|
Latest Issue: March 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 March.
In our last update, we shared that the Delivering Better Value (DBV) Programme is coming to an end, and we are focusing on ensuring that all the progress made continues to be embedded into everyday practice beyond March 2025.
We have developed specific measures to track how effectively these changes are working, particularly focusing on:
- How services for children with SEND are being accessed
- The quality of support available
- How well post-16 transitions are being managed
This data helps us ensure improvements in service delivery continue even after the programme ends.
The Ordinarily Available Inclusion Provision (OAIP) framework has been an important tool in our work with schools. We have recently included an OAIP Addendum document, which will be available shortly, explaining SEND terminology in simpler language to help families better understand and communicate with education settings.
As DBV concludes, much of this work will become part of regular operations, with some projects continuing under the broader SEND Improvement Plan. This ensures that all improvements continue to strengthen services for children and young people with SEND, making the system more effective and sustainable.
Going forward, we will continue to provide additional support sessions for schools to embed inclusive practices. We encourage parents and carers to continue engaging with the OAIP framework as part of ongoing efforts to ensure your child's needs are met in the classroom.
Thank you for your support throughout this process.
|
|
|
Dudley Parent Carer Forum update:
Annual Survey Report
Dudley Parent Carer Forum recently released their Annual Survey Report. This report was developed following the extensive survey of parent carers in the borough, which ran between September and November 2024.
|
Coffee Morning with Dudley Parent Carer Forum
Parents carers of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities living in the Dudley area are all welcome to the Coffee Morning. It is an opportunity to chat and share thoughts on SEND in Dudley. We would love to do so over a cup of coffee.
Date: on 3 April 2025
Time: 9:30am - 11:15am
Venue: Brockmoor Community Centre, Pensnett, Brierley Hill DY5 3YH.
No booking required, just turn up and have a drink.
|
OAIP in Dudley: Meeting for parent carers
Get to know more about the ‘Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP)’ in Dudley.
Here's an opportunity for parent carers to ask questions about the scope of the provision and the support it provides for the children.
 Friday 14th March 2025
 10-11am
 Online via zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88460048685...
No booking required, just click the link and join in!
|
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).
|
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.
|
 |
|
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.
|
|
|
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).
|
📢 KoothTalks: Supporting SEND & Neurodivergent Young People
KoothTalk is holding a series of free webinars this March for professionals and families, exploring how Kooth and Qwell meet the needs of SEND and neurodivergent young people.
📌 What’s included?
- Live webinar with expert insights
- Downloadable resources in a follow-up email
🔹 Who can attend?
There are two sessions available for each of the following groups:
✅ Local service professionals - sign up here
✅ Education professionals - sign up here
✅ Families - sign up here
Each webinar lasts just 30 minutes and covers:
✔️ Website features designed for SEND and neurodivergent users
✔️ How we meet web accessibility guidelines
✔️ Ensuring a safe user experience
✔️ What happens when alternative or additional support is needed
❗ Can’t make it?
No problem. If you can’t attend live, simply select the ‘can’t attend’ option when registering, and we’ll send you guidance on the topic afterwards.
🎟 Sign up today!
Secure your spot and receive your confirmation email. Joining instructions will be sent the day before the webinar.
Feel free to share this with your colleagues or anyone else who might be interested.
Free workshop for parents and carers
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'.
|
|
|
Neonatal parent group
A NEW neonatal parent group is starting on Friday (7 March) at the local family hub in Stourbridge from 10-11.30am. If your baby had neonatal care and they are under two years old corrected, then come along and meet other parents in a relaxed and welcoming space.
To find out more and book a place call the hub on 01384 818780.
|
Childcare check-in
Parents/carers are advised to ensure their childcare details are up to date. There is need for regular sign-in into account and confirmation of details even if the hours are not used at the moment. Don't miss out! 
Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/sign-in-childcare-account
|
 |
|
WrapAround Childcare in Dudley
If your child is 4-11 years old, they could attend before and after school childcare during term time. There’s lots of wraparound childcare providers in Dudley borough.
Find your nearest by emailing fis.cs@dudley.gov.uk or calling 01384 814398
|
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.
|
|
|
More information:
Visit the Local Offer website to learn more about the services available in the borough.
Useful contacts:
|
|
|
|
|
