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In this issue:
It's with a slightly heavy heart to say this will be the last little message from myself as the manager of SEND IASS. I have been very lucky to have led this wonderful little team since 2014, and hope that, together, we've made the lives of all those contacting us a little bit better.
I'm fully confident that the team will continue to provide the highest level of service moving forward.
It's well recognised that SENDIASS plays a huge part in the engagement process for families. However, this has often been on an individual level and wider participation - in helping to shape SEND provision across services in Coventry - has been a little bit more haphazard. So, that's what I'm hoping to work on changing!
My new role will be as SEND Engagement Lead, supporting not only the Family First Programme in Coventry, but also the huge number of areas that SEND impacts alongside all stakeholders - and most of all, families.
As we await the SEND white paper - outlining the Government's plans for tackling the SEND "crisis" - it's fair to say that solutions will only be found by everyone working together in partnership.
Good name for a bulletin, that....
Chris Firth
Coventry Parent Carer Forum (CPCF): become a member
Coventry Parent Carer Forum (CPCF) are looking for new members.
Parent Carer Forums work with Local Councils and Health to improve services for families, children and young people with additional needs.
Being part of your Forum helps to get your voices heard and make a positive difference to families.
If you are interested in joining the forum, and can commit to attending a monthly online meeting, contact Diane.
Email: covpf@entrustcarepartnership.org.uk
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The NEST
The NEST is a new hub in Coventry for children, adults, and families with Special Educational Needs.
The Nest aims to be a place to make friends, learn new skills, and feel part of something special.
Find out more about the NEST and what events they have coming up on their Facebook page.
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Powerchair football
Hereward College is proud to be the regional hub for Powerchair Football, offering inclusive opportunities for young people with physical disabilities to get involved in this exciting sport.
- 8 sports-specific powerchairs ready to use
- fully accessible sports hall
- expert coaching from Sky Blues in the Community
Community Session (open to all):
- Every Thursday, 5:15pm to 6:45pm
- Hereward College Sports Hall, Bramston Crescent, Coventry, CV4 9SW
For more information email:
kirsty.payne@hereward.ac.uk or Matthew.Finnegan@SBIC.org.uk
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'Virtual Family Space': Coventry and Warwickshire winter wellness workshops
Did you know?
Parents/carers living in Coventry or Warwickshire can access free, online short sessions, designed to give them practical advice, tips, tools, and confidence to help keep their family healthy and well over the winter and to reduce pressure on A&E departments.
Winter Wellness sessions provide evening, weekend and daytime virtual online sessions to help families manage common winter challenges like preventing/avoiding respiratory illnesses, preventing black mould and damp, getting support for fuel costs and staying mentally safe and well.
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HITZ Education Course for 16 to 19 year olds
Do you know a young person between 16 to 19 years old who is currently not accessing education or employment?
If so, the 'Hitz programme' run through Leicester Tigers, might be a great option to get back engaged: small groups, a range of activities in a community setting.
The course lasts for 16 weeks starting in February, so great timing if the young person may be looking at starting another course in the new academic year (September).
To discuss, please contact gareth.shuttleworth@tigersfoundation.co.uk or phone 07596 856201.
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Have you visited the Coventry Parent Carer Forum (CPCF) Sensory Library?
The sensory library is a place where parent carers can try out sensory equipment to help their child cope with sensory challenges.
For more information (including dates and venues) and/or to attend contact Diane, Sue or Rachel.
Email: covpf@entrustcarepartnership.co.uk or call 07842 416 955.
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Half-term activities
We have provided a range of upcoming sessions and half-term activities below, you can also find more information about local groups and activities via the SENDIASS Events Page, Coventry Families Portal, Coventry FIS and Coventry Rocks.
SENDIASS: Emotion Coaching Session
In partnership with SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS), Coventry Education Psychology Service (EPS) will be delivering this free online session to parents/carers living in Coventry.
'Emotion Coaching' is an approach that parents/carers can use with children and young people to support their emotional development.
Date
Tuesday 3 March 2026, 9.30am to 11.30am
Find out more and book your place via SENDIASS Eventbrite.
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Meeting the Sensory Needs of Your Child - Workshop
'Entrust' in partnership with 'Coventry Parent Carer Forum' are offering Coventry Parents/carers this free online workshop.
This session aims to support an understanding of sensory processing as well and practical strategies.
Friday 27 February 2026, 10am to midday
Email: lynnebarton@entrustcarepartnership.org.uk to register.
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Does your neurodiverse teenager love to game?
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum have recently started running social sessions around games designed for neurodiverse teenagers in Coventry.
Home Ed Gamers meet-ups
Social sessions for young people to play games and mix - 11 to 16 year olds. First Tuesday each month.
Games Design Bootcamp
A week-long bootcamp but it can be booked per day as well - for 16 to 18 year olds - build your very own platformer! No experience needed!
- Monday 16 to Friday 20 February 2026
- 10am to 4pm
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Coventry Sensory Team: Youth club
Coventry Sensory Team are offering a Youth club for children aged 5 to 10 years, who are supported by Coventry Sensory Team for either a vision or hearing impairment.
Contact the Sensory Support Team for information for the next session via email: sensorysupportservice@coventry.gov.uk
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'Breathe' Session at St Stephen's Church
Session for parents and carers of children with additional needs.
This session aims to provide a safe space to pause, breathe and feel refreshed.
First Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm to 9pm
Contact St Stephen's Church for more information on 02476 695026.
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'Kidz To Adultz' exhibition
Kidz To Adultz is back on Thursday 12 March from 9.30am to 4pm at CBS Arena, Judds Ln, Coventry, CV6 6GE.
It is FREE to attend and parking is also free.
This event will have over 100 exhibitors, interactive sessions and activities, you can meet experts and find information on products and services for children with disabilities and additional needs.
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CASS - Adult ED Sessions
Are you an autistic adult looking to gain a better understanding of autism?
These sessions aim to help you explore practical skills, mental wellness tips, and support strategies in our online sessions.
A safe space to learn, share, and connect with others. CASS also offer 'toolbox' sessions for parents of children with Autism on a range of topics.
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CPCF: 'Advocating for your child' workshop for parents/carers
Coventry Parent Carer Forum (CPCF) bring you this workshop designed to empower parents and carers of neurodivergent children in effective communication with professionals.
Date: Thursday 26 February
Time: 10am to midday
Venue: Families for all Hub, 454 Foleshill Rd, Coventry CV6 5LB
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Thai Boxing SEND Group
Did you know, in partnership with 'The University of Warwick' and Warwick Thai Boxing Club Entrust support a 'SEND Thai Boxing group' every Thursday at 5pm for children aged 8+?
This session offers coaching in the martial art of Muay Tai with dedicated enthusiastic graduates and undergraduates and supported by staff from entrust.
Please email Lynne at Entrust for more information: lynnebarton@entrustcareparentship.org.uk
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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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