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Latest Issue: February 2025
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 the month of February.
We are now in the final stages of the Delivering Better Value (DBV) Programme, focusing on ensuring that ongoing projects transition smoothly into everyday practice beyond March 2025.
The CIPS Service (Communication & Interaction, Physical & Sensory) has now been fully operational since September 2024. Since then, we have been closely monitoring the effectiveness of the redesigned services. To help us understand how well schools feel equipped to meet the needs of children and young people, we launched our first quarterly survey, which was shared with schools and settings. We plan to continue gathering feedback by issuing a survey at the start of each term.
In January, we hosted virtual Ordinarily Available Inclusion Provision (OAIP) surgeries for schools, health professionals, and social care colleagues. We were pleased to see over 100 schools attend, demonstrating strong engagement and a commitment to making use of the training available.
We are now preparing to offer similar OAIP sessions for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND. These sessions will introduce the OAIP framework, explain its benefits, and provide guidance on how to use it effectively. If you would like to attend a virtual session, please email Gemma Tovey (gemma.tovey@dudley.gov.uk), and we will send you the session link. Further sessions are planned for February and March to ensure as many families as possible can take part.
As part of our work to strengthen post-16 pathways, we have developed a Post-16 Transitions Guide, which will soon be available on our Local Offer page. This guide will provide practical advice and support for young people with SEND as they prepare for adulthood. The link to the guide will be shared in our next bulletin.
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Ofsted and CQC inspection
As you will be aware, Ofsted and the CQC concluded their 3-week inspection of the Local Area Partnership for SEND on 24 January. Throughout the inspection colleagues gave an account of our SEND improvement journey in Dudley and showed the further progress we have all made since inspection in 2019 and the revisit in 2022.
We anticipate that their formal judgement will be published in March (30 working days after the inspection) and the inspectors will decide on one of three outcomes:
- Local area partnership’s SEND arrangements typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The local area partnership is taking action where improvements are needed.
- Local area partnership’s arrangements lead to inconsistent experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The local area partnership must work jointly to make improvements.
- There are widespread and/or systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND, which the local area partnership must address urgently.
Thank you for your commitment, hard work and focus on improving outcomes for our children and young people
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UPDATE: Pathway Strategy – Reducing exclusions
The aim of developing a Pathways Strategy is driven by needing to reduce suspension and exclusion of all children and young people regardless of ability, behaviour or background.
The Strategy sits across 4 tiers
- Tier 1 – Universal expectations from schools – risk register / early identification of need / relationships and communication of behaviour policies / Assess, Plan, Do Review (APDR ) cycle/ Trauma informed practice / use of OAIP, CIPS, SEND team
- Tier 2 – Preventative – early support through the use of the council’s Inclusive Pathways team that has proven to reduce suspensions and ultimately exclusions, particularly in primary schools.
- Tier 3 – Launch of Pathway Learning Centres (PLCs) - targeted support of children and young people(CYP) using school estate to provide a different curriculum model that also supports the transition of children returning to school following suspension / exclusion across all key stages 1 to 4.
- Tier 4 – Specialist external Alternative Provision (AP) – bespoke provision for CYP should the PLC not be the best educational provision – limited in number and will need to be quality assured.
Dudley’s SEND Local Offer – New Home and New Look: We Want Your Views!
 Dudley’s Local Offer is being redeveloped to make it easier for parent carers, children, and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to access information and support services in the borough.
Over the past six months, the council, together with local partners from health and education sectors, as well as parent carers, have been working hard to develop a new-look Local Offer. We have taken on board parent carers’ comments along the way and we are now looking for your views.
Additionally, the Dudley SEND Local Offer is now part of the council’s website, which we hope will help people more easily find the information and support they need on all things SEND. The new-look SEND Local Offer can be found at: www.dudley.gov.uk/localoffer
However, this is just the first phase, and we know there is still work to do. The next step is to hear from as many people as possible about their thoughts on the new-look Local Offer. We encourage you to send your views by completing the feedback form on the site and telling us what you like, don’t like, and what may be missing.
