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In this issue:
Have you shared your views yet?
This consultation is for parents, carers, schools, local authorities and sector organisations. It seeks views on how to strengthen arrangements for children and young people who are educated outside school or further education settings.
The aim is to understand how support can be improved, how responsibilities should be clarified, and how provision can be better quality assured. The consultation also seeks views on how arrangements can support improved outcomes, including progression and, where appropriate, reintegration.
Consultation closes 18 September 2026
Take part and have your say.
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Have you shared your views yet?
This consultation explores how local authorities can provide upfront additional special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) funding to mainstream schools.
It seeks the views on how best to rebalance the high needs and schools budgets in local authorities to increase the share of funding mainstream schools receive upfront to support their pupils’ special educational needs (SEND).
Consultation closes 18 September 2026
Take part and have your say.
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Did you know?
Mencap's Training Academy is a specialist post 16 provider delivering supported internships.
Mencap’s supported internship programmes deliver education and training to 16–24-year-olds with a learning disability or who have an education, health and care plan.
Their vision is to effectively support more people with a learning disability to move into paid work.
On the Mencap Training Academy you can find lots more information about all their programmes.
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Throughout June and July, a series of drop-in sessions took place to consider Coventry's SEND Local Offer. Discussions were had on a range of topics including:
- transition arrangements
- SEND provision in schools
- access to short breaks for families
- access to information
There is still opportunity to contribute your thoughts on the SEND system in Coventry by completing the SEND Local Offer survey. This will help to identify areas of improvement and further co-production of the system.
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From 1 June, some changes have been made to the process for supporting children and young people to access the right help, at the right time, by the right people.
The "Children and Family Initial Response Service" brings together the former Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and the Early Help Front Door, to act as a single coordinated access point where ‘Requests for Support’ for children in Coventry are received and actioned.
The Children and Family Initial Response Service brings key professionals together to facilitate early, quality information sharing, analysis and decision-making, to safeguard children and young people effectively.
This is one of the first changes to come into effect ahead of the Family First Partnership Programme which is set to be introduced by March 2027.
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Coventry SEND is looking for young people to become “Young Investigators” this summer, reviewing places of interest and activities across Coventry.
If you know any young people who fancy themselves as mystery shoppers or “Tripadvisor-style” reviewers, why not encourage them to tell us about their experience?
The aim is to inform other young people about accessible activities in the local area, as well as potentially support any settings to think about how they might be more accessible for young people with SEND.
The reviews can be submitted anonymously, and focus on 5 main areas of the activity/place of interest. The reviews will be summarised and be published on www.thechypshop.co.uk, Coventry’s dedicated website for Children and Young people with SEND.
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There was great news this month for a group of young people following the completion of their Supported Internship programme.
Supported by Coventry's Changing Futures Together team, the interns - all of whom had EHC Plans - spent 9 months learning and working at Amazon's base in Allesley.
And, having celebrated their "graduation", all 7 of them were also informed that they had also secured ongoing employment - a fantastic recognition of their hard work and skill!
If you're between 16-25, supported internships may be a good option for your next step towards meaningful employment. For more information on the Changing Futures Together programme, contact the team by email.
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The MIND drop-in hub is open six days a week, providing a safe space for anyone 18+ to socialise, engage in activities and receive support from their friendly team.
Expect one-to-one support, group sessions, workshops (arts, crafts, cooking), fun activities, WiFi and a secure garden space. They also offer protected drop-in times for specific groups.
Visit them at Wellington Gardens, Windsor Street, Coventry CV1 3BT
For more info, call (024) 76 017211 or email wbhub@cwmind.org.uk
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'The Belonging Space' is offering 2 new local support groups (Term Time), see below for details:
'Neurodivergent Adults Support Group'
When: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday (Term Time)
Where: John White Community Centre
Grange Avenue, Coventry, CV3 2ED
Time: 6pm-7pm
First session back in September: Wed 9 Sept 26
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'SEND Parent Support Group'
When: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday (Term Time)
Where: John White Community Centre
Grange Avenue, Coventry, CV3 2ED
Time: 10am-11am
First session back in September: Tues 8 Sept 26
If you have any questions or wish to enquire about either of these sessions further please contact:
Katrina: thebelongingspace@outlook.com
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Free one-day workshop to advance your professional understanding of autism and sensory processing.
This evidence-informed session blends research, lived experience and practical tools to support autistic children.
When: Tuesday 22 September 2026
Visit the link below for more information/to book.
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Looking for fun, free ways to keep the children entertained this summer?
Coventry Best Start Family Hubs are hosting a fantastic range of FREE activities for children of all ages throughout the summer holidays, including:
Arts & crafts
Sports & outdoor games
Park activities
Cooking sessions
And much more!
There's something for everyone, so come along, make new friends, and enjoy a summer full of fun!
Scan the QR code or visit the Family Hubs webpages for more information:
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HAF Holiday Activities are free for children who receive Benefit Related Free School Meals. There are also some paid activities for children who are not eligible.
