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Dear Parents, Carers, and Professionals,
Welcome to the latest edition of our SEND newsletter.
It has been another busy term, as we continue to work in partnership with families, schools, and local services to improve support for children and young people with SEND across the county.
In May we hosted our first Herefordshire ‘Visible and Valued’ SEND Celebration Week. More than 200 people took part, enjoying fun activities including special outings, leisure, and sensory sessions. Many of the events were free of charge or offered at a greatly reduced price to help families access as many as possible. We are listening to feedback from families and providers to develop the week which we hope to be able to run again next year.
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Eleven more Early Years SENCOs have successfully completed their Level 3 qualification. The SENCOs who undertake the course report that it has a positive impact on the children and families they support with many of our SENCOs using their new skills to help families navigate the SEND system. The EY level 3 SENCO qualification in Hereford is run annually and the next cohort is due to start in September. |
To assure ourselves that the provision set out in EHCPs is being delivered to children and young people, 25 audits have been carried out across nine schools. The picture is very positive. The audit found that the average number of provisions in the EHCPs is 32. All schools visited are applying the provisions and two schools were providing additional provisions. The majority are provided in the classroom, and the majority of funding is used to provide staff to deliver the provisions.
We continue our collaborative work with schools to support them to be inclusive of all pupils – this term we welcomed three Education Inclusion Advisors who are focusing on developing inclusion toolkits for schools, supporting transitions, and strengthening our training offer. This work will continue into the next academic year.
We hope this newsletter gives you a helpful overview of what’s been achieved, what’s underway, and what’s planned for the coming year.
Wishing you and your families a peaceful and enjoyable summer.
Hilary Jones
Head of Service - Additional Needs
Herefordshire Council
Thank you very much to all of the local providers that supported our first ever Visible and Valued SEND Celebration Week that ran from 22 to 28 May. The event was attended by over 200 children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families, and was a great success.
The team at Herefordshire Council who organised the event are looking forward to planning next year’s event to make it even bigger and better for our SEND families.
Did you attend one of the Visible and Valued events? We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions for improving the event in future - please click on the yellow button below to complete a very short survey to help us plan an even better event next year!
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Co-production Week 2025 which ran from 30 June to 4 July saw a number of colleagues from across the SEND Partnership come together for two co-production training workshops with Ellie Haworth from SCIE (Social Care Institute for Excellence). The workshops focused on co-production with children and young people with SEND and their families to ensure that they are included in shaping, developing, implementing and evaluating services and systems.
Feedback from the workshops showed that participants now have a much greater knowledge of co-production and are armed with increased confidence and skills to improve co-production in their day to day practice. All of the participants have co-production projects that they will be working on over the coming months and we will keep you informed of progress in this newsletter.
Find out more about co-production with parent carers and children and young people with SEND on our website.
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Seven Herefordshire organisations and groups have been awarded over £46k in grant funding collectively by Herefordshire Council to provide inclusive social activities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The new activity sessions will enable children and young people to have fun, make new friends and learn new skills outside of school or college.
The successful grant funding recipients and their activities/workshops are as follows:
More information about the activity sessions is available on the providers’ websites.
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We have had lots of new applications for Herefordshire Council's Targeted Short Breaks (TSB) allowance this year and are really pleased that more families are now benefiting from support to access leisure activities for their child / young person with SEND.
When a new application is received, you will be kept up to date about your TSB application by email. If your application is approved, once you have signed and returned the cardholder agreement you will receive the pre-paid card with the pro-rata amount of funding when the next batch of cards are issued each month.
Before contacting the Short Breaks team for an update on your application, please check your emails including your Junk Mail or Spam folder as we have found that emails can sometimes end up there by mistake.
To check what the allowance can and cannot be used for and other general enquiries, please check the TSB webpage where there is lots of information about the allowance.
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As part of the Household Support Fund there are several schemes available to support families who may be struggling with the cost of living this summer.
Funding is available to help families with one or more children under the age of five. If you and the family cannot afford essentials, you can apply for a one-off emergency voucher of £100 (per household). Available support also includes the option to receive a financial ‘health check’ with an experienced Citizens Advice Bureau advisor. To be referred please contact your health visitor, midwife, childcare provider, social prescriber, children’s centre or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Households that are reliant on high energy use medical equipment can apply for a one-off £250 payment to support with heightened energy bills. Individuals can make a self-referral, or be referred by a health professional, support worker, social prescriber or social worker.
Anyone feeling the pinch this summer can enjoy one of the WOW activities taking place across Herefordshire. The WOW sessions offer a friendly and welcoming space, bringing the community together to connect, access information and advice, and enjoy food and drink (all absolutely free). The WOW events are being regularly updated, so we advise you to check the page throughout the summer. Visit the Talk Community Directory for more details.
For more information about the Household Support Fund please visit the Herefordshire Council website.
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Herefordshire has been selected to take part in the SEND and AP Change Programme as part of the West Midlands Partnership. Telford and Wrekin have been selected as the lead local authority for the West Midlands Partnership, working alongside Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.
The SEND Change Programme is a national programme to test some of the changes the government wants to make to the system for supporting children and young people with SEND. The government's proposed reforms to the SEND system are set out in the SEND and alternative provision plan.
