|
In this issue:
'Contact' have developed some useful guides to support parents/carers around particular topics such as; feeding and eating difficulties, sleep, and potty and toilet training.
These guides aim to provide practical ideas that may help, as well as information on which health professionals you can speak to for support. For more information click on the links below:
Download the Contact feeding and eating guide: feeding_and_eating.pdf
Download the Contact potty and toilet training guide: potty_toilet_training.pdf
Download the Contact Helping your child to sleep guide: Helping-your-child-sleep.pdf
Download the Contact Understanding your child's behaviour guide: understanding_your_childs_behaviour.pdf
|
|
Are you looking for grants to fund something specific for your disabled child?
You can use the 'Turn2us' grants search tool on the CONTACT website to look for grants that may fit your circumstances and check you are claiming the benefits you are entitled to.
|
|
 |
 For more tips visit 'Contact - For families with disabled children' Facebook page: Facebook
As part of the reforms to the way SEND is supported nationally, Coventry Local Authority has worked with families and local partners to create a SEND Reform Plan, covering 2026-2029.
This has now been signed off by the Department for Education and will be the main focus of SEND-related work over the next three years.
An easy read version of the plan has been published, including the main objectives, alongside the main document. They are available from the SEND Local Offer website.
|
Can you help shape services in the early years?
If you’re a Coventry parent carer of a child aged 0 to 5 with SEND, or you work with young children and families, this may be for you.
'Improving services together – Early Years SEND practitioners and parents'
What: Working alongside Coventry Parent Carer Forum and professionals, the session will look at how Early Years SEND services can work better with families in Coventry, particularly those finding it difficult accessing support.
When: Thursday 5 November, 10am to 12.30pm
Visit this link to book your place.
There will be a follow up meeting in early 2027.
Parents/carers who attend both Action Learning sessions will receive a £20 All4One voucher as a thank you for their time.
|
Hereward College is now offering respite opportunities for young people aged 16 and over with disabilities and complex needs.
The respite provision at their residential facility 'Cofa’s Tree Lodge' offers young people a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment where they can:
- Develop independence and life skills
- Spend time with peers who have similar interests, abilities and support needs
- Take part in a wide range of activities, both on-site and in the local community
- Enjoy meaningful experiences tailored to their individual interests and preferences.
Respite stays are available during term time, including weekdays and weekends. Their residential facility is located within the secure grounds of the campus in Tile Hill, Coventry.
To enquire about respite services please email respite@hereward.ac.uk or call 024 7642 6141.
|
On Tuesday 27 October, Coventry's digital SEND Local Offer will be having a bit of a refresh.
The aim of the digital offer is to provide a central point for parents/carers, young people and those supporting them to find out information about all areas of SEND, across education, health and care.
The Local Offer sits within the wider Coventry Families Portal, enabling you to find out about everything relating to family life and support in Coventry.
|
The Children and Family Initial Response Service brings together the former MASH and Early Help Front Door, creating a single access point to receive and action Requests for Support.
Accessing support via the Children and Family Initial Response Service no longer requires a MARF or a request to access Early Help.
The new, simplified Request for Support enables you to help children and families access support through a single point of referral.
Submit a Request for Support.
The Children and Family Initial Response Service now have a NEW email address! You can contact them at: InitialResponseService@coventry.gov.uk
|
Are you a parent/carer of a Primary or Secondary aged child with SEND?
This SEND parent session will inform you about support available in Coventry Mainstream & Special Schools, Bases and other SEND information.
Come and join us along with professionals, who will be presenting information to help inform you about Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision in Coventry
Date and time: 13 November 2026 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Location: Committee Room 2, Coventry Council House
For more information/to book visit the link below:
|
Families, carers and young people are invited to attend a friendly drop-in session to learn more about the support available through Adult Social Care and partner organisations.
This is a great opportunity to meet professionals, ask questions and find out about services that can help young people prepare for adulthood.
