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In this issue:
Welcome to October's In Partnership bulletin. Hopefully there are a few things to get involved with again as we head towards darker nights.
This half-term has seen the national debate around SEND really starting to hit the headlines, including local SEND roundtables and national demonstrations. We also had a BBC One Panorama special, which even garnered some local radio interest in what SENDIASS can offer!
There are certainly a number of questions that need resolving in how the Government intends to move forward in supporting the area of SEND, with every chance that this will be published before our next bulletin. We will, of course, keep you updated with any news as soon as it is published.
As always, if you've done something, attended something, or want to tell us about something coming soon, just email sendnews@coventry.gov.uk with a short description and/or link to information.
Chris Firth, Manager SENDIASS
Celebrating Success: Skills, Employment and Adult Education Service
The end of the 2024 to 2025 academic year marked a special celebration for learners "graduating" from a number of study programmes run by the Council's Skill, Employment and Adult Education Team.
These programmes, including supported internships, provide invaluable opportunities for young people – most of whom have special educational needs (SEN), and many with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) – to gain work experience, build confidence, and successfully transition from education into employment.
Around 80% of the interns, were successful in securing paid employment at the end of their internships.
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Did you know that CASS offer pre-recorded webinars for parents and carers as well as their series of 'Toolbox' Sessions?
Their selection of 'on demand' webinars include topics such as: understanding autism, positive wellbeing, sensory differences, demand avoidance, sleep and '3C pathway'.
CASS also run 1hr online fortnightly 'toolbox' sessions on over 25 topics!
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CONTACT have been featuring 'Halloween SEND Hacks' posts on their Facebook page to help families and communities think about how to make Halloween a little less spooky and more accessible for disabled children.
Visit their Facebook page to find this and other 'Halloween hack' posts.
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Ladybug Lodge have received funding from Sport England and the National Lottery to carry out 'Accessible Aquatics' Sessions which provide an opportunity for children and young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities and Physical Disabilities/Conditions to access physiotherapy supported Aquatic Therapy Sessions!
Sessions will run on a Friday evening for a 6 week block (consecutive) and thanks to funding, session costs have been reduced from £60 to £20 per week.
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Have you checked out the Family Information Directory?
The Family Information Directory contains a wealth of information for families, including all Ofsted Registered childcare such as Day Nurseries and Childminders, and activities and events across the city for all ages (information is updated regularly), as well as Support Services for families.
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Coventry Youth Activists are on the lookout for new members. If you (or someone you know!) are:
- aged 16 to 23
- disabled or have a lived experience of disability
- someone who enjoys connecting with others
- wanting training in activism
- and want to create a better future for yourself and other young disabled people across Coventry and the UK
Why not join the Coventry Youth Activists?!
For further details contact candrew@grapevinecovandwarks.org or phone on 07916 234977.
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Ladybug Lodge are running a number of activities this October half term for children who have SEND. Activities include: Stay and Play, Swimming, Dance and Halloween Sessions!
All sessions are hosted at Tiverton School, Ashington Grove, CV3 4DE.
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Following the success of their pilot, the SEND Camp is back this October Half Term!
'Changing The Future' SEND say the pilot showed just how needed this service is, committing to keeping it fun, safe, and supportive for every child.
Now offering 3 support levels:
- group support
- 1-to-1 support
- 2-to-1 support
To find out more or book visit their webpage via the button below.
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Coventry SENDIASS offer regular coffee mornings, and work in partnership with other services to bring you information sessions for Coventry Parents and Carers on a range of topics throughout the year such as: Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Demand Avoidance, Travel Assistance, Emotion coaching.
Visit our Events page for information on sessions and events we have coming up, as well as to find information for local providers offering groups, clubs, activities and sessions for families who have children/young people with SEND.
Find out more about our events on our webpage.
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Grow your confidence, learn skills for life and work alongside professionals to create extraordinary theatre.
The EGO Creative Academy is an Adult Social Care Day Opportunities provision for any adult aged 18+ who is neurodivergent and/or has a learning disability.
As a member, you are part of a touring theatre ensemble, working alongside industry professionals and developing specialist skills as an actor or production artist - or both.
EGO Arts Venue: The Old Boys Club, Fleet St, Coventry, CV1 3AY
To find out more visit their website.
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The Brakes Community Foundation, the charitable partner of Leamington Football Club, are delighted to announce that it has been awarded the FA Para Talent Hub licence for the 2025 to 2026 season.
This prestigious recognition highlights the Foundation's ongoing commitment to fostering talent and providing opportunities for para-athletes across the region.
It is aimed at players between 7-16 years, who have cerebral palsy, are deaf, or are partially blind.
For further information contact Baz on 07951 254167 or email Balvinder.Shekhon@leamingtonfc.co.uk
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The "Family Hub & HAF Youth Takeover" event, is free for young people (8 to 18 years old) and families to take part in a wide range of activities.
The event aims to provide a space for young people to engage in constructive activities during half term, to raise awareness of the Coventry Youth Offer, and for partners to share all the great work they do and inform young people about how they can get involved.
Date: Thursday 30 October 2025
Time: 11am to 2pm
Venue: Mosaic Family Hub, Jardine Crescent, Coventry CV4 9PL
Highlights of the event:
- virtual Reality Experiences
- multi-Sports delivery
- music
- arts & Crafts
- free food is provided throughout the day
- employment and/or training opportunities
- opportunities to meet supporting partner agencies in the City
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This 2-hour workshop looks at the importance of sleep, understanding sleep cycles, causes of sleep issues and what you can do to support your child to sleep better.
This session will be delivered by a parenting practitioner who has been trained by The National Sleep Charity.
For more information or to book email:
parenting@coventry.gov.uk
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"Little Notes" is a weekly fun (and free) session, full of music for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers along with their parents and/or carers.
Each week will be a joyful musical journey led by an Early Years Music Specialist. These engaging sessions are designed to support positive relationships, early development and plenty of smiles - all through music!
No sign up needed, just turn up and join in:
- Wood Side Family Centre, 9:30am to 10:15am
- Park Edge Family Centre – 11am to 11:45am
Sessions are held every Friday.
For more information email: music@coventry.gov.uk
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Do you play an instrument? Are you interested in joining a group of musicians?
Why not join "SPARKS!", Coventry Music's beginner mixed music group, which rehearses every Tuesday at the Albany Theatre.
Open to all children aged 7 and up, any instrument and of any ability - even if you have only played for a month!
As with most of Coventry Music's groups, sessions are free for GoCV members.
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Are you interested in finding out more about Supported Internships or Study Programmes for young people aged between 16 and 24 who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?
Adult Education are holding several open days between now and the end of May 2026, for people to find out more about the programmes and the support available from those who run the courses.
Open Day dates:
- Wednesday 29 October 2025
- Wednesday 18 February 2026
- Thursday 2 April 2026
- Wednesday 27 May 2026
All sessions will run between 10am and 2pm (no appointment necessary)
Venue: Southfields Old School, South Street, Coventry, CV1 5EJ
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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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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.
The portals ‘children link’ can direct families to useful information on a range of topics related to children’s care, health and development as well as navigating families to the 'Coventry Information Directory' (via the ‘childcare’ tab) for information about childcare, activities and events across the city.
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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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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Coventry Families Digital offer provides a range of information, advice and services on adult help, including financial support, health, housing and domestic abuse.
‘Coventry Families Digital offer: ‘Help for adults’
Coventry Citizens Advice provides 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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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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