We are looking to formally launch the new Local Offer in late spring, but for now, we would be grateful if you could send your comments by Friday, 28 February 2025.
Dudley’s Local Offer will continue to be reviewed to make sure it’s meeting people’s needs. If any parent carers, young people or professionals would like to get involved with the Local Offer please email: Local.Offer@dudley.gov.uk
Successful Dudley community toothbrush scheme piloted in special schools with new adapted resources
 Believed to be the first scheme of its kind in the region, Dudley Council’s Public Health Team recently launched a pilot project, providing a toothbrush pack specifically developed for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The new toothbrush pack was launched at an event held on Friday, January 31, at The Brier School, Kingswinford. The packs were created in partnership with local children from The Brier School, Woodsetton School, Pens Meadow School, and Netherton Park Nursery’s Inclusion Hub, their parents, and many local professionals, including dental experts. The West Midlands Community Payback Scheme also provided colourful, soft fabric pouches to hold the toothbrush pack contents for each child.
For many children with SEND, maintaining good oral hygiene can be challenging. Research indicates that children with additional needs are at a higher risk of tooth decay than their peers due to difficulties with toothbrushing, visiting the dentist, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Dudley SENDIASS available to parents and carers
At Dudley SENDIASS we provide legally based advice, information and support on all matters relating to Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disabilities , including health and social care issues. Our service is free, impartial and confidential.
The service is available to parents and carers of a child or young person with SEN or a disability, up to the age of 25 with or without an EHCP.
We offer termly workshops for parents/carers and young people on information and processes relating to SEND.
Contact details and workshop dates are available on Dudley SENDIASS website
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Please note that the service is no longer based at Saltwells EDC. Enquiries and meetings are now handled remotely via email, telephone or Teams. Contact details for the service can be found on the website (link above).
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Support for carers and young carers
Are you a carer looking after a family member, or friend? There's lot of information, advice and practical support available for carers, from Dudley Carers Hub
Young carers aged under 18 and who live in Dudley can also find specialist support to help them learn their roles and responsibility in caring for their loved ones.
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We love Carers meet during term time, they run various sessions including 'Chaos clubs' at their Mary Stevens based centre and on Sundays at Scallywags. |
SEN inclusion groups/information
Happy Helping Hands based in Upper Gornal are open for respite care this half term, Sunday 16 to Sunday 23 February from 10am to 3pm. However support could be provided on another day or a little earlier or later on the current days if needed. Contact happyhelpinghands@aol.com for details.
Kids are a charity who create life-changing opportunities by providing a wide range of support to families. They run playscheme days at their centre alongside community days for signed up families. (They have 3 half term activities) Parent/carers wishing to refer or register with Kids for care planned services can do so by requesting a referral form via the enquiries email: enquiries.orchard@kids.org.uk or via telephone: 01384 897489.
Sassy Sensory surprises are launching 'Wellbeing Walks', they will take place in a different location each month. Contact toni@sassysensorysurprises.co.uk for further details. Information can be found on their website regarding their recently launched sensory lending library.
Sycamore Adventure is once again open to families this half term, activities include a play session on Tuesday 18, a family campfire on Wednesday 19 and 'inclusive play' with Luke Perry’s clay modelling workshop on Thursday 20 February. See website for full dates and how to book.
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Dudley SENDIASS is an impartial information advice & support service for parents/carers of children with SEND and young people with SEND aged 0-25 years.
Dudley SENDIASS offer termly workshops for parents/carers and young people on information and processes relating to SEND.
As part of the service offer SENDIASS can also provide information on SEND relating to health and social care.