Information will be available on:
- Transitions
- Carers Support
- Independent Travel Training
- Paying for Care and Financial Assessments
- Employment and Work Opportunities
- SEND Support
- Direct Payments
- Respite and Short Break Services
Date and time: Tuesday 10 November – 2pm to 5.30pm
Location: Cheylesmore Community Centre, Arundel Rd, Coventry CV3 5JX
|
CASS youth groups (for 7 to 18year olds) provide a fun, supportive environment where children and young people can meet peers, feel accepted, and enjoy activities without pressure to conform.
Typical sessions include games, sensory exploration, arts and crafts, and cooking, giving participants a sense of belonging while gently developing social skills in a neurodiverse-friendly space.
Groups run in Coventry on Thursdays:
7 to 11 years: 4pm to 5pm
11 to 15 years: 5.15pm to 6.15pm
15 to 18 years: 6.30pm to 7.30pm
|
CASS are offering this online workshop to explore how these two conditions (Autism and ADHD) often coexist and mask each other and the impact this has. We will explore the challenges and the accommodations needed.
Suitable for parents, carers and professionals.
Date: 4 February 2027
|
CASS are running their online CASP 4 week programme in November to support parents/carers of children with (or awaiting a diagnosis) of Autism.
The sessions cover autism understanding, sensory challenges, communication support, school, person-centred approach, co-regulation, and the 3C Pathway.
Session dates: Tuesdays - 3 November, 10 November, 17 November, 24 November
Time: 10am to 1pm
|
Are you a parent of an autistic teenager looking for support, understanding and practical strategies?
The Community Autism Support Service (CASS) are running a four-week course covering autism understanding, the teenage brain, girls and masking, self-awareness and identity, school, transition and relationships.
Location: Coventry Wellbeing Hub
Dates: Wednesdays – 20 and 27 January, 3 and 10 February 2027
Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm
Format: In person
For more information/to book visit the link below:
|
|
Do you live in Coventry and have a child with Selective Mutism?
Coventry Speech and language Team are running a Family Support Group led by Coventry's Educational Psychology Service (EPS) and Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service.
The group meets each half-term offering an opportunity to meet other parents and share ideas and support
For more information scan the QR code.
|
|
 |
'SELECTIVE MUTISM' - FREE TRAINING VIDEOS
Coventry Speech and Language Therapy Services have put together a series of online training and information videos that you can access for free on Selective Mutism/ Situational Mutism. Scan the QR codes below
*For more information on any of these opportunities contact Coventry Speech and Language Therapy Service: 02476 961 455
Coventry's Family Hubs have a fantastic programme of FREE activities, workshops and events running from 26th - 30th October 2026 for children, young people and families across the city.
Activities include:
- Autumn crafts and creative play
- Pumpkin carving and Halloween fun
- Science experiments and sensory activities
- Family walks and outdoor adventures
- Little Chefs Pizza Party
- Level Up! Reading and Football sessions
- Baby and toddler activities including Bump, Baby and Beyond
- Community events, support services and much more!
Scan the QR or visit the link below for more information and to see the full timetable:
|
Lady Bug Lodge are really excited to be offering lots of Halloween themed sessions this year - from Forest School sessions to Pumpkin inflatables in the Swimming Pool and then ending on their Halloween Event with Indoor Pumpkin Patch and UV Disco! |
|
 |
The WAVE in Coventry will be running their 'Quiet Time' Session this October half-term providing peaceful sessions that are ideal for individuals with complex needs and disabilities.
No music, calming toys, and all slides available.
Date: 30 October 2026, 1pm to 3pm
For more information and to book visit the link below:
|
 |
|
|
Coventry ROCKS- Coventry ROCKS provides information on activities, events and clubs in and around Coventry (Not SEND specific unless stated).
|
|
|
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.
|
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
|
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.
|
Rise is a family of NHS-led services providing emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire.
|
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
|
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;
|
