Headlines

Update on the East Riding SEND Reform Plan ℹ️

East Riding’s final SEND Reform Plan was sent to the Department for Education on 19 June 2026.

This plan sets out how services will work together over the next three years to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The plan focuses on:

• identifying children and young people’s needs earlier
• supporting schools and settings to meet needs well
• improving access to specialist advice and support
• increasing local provision, so more children and young people can be supported closer to home
• working more closely with families, schools, health and other partners

We would like to say a big thank you to all the families, schools, settings and partners who shared their views and helped shape the plan.

What happens next?

The Department for Education will now review the plan.

Once we receive feedback, we will share a further update. If the plan is approved, we will begin putting it into action.

This will include developing new ways for schools and settings to access specialist support, improving inclusive practice, and continuing to work with families and partners as the plan moves forward.

Share your views on Children’s Centres and Family Hubs🗣️ We’d like to hear from families about how they use children’s centres and Family Hubs across East Riding. A short consultation has launched to understand: which services families are using what support and activities are most helpful where improvements can be made This links to ongoing work to develop children’s centres into Family Hubs, bringing together support across health, education, childcare, family services, and the voluntary sector. The survey will be open for eight weeks and takes less than five minutes to complete. If you would prefer a paper copy, you can speak to staff at your local children’s centre or Family Hub.

✨We’ve added a new link at the bottom of the Local Offer homepage so you can easily view all our latest news and updates in one place.

Events

Summer HAF Programme now live!☀️

The Summer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is now live, with over 460 activities across the East Riding.

From pony trekking and watersports to STEM sessions and creative workshops, there’s something for everyone. Activities are available for children and young people aged 4–16 across the region.

Eligible families (including those receiving benefits-related free school meals or council tax support) can access free places, with paid places also available.

👉 Explore activities and book your place

Supporting all children 💚

HAF sessions are open to everyone. While activities are not specifically designed for children and young people with SEND, providers are happy to make reasonable adjustments to help children feel welcome and included.

If your child has specific needs, it’s a good idea to contact the provider in advance to discuss how they can support them.

If additional support is needed, 1:1 support may be available for some children. Please speak to the provider first, then email haf@eastriding.gov.uk by Friday 10 July to discuss options.

Dedicated SEND activities🎯

A dedicated SEND programme is also available, with a range of activities across the East Riding, including:

🦆 Animal experiences at Dreamacre Farm (Aldbrough)
🐛 Nature and nurture sessions with Barnardo’s (Bridlington)
💻 Fun STEM activities with Kip McGrath (Driffield)
🦙 Animal adventures with North Ferriby Riding for the Disabled

👉 Explore all SEND activities and book your place

Please note: for outdoor adventure sessions at Raywell, both AM and PM sessions must be booked.

Information

Training Opportunities 

Resources area

Toothbrushing resources🪥

Have you seen the Kindred Squared toothbrushing guide?

It contains some useful hints and tips which can be shared with parents and staff to support babies and children to brush their teeth. There is also guidance for children with SEND who may struggle to brush their teeth.

Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision in the Early Years🌈

We are pleased to share that the East Riding Early Years Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP) guide is now available.

This guide explains what good, inclusive practice looks like in early years settings and how providers support children as part of their everyday offer. It also helps practitioners spot early needs, recognise children’s strengths and plan the next steps to help them make progress.

School anxiety support💙

Tips for supporting children experiencing anxiety about school, including Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) - has been co-produced with parents and carers, the parent carer forum, and SEND collective voices.

It includes top tips for parents and carers, schools, and other professionals, and is intended to sit alongside the EBSA graduated approach document.

Healthy Minds in East Riding: Directory of support 🧠

This interactive resource was co-produced by key partners who provide support for our children, young people, and families' emotional health and wellbeing.

It is for professionals and parents to help guide them towards the help and support available for children and young people.

The Families Information Service Hub does not have control over the content, accuracy or availability of external websites linked in this newsletter. Including a link does not mean we endorse the site or the views expressed on it.

The next bulletin will be published as close to Thursday, 23 July as possible.

If you would like to submit information, news or events for consideration, please email localoffer@eastriding.gov.uk by 12 noon on Tuesday, 21 July.

Please note that submitting content does not guarantee inclusion.

Thank you.