All contact details and workshop dates are on Dudley SENDIASS website
Updated event calendar Spring Term
Spring Term 2025
Understanding how to access SEN support within settings
Understanding the EHCP request process
How to check a draft plan
- Monday 10th February 2025
Preparing and process for annual review
Preparation for key transitions
All of our workshops are from 10am - 11.30am and delivered via MS Teams
To book a place on the workshops email dudley.sendiass@dudley.gov.uk
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Please note that the service is no longer based at Saltwells EDC. Enquiries and meetings are now handled remotely via email, telephone or Teams. Contact details for the service can be found on the website (link above).
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Accessible activities at Dudley leisure centres
Dudley leisure centres are all-inclusive, encouraging everyone to access as many sessions as possible. Our centres offer quiet and disability sessions for children and adults. Accessible facilities are available throughout each of the leisure centres, family fun disability swimming sessions run throughout the holidays, details below:
Halesowen LC: Saturday's from 2.15pm to 3.30pm
Crystal LC: Friday's 2pm – 4pm (last admission 2.45pm)
Duncan Edwards LC: details tbc.
SEN sessions can be accessed at Planet Play suitable for children under 11 years of age with disabilities, special educational needs, ASD and their siblings. Sessions take place at Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre and Halesowen Leisure Centre.
On Thursday 27 February from 10am to 2pm at Harry's Café there will be free activities, free food and Makaton. Car parking at the Moor Centre is free for 2 hours. Harry’s is 2 doors up from the empty corner shop on the Moor Centre, on the High Street.
The Bridge House based in Stourbridge is open term times and runs 'Sensory Play' sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays. (Limited spaces - booking advisable)
The Odeon and Showcase cinemas will both be hosting accessible and autism friendly sessions this February, films showing include 'Dogman'.
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Voluntary Sector Health and Social Care Network - 4 March 2025
The VCS Health and Social Care Network is aimed at voluntary, community and faith-based organisations (VCFS). It seeks to:
- Provide the opportunity for the VCFS to network on health and social care related issues
- Provide the opportunity for statutory partners to share updates and engage the VCFS on work relating to health and social care
- Enable the VCFS to have a voice and the opportunity to influence local decision-makers in health and social care
- Explore collaborative working opportunities
The next session is being held on Tuesday 4th March, 10:00 – 11:30am online
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January's funding news
Upcoming deadlines and a range of funders for all sorts of not-for-profit groups covering themes such as:
- Children and young people
- Arts and heritage
- Disabled people
- Education
- Health and wellbeing
- and much more
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Live4Less course
When money is tight, every little bit helps. The Live for Less course offers practical tips and advice on managing your money effectively, including:
- Budget-saving ideas
- Reducing utility bills
- Eating healthily on a budget
These free, 2.5-hour sessions are held monthly at local venues across the borough, providing a welcoming space to learn and share ideas.
For more information, call 01384 818143 or email acl@dudley.gov.uk. Let’s work together to make life a little easier.
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Make 2025 the Year You Make a Difference: Foster with Dudley Council
As we step into 2025, many of us reflect on ways to make a positive difference. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, this year could be the perfect time to take that first step. By fostering with Dudley Council, you can provide a safe, loving home for children who need it most and help them build a brighter future.
Why Foster with Dudley Council?
Dudley Council offers a supportive fostering community with various opportunities, including short-term, long-term, and emergency care. Whether you're a single person, a couple, or a family, Dudley is looking for people from all walks of life to become foster carers. You’ll receive ongoing training, guidance, and a strong support network to help you succeed in your fostering journey.
What’s Involved in Fostering?
Fostering with Dudley Council requires patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to make a difference. It's about providing stability, security, and emotional support for children who have faced difficult circumstances. You don’t need to be perfect—just willing to open your heart and home to a child in need.
How to Start?
If you’re ready to make fostering part of your New Year’s resolution, the first step is to get in touch with Dudley Council’s fostering team. They’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.
To find out more or to begin your fostering journey with Dudley Council, contact the team today:
Make 2025 the year you change a child’s life by fostering with Dudley Council. Together, we can give children the care, stability, and love they need to thrive.
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More information:
Visit the Local Offer website to learn more about the services available in the borough.
Useful contacts:
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