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In this issue:
The Department for Education (DfE) is consulting on updated statutory guidance for supporting pupils with medical conditions and allergies in schools.
The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 1 May 2026.
'Contact' have provided an information page about the update and consultation for your information, as well as information on how to take part in the consultation.
CONTACT have developed an information page keeping you up to date on any changes to the welfare benefits system that may affect the financial situation of families with disabled children.
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"Changing Futures Together" supports a wide range of post-16 SEND young people looking to further their skills and gain employment in Coventry.
With a wider range of employers, including Amazon, Coventry City Council and UHCW offering supported internships - up to a year of working within an organisation supported by a job coach - on board, there are many opportunities for young people with an EHCP to experience life in the workplace.
Watch Alex, who was the first to gain employment at UCHW through the programme over 10 years ago, talk through his experience.
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The Job Shop’s Changing Futures Together team had the privilege of taking 30 learners with SEND to Winter Wonderland completely free of charge.
The programme accessed the places as part of ‘Winter Wishes’, an annual event created to bring a sense of inclusion to individuals who may find it difficult to attend otherwise. The park opened the attractions open in a calmer, more accessible setting.
Many of the learners have EHCPs or face daily challenges that can make busy environments overwhelming. For some, this was their first-ever trip to London and even their first experience of a theme-park-style event.
“It was my first time at a theme park, and I couldn’t describe it with just one word.” – Oliwia, 19 years old
It was clear this wasn’t just a trip; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many: a moment where barriers were replaced with laughter, confidence, and connection, and memories that will stay with everyone involved for years to come.
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If you haven't already, take a look at the 'Coventry HAF Spring Fun 2026' programme which runs from 30 March to 12 April. There are a wide range of different activities, all with free food provided, during the Easter school holidays.
HAF aims to have a wide range of inclusive activities, experiences and clubs as well as some activities tailored specifically towards children or young people with SEND.
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Looking for something to keep the kids entertained this Easter?
Visit your local Family Hub!
From 30 March -10 April 2026, there are FREE activities, workshops, and sessions for children, young people, and families across Coventry.
- A great chance to try something new
- Meet other families
- Keep little ones active and engaged
Drop into your local Family Hub, scan the QR code on the poster above, or visit the website to view the full timetables.
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Ladybug Lodge offer a range of sessions for children and young people with SEND throughout the year.
Their Easter activity programme is now out and includes a range of activities such as Stay and play, swimming, forest school and dance!
You can view both their term-time and holiday activities via their webpage.
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CASS are offering an online 'Autism and ADHD (Audhd) workshop' for parents, carers and professionals.
This session aims to explore the impact, challenges and accommodations of Autism and ADHD, how these two conditions often coexist, and mask each other, and the impact this has.
Find out details for the next 'Autism and ADHD (Audhd) Workshop' on their booking page.
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'Sleep Tight' Workshop - This session will be delivered by a parenting practitioner who has been trained by The National Sleep Charity. The session focuses on sleep issues that are common for children and young people, the importance of sleep, understanding sleep cycles, causes of sleep issues, and what you can do to support your child to sleep better.
Various session dates available, visit the website for more information:
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The Recovery and Wellbeing Academy 'Sleep Session' - This session looks at sleep problems, the signs and symptoms that we can experience due to lack of sleep, their effects on us and what can be done to help improve sleep.
Various session dates available, visit the website via the link below for more information on this, and other upcoming sessions including sessions on 'self-harm', trauma awareness, anxiety and emotions.
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Ladybug Lodge bring you Forest School sessions!
They currently have a range of sessions throughout term-time and the Easter half-term. All sessions are SEND exclusive, with the exception of attending siblings.
View their activity timetable.
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Join the Carers' Trust walking group; meet other carers and the team, enjoy a gentle stroll, take some time to get some fresh air and a change of scenery.
Contact: carergroups@carerstrusthofe.org.uk or call: 024 7663 2972 for information on the next walk.
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Join the free online webinar on revision skills for GCSEs and A Levels, designed for parents, carers and students.
This session aims to help you learn useful tips to support young people during exam season, understand the challenges they may face, and discover tools and techniques to help them revise effectively and manage stress.
Find out more (including webinar dates).
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Have you visited Coventry's Family Relationships Team webpage recently?
They have a range of courses, workshops, parenting programmes and sessions for Coventry families (including some specifically tailored towards families of children with SEND) to support you on your parenting journey.
They are also running a series of sessions on supporting your child's learning within school curriculum subjects.
Visit their webpage for more information:
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We have provided some links below to more ways of finding out about activities and events happening this half term:
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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