What activities are there?
Activities include: basketball, bushcraft, cheerleading, coding (video games, animated movies, Minecraft, robotics) cooking, cricket, dance camps, den building, dodgeball, drama workshops, engineering, face painting, football camps, forest school, girls-only activities, golf, gymnastics, dodgeball, ice-skating lessons, jewellery making, quad biking, laser quest, Lego, media training, parkour, swimming, STEM activities, tennis, trampolining, UV dodgeball, the Wave, yoga and more
For eligible children who also have an Education and Health and Care Plan there are some experiences such as, Ash End Farm, British Motor Museum, Perkisound, Red Kangaroo, Spencer's Retreat, Twycross Zoo, Coventry Transport Museum, Coventry Outdoors.
The HAF activities can be filtered by the following categories:
- ‘Universal Provision with SEND Support’
- ‘Specialist SEND Provision’
- ‘Universal provision’
Please email: HAFprogramme@coventry.gov.uk if you have any questions.
Click the link below for more information of 'what's on' and/or to book:
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Ladybug Lodge are offering a range of activities this summer:
Stay and Play
Swimming
Forest School
Dance - provided by Off Balance Dance
Open Theatre
Sessions are hosted in Coventry at two venues, Tiverton School (CV3) and Nettle Hill (CV7).
Coventry HAF bookings also available.
If you have any questions regarding sessions, bookings or general enquiries, please get in touch with Ladybug Lodge via telephone (07301 680835) or email (info@ladybuglodge.co.uk)
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'Changing the Future' are offering families a Summer Adventure this July!
Pack your imagination and get ready for take-off as they transform an ordinary day into a magical sensory holiday experience for children and families! From check-in to landing, enjoy interactive activities, creative play, seaside adventures, sensory discovery and unforgettable summer memories.
When: Sunday 26 July 2026
Time:11:30–16:00
Where: St James Church Hall, 395 Tile Hill Lane, Coventry, CV4 9DP
*charges apply (please enquire)
Message Abbie at 'Changing the Future' directly to find out more:
abbie@changingthefuture.co.uk
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'Changing the Future' are offering a SEND Summer Holiday Camp in Coventry throughout the summer holidays for 4-16 year olds!
This camp is designed exclusively for children and young people with SEND.
- Every school holiday
- Flexible payment plans available
- Spaces are extremely limited due to a specialist 3-child maximum support model.
Message Abbie at 'Changing the Future' directly to find out more and discuss your child’s needs or check availability:
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The Wave will be running 'quiet time sessions' for individuals with complex needs and disabilities.
These sessions set out to create a peaceful environment: no music, calming toys, and all slides available
Upcoming Dates:
- 30 July 2026 at 10.15am
- 14 August 2026 at 4pm
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This two-hour immersive experience is created with accessibility, fun, and family connection in mind. Everyone is welcome—siblings, carers, and extended family included.
Ticket Price:
Tickets cost £5 per group attending, covering all participants and parent/carers. The theatre offers a ‘pay as you feel’ option if cost is a barrier to attending.
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Autism Social Group: 'Family Session'
For families with children diagnosed (or awaiting assessment) of Autism
When: 2nd Wednesday of every month, 5pm-7pm
Where: Exhall Old School Community Centre, CV7 9GB
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Autism Social Group: 10YRs+ Youth Club
For young people diagnosed (or awaiting assessment) of Autism
When: 2nd Monday of every month, 5.30pm-7.30pm
Where: Old Meeting URC Church, The Old meeting Yard, Leicester Street, Bedworth, CV12 8JR
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Adult Social Group
Bring along any activities you enjoy doing while socialising, such as crafts, hobbies, puzzles, or other projects. If you need a little extra room, the team will be happy to set up an additional table for you.
When: 4th Monday of every month, 5.30pm-7.30pm
Where: Old Meeting URC Church, The Old meeting Yard, Leicester Street, Bedworth, CV12 8JR
Please contact 'Root to Branches' for information on any of the above sessions: info@r2b.co.uk
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The Mental Health in Schools Team are running a range of free, activity-based workshops over the summer holidays to support children, young people and their families.
Workshops include:
- Worried about moving up to secondary school?
- Calm: A worry workshop for families (primary school-aged children)
- Five Ways to Wellbeing
Sessions will take place at Moat Family Hub, Aspire Family Hub and Pathways Family Hub throughout August.
- Workshops include refreshments, but please bring drinks/snacks as needed.
To register, please email: mhst@covwarkpt.nhs.uk
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Coventry ROCKS- Coventry ROCKS provides information on activities, events and clubs in and around Coventry (Not SEND specific unless stated). |
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Coventry Family Information Service (FIS) - also provides information on activities, events and clubs in and around Coventry (use filters to select 'SEND' for activities specifically listed as suitable for children/young people with SEND). |
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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