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Latest Issue: July 2024
Improving the lives of children with special educational needs and disabilities in the Dudley borough.
Keeping stakeholders, parents and carers informed about Dudley’s
SEND Improvement Programme.
Sal Thirlway, Service Director of Education, SEND & Family Solutions
Welcome to our latest Stakeholder SEND Bulletin.
Let me start by saying all three of our Delivering Better Value (DBV) workstreams are progressing well.
For the month of July, the key focus for Workstream One (Redesigning our CIPS Advisory Service - Communication & Interaction, Physical & Sensory) has been aligning the service offer with the Ordinarily Available Inclusion Provision framework (OAIP) to ensure consistent and effective support across all schools.
We are pleased to report that we have completed Dudley’s Co-Production Charter, and together with the Success Measures framework, both have been shared with Headteachers and SENCo’s (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) ahead of a September rollout. The purpose of these tools is to gauge the effectiveness of coproduction, helping us assess our engagement with schools, parent carers, and partners.
For Workstream Two (Developing and Delivering our Sufficiency Strategy), work continues on the development of our sufficiency strategy. Initial engagement with parent carers and school/post-16 leads has concluded, and an approach to meeting demand through the development of satellite provision has been agreed upon. Further engagement is being undertaken with health, public health, and finance to further develop the strategy over the summer.
As part of Workstream Three (Preparing for Adulthood & Post-16), relationship development with all providers remains a priority. The three working groups continue to meet regularly as we work on identifying the gaps in our post-16 curriculum. We are also focused on implementing Independent Travel Training to empower young people with the necessary skills for independent mobility.
In June we also held our two-year Accelerated Progress Plan (APP) review with the Department for Education and NHS England colleagues. There were pre-meetings for Parent and Carer Forum colleagues and for School leaders, and during the review session there was a focus on APP area 1 (Early Identification and Intervention) and APP area 2 (Joint Commissioning). We are waiting for a response letter from the DfE and NHSE, which when received I shall share the outcome in a future bulletin.
It is great to see so much work and co-production taking place throughout the year, and as many take time off over the summer period, I wish you all well.
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Delivering Better Value Programme – Update
All DBV workstreams are progressing as expected.
See March’s bulletin , April's bulletin and June bulletin for previous updates on workstreams.
Overview of DBV Workstream 3 - Preparing for Adulthood & Post-16
- Relationship development with all providers remains a priority.
- Three working groups continue to meet regularly.
- Efforts focus on identifying gaps in the post-16 curriculum.
- Implementing Independent Travel Training to equip young people with skills for independent mobility
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Parent Carers Forum Update:
Sign up for free to become a member of the Dudley Parent Carer Forum!
Dudley Parent carer Forum welcome registrations for membership from parent/carers and also offer associate memberships to wider family members or practitioners working within Dudley. Joining up means you will be kept up to date on all the latest news, information and events doing on in Dudley. Parents/Carers will also receive a FREE gift when they sign up!
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Integrated Early Years Service Parent Support Group
This group offers support to parents and carers of children with a range of additional needs. It provides supportive environment to engage with your child, and also to gain practical advice for everyday routines.
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WeLoveCarers
Mary Stevens Summer Scheme for children with disabilities is hosting fun activities from 30 July to 29 August.
Limited spots available.
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Summer fun at your local family hubs
Find lots of fun activities this summer for children and young people.
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Baby massage for under 2s
The local family hub in Dudley is hosting baby massage classes for parents/carers and their children from 2 -18 months old.
Sessions delivered by Generation Impact, runs on Mondays 12.30-1.30pm.
Cost £5 per session.
Among other benefits, massage can help to create a strong bond between you and your baby.
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Webinar: On autism
Autism West Midlands are hosting an in-depth training session exploring How Autistic People Process Information.
This webinar is open to any parent, carer, or professional in the West Midlands. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical strategies.
📅 Tuesday 6th August
🕒 9:30am - 11:00am
📍 Online Webinar
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All-age autism framework stakeholder meetings
Black Country Mental, Learning Disabilities and Autism group has released the schedule for its online stakeholder meetings.
Sign up via bchft.autismroadmap@nhs.net
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Dudley Play Week 2024
In celebration of National Play Day, Sycamore Adventure and partners is organising Dudley Play Week 2024 across five beautiful parks in Dudley Borough, this summer
Activities include Bungee trampolining; pedal go-kart drag racing; zorbing, soft archery, tug of war; campfire; talent show, and lots more.
Line up:
Tuesday 6 August 2024 - Silver Jubilee Park, WV14 9SZ
Wednesday 7 August 2024 - Mary Stevens Park, DY8 2AB
Thursday 8 August 2024 - Priory Park, DY1 4EU
Friday 9 August 2024 - Dell Recreation Ground, DY5 4NE
Saturday 10 August 2024 - Huntingtree Park, B63 4HY
All venues open from 12.00pm to 4.00pm
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Disabled Living Allowance renewal
Contact For Families with Disabled Children is informing parents whose children’s DLA care element has been increased to high rates to inform universal credit so that their disabled child element is also increased.
See renewal details here
For more info on DLA, see details here
Crafting Memories for Carers - 2nd Wednesday of each month, 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Queens Cross Carers Hub, Queens Cross Network, Wellington Road, Dudley, DY1 1RB
A monthly gathering designed for individuals navigating the challenges of loss or caregiving. The sessions offer:
- An ambience for creative expression, where you can craft your own idea or choose from our inspirations; each creation will be a unique symbol of your caring journey.
- A welcoming safe place which allows you to express yourself freely, by shaping stories, listening to others, or simply enjoying companionship.
- A chance to connect with other carers whilst crafting memories.
Please call Dudley Carers Hub 01384 818723 or email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk for more information or to book
Household Support Fund – Help with the cost of living
The Government announced that the Household Support Fund (HSF) would be extended for a further six months, from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024, with a further £421m of funding. The fund has been made available to County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to support those most in need. The Household Support fund gives priority to supporting people with Food and Fuel, however other household essentials can be considered.
Dudley Carers Hub and Wellbeing Service have a small allocation of funding to support unpaid carers who may be experiencing financial difficulties due to the cost of living and their caring situation. Carers may apply (subject to eligibility) for a one off Household Support Fund payment which will be provided as a supermarket voucher (i.e. Asda or Tesco)
Please contact Dudley Carers Hub and Wellbeing Service for more information on 01384 818723 or email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk
Digi Dudley
Digi Dudley is available at Brett Young Carers Hub to provide older people and carers with support in learning how to use technology.
These sessions are designed to help people who are new to using technology or for people wanting to update their knowledge of the basics of their device. If you do not have a device then there are options for people interested in having a device loaned to them.
For more information call Jim on 07726 175532 or email jim@juststraighttalk.org
For more information on these workshops please go to www.dudley.gov.uk/carers
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Kids eat for £1 during school holidays
Brookes Bar & Bistro has got something special for our little foodies – a brand new kids menu that they can try for just £1 during the school holidays!
Every school holiday at Brooke’s, up to 2 children aged 13 and under can enjoy a children’s main for just £1, when an adult purchases a main meal.
Offer runs from 23 July - 31 August 2024
Valid Tuesday – Saturday for all day menu.
New children’s play area at Himley Park now open
The highly anticipated new play area at Himley Hall & Park is now open for children to enjoy this school summer holidays: https://www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk/playground
Online safety for children
This holiday, have a conversation with your child about staying safe online. Not sure where to begin? Have a look at Think U Know: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
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