorium.
Provision of pre-show informational materials and an optional familiarisation visit and “Meet the Cast” opportunity will help ease anxiety and foster connection and understanding.
Show: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time
Date: Monday 3rd February, 7.30pm
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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, and are expanding their provision from January 2025 to include fortnightly weekend sessions!
Thanks to the Dulverton Trust Fund, part of the Heart of England Community Foundation who have awarded them a grant of £4905 making this possible!
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The Government has opened a major consultation on the future of the NHS, inviting everyone to suggest ways to improve our health service.
Launching the “national conversation”, Prime Minister Keir Starmer invited patients, the public and experts to help shape the next NHS Long Term Plan.
Contact have developed a webpage with more information on the consultation, how to get involved and possible suggestions for responding to the consultation questions visit their webpage: 'Have your say on how to fix the NHS to make it work better for disabled children' via the button below.
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Natspec, who support and represent specialist colleges in the UK, have recently produced a report about the impact of transport issues on young people accessing post-16 provision.
Their findings relate to a Parliamentary discussion with the Schools Minister in early-December, which focussed on this issue. A recent report showed that the cost of SEND transport rose from £727m in 2019 to £1.4bn in 2024.
Special Needs Jungle have also produced an article covering this topic, which includes a link to the report.
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Join Ladybug Lodge for a Christmas Activity session with access to a private Santa's Grotto family experience!
Access to the Soft Play, Sensory Room, Indoor Swing and indoor activities will also be available.
Saturday 21 December - waiting list
Monday 23 December - places available
Venue: Tiverton School, Ashington Grove, Coventry CV3 4DE
For this, or to see what other activities Ladybug Lodge are offering this Christmas please visit the webpage.
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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.
Emotion Coaching (Virtual online session): 19.12.24 (9.30am-11.30am)
To book email iass@coventry.gov.uk and quote EPS
Save the date: 26/02/25 *Dyslexia information session
*This session is not yet available to book
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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Vizzitots will be returning on 8 January 2025!
Join Rachael and Jo for stories,
songs, rhymes and fun!
Siblings welcome. Bring a teddy and meet some new friends from the comfort of your own home.
Sessions will run 10.30am -11.00am on Wednesdays on Microsoft TEAMs. For more information you can Contact Rachael/Joanne on 07984 669984/ 07903 749530 or email Rachael.Jordan@coventry.gov.uk to request an invitation link.
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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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