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In this issue:
It appears as if the summer term will be the term that we finally get a view from the Government about the plans for supporting SEND nationally moving forward. I'm sure all concerned with SEND, will be grateful for an indication of how certain areas of the current practice will move forward; the discussion about changes really started back in 2018 so any news would be a step forward!
This month's bulletin has one eye focussed on the summer period, and things to look out for to help prepare children and young people and families for that. We're always grateful to families to pass on their own knowledge, tips and ideas for things to do whilst the sun is shining (hopefully!) so if you are aware of anything happening locally which is not contained on these pages, or the SEND Local Offer, then please let us know. (email: sendnews@coventry.gov.uk)
"We're all in this together" (to quote a slightly famous SEND parent!)
Chris Firth
Manager, Coventry SENDIASS
'Nip in the Bud' works with mental health professionals of the highest standing to produce FREE short evidence-based films, fact sheets, blogs and podcasts to help parents/carers, primary school staff, teacher trainees and others working with children to recognise potential mental health conditions.
The short films and accompanying fact sheets have been prepared to help parents and children who may have a diagnosis, may be showing symptoms of a potential mental health condition or may be struggling as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic.
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'Access All Areas' in collaboration with The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (and supported by Netflix), has opened applications for their 'Performance Making Diploma' - described as being one of the world’s leading creative courses for and by learning disabled and autistic artists.
Within this course you will:
- work with celebrated arts professionals to learn performance skills, create performances in different styles, and prepare for different career options in the arts.
- have the opportunity to network with industry experts.
- have classes co-led by professional learning disabled and/or autistic artists.
If you are 18+ you have until 24th June 2025 to apply for the 2025-2027 diploma.
To find out more visit the link below:
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We have tried to pull together a range of organisations that will be offering summer holiday activities to children and young people across Coventry. Some of these are specifically for SEND and others are general offerings. We have tried to provide an early indication of when the timetables/booking systems will go live to give you a head start with your summer planning!
Coventry Short Breaks - Offer a range of activities to children and young people who have a diagnosed disability and live in Coventry (the 'booking hotline' will open approximately 23.06.25)
Coventry HAF - Will be running their summer programme of activities for children eligible for free school meals. They usually have some SEND specific activities. Look out for the booking going live (last year booking opened on 26th June)
Ladybug Lodge - Offer a range of SEND specific activities (last year the timetable launched approx.1st July)
Coventry Family Hubs - Offer a range of activities to families across the city throughout the summer holidays (last year the timetable was launched approx. 18th July)
Coventry ROCKS- Coventry ROCKS also provides information on activities, events and clubs in and around Coventry (Not SEND specific unless stated).
SENDIASS 'Events' webpage - we have information of organisations who regularly run groups and events on our website
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Ladybug Lodge have a range of activities this half-term for families who have children with SEND.
Visit their website for more information and to book.
Activities include:
- Stay and Play
- Group dance
- 1:1 Dance
- Social Swimming
- Exclusive Swimming Hire
All activities will be held at: Tiverton School, Ashington Grove, CV3 4DE
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Coventry Wave will be offering their next ‘Quiet Time’ session on Sunday 25 May 2025 (4pm-6pm).
The session aims to be ideal for families and individuals who have complex needs and disabilities.
These sessions offer a calm and relaxing environment with no music, sensory toys in the lazy river as well as accessible changing facilities. All slides are available for these sessions.
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Did you know that Showcase Cinemas run 'Autism Friendly' cinema screenings every Sunday at 10.30am?
The cinema makes environmental adjustments such as: soft lighting, lowered volume and no trailers to make the screenings more accessible and create a 'welcoming and sensory-sensitive' environment for individuals and their families.
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CASS are running a facilitated session aimed at helping you better understand your young person’s autism diagnosis.
This workshop, for parents and carers covers key topics like local services, why children struggle, supporting them to feel safe and seen, and the 3C Pathway.
Led by two qualified trainers with 20 years of experience, the session includes insights from autistic advocates and time for reflection and discussion.
Date: 10/06/2025 (10am - 12.30pm)
Where: Online
To find out more and to register:
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Professionals working with autistic children – enhance your autism awareness and support skills with the CASS 'Connections' one-day workshop.
Designed for teachers, SENCos, TAs, social workers, healthcare professionals and more, this training covers key topics like sensory integration, best practices, relationship-building and expert insights from the autistic community. Led by experienced trainers with professional and lived experience.
DATES: 08.07.25 /18.09.25
To find out more/to register:
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Coventry parenting support are offering a range of courses to parents and carers between now and August.
 To find out more about courses available:
The Autism & ADHD Show is the national event for autism and ADHD.
Previously known as The Autism Show, the show has evolved in response to the growing interest in ADHD from visitors, and to support the rapidly increasing number of parents, carers and professionals who are supporting children and adults with a diagnosis of ADHD.
It is the largest event in the country dedicated to the Autism and ADHD community. The show offers over 100 hours of talks, one to one clinics and workshops, plus hundreds of specialist products and services.
DATE: 27-28 June 2025
For further information on events, costs and booking of tickets:
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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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www.coventryfamilies.co.uk is a website which can help you find information and support from a wide variety of services in the Coventry area for children and young people from 0-25yrs, including information around SEND.
If you would prefer to speak to someone directly, Coventry’s Family Hubs can provide advice and support at their friendly locations across the city. You can find your nearest Family Hub at www.coventry.gov.uk/familyhubs
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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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