Through testing the SEND and AP reforms, local areas will be able to evidence which interventions are working and parts of the system that need further development, helping the DfE to understand what it will take to ensure more sustainable change in the SEND system.
All Local Authorities in the West Midlands Region will work with the Department for Education (DfE) to pilot the SEND and AP Change Programme, sharing practice and learning from the other 8 regional areas nationally.
How you can get involved
Please look out for opportunities to contribute to the reform testing. Information will be sent out from Herefordshire Council or PCV Herefordshire, your local parent carer forum.
Find out more about the ongoing work and current priorities within the Change Programme on the regional web page.
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Families and young people have told us how important it is to get help early for neurodivergent support needs. In response, Herefordshire and Worcestershire NHS are commissioning a new service to provide support for young people aged 0-25 years and their families.
People will self-refer to access age-appropriate advice and support on a range of issues delivered through workshops and one-to-one support. This is likely to include support on sensory & communication needs, emotional regulation, healthy diet, sleep routine strategies, masking and self-management strategies to support daily living. The service will also work closely with other services in both counties to link families into more specialist support where needed and provide advice to wider professionals.
Commissioning will take place over the rest of this year and the service is expected to be in place in Spring 2026. Lived experience experts will be part of the panel awarding the contract.
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Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust support children, young people, and their families across the two counties.
Services include support for emotional wellbeing and mental health. You may know some of these as CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). They also work closely with other organisations such as Melo, and offer digital support through apps like Lumi Nova and Kooth.
They carry out ADHD and autism assessments for young people. They work with local councils to support people in schools and other education settings.
They want your views on their website. This includes how you find out about and access support. They also want to know what content you would like them to include. Your feedback will help them to improve their website.
Their websites are:
This survey is anonymous, which means they won't know who has said what. They will ask you some questions about you, this is so we can understand if adults and young people, or staff and parents like accessing information in different ways. They won’t use this information for any other reasons.
The survey will close on Thursday 31st July at 5pm.
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 Parent Carer Surveys
There are a number of surveys live at the moment so please do take the time to share your views and experiences to help shape and improve services for children and young people with SEND and their families.
Click on the survey links below:
Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans Survey
This survey is an opportunity to give feedback about your experience of requesting an Education, Health and Care needs assessment.
Short Breaks Survey
PCV are carrying out this survey to understand the usage, effectiveness, needs, and suggested improvements for Short Breaks in Herefordshire
Parent Carer Feedback Form
A survey to help inform PCV's work with partners across the SEND system to improve the care and support made available to families in Herefordshire.
Holiday Activities and Food programme
Parent Carer Voice in conjunction with the HANDS* Hub are delighted to be supporting the 'Here for Herefordshire' Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme this summer by running a series of SEND sessions over the holidays. HAF sessions are for children and young people who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals.
There are SEND Arts and Crafts sessions designed just for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Children will get hands-on input exploring through their senses – discovering new textures, vibrant colours, and enticing fun activities to engage with. Click to see available dates and book: HANDS/PCV Summer HAF SEND Arts & Crafts
SEND Coding sessions are also available for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Children will be able to get hands-on, discovering how to code with Scratch and other platforms and other fun activities to engage with. Click to see available dates and book: HANDS/PCV Summer HAF SEND Coding Sessions
*HANDS is the Herefordshire Autism and Neurodiversity Support Hub in Hereford.
Regular sessions for children and young people with SEND and their parent carers
In addition to providing HAF sessions, PCV and HANDS have regular sessions for children and young people with SEND and their families including:
- Tiny Tots (every Tuesday morning)
- Lego Club (Sunday mornings)
- Coding Club (Mondays and Tuesdays after school)
- Arts and Crafts sessions
- Teens sessions
- Parent carer coffee mornings
Visit the HANDS Hub website to find out what's on and book your sessions for you and your child / young person.
If you'd like to know more about Parent Carer Voice, visit their website to find out how they make sure that parent carer voice is heard across the SEND system.
Do you have a child/ young person with a Special Educational Need or disability (SEND)?
Do you think your child might have Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs/Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service) provides FREE, impartial and confidential information, advice and support on all matters relating to children and young people (0-25) who have or may have SEND.
They can help you if:
- You have concerns about your child’s progress or development
- You would like to know more about the support available for children with SEND and their families
- You would like to know more about Herefordshire’s SEND policies and procedures
- You need information and guidance on the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process
Contact them :
Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm
Call: 01432 260955 (24 hour answering machine service is available)
Email: SENDIASS@herefordshire.gov.uk
Or visit their website www.hwsendiass.co.uk for information and resources.
SENDIASS Events
Sammy, Herefordshire SENDIASS Young Person Advisor, joins the Youth Employment Hub in Hereford on the last two Tuesdays of every month. She is available to meet with young people with SEND to offer careers advice and impartial information, advice and support on all matters relating to Special Educational Needs/ Disabilities (SEND).
Young People can book an appointment with Sammy by completing the Youth Employment Hub referral form on their webpage or by contacting SENDIASS directly on sendiass@herefordshire.gov.uk
SENDIASS Advisors will be attending the Hereford Community Farm Free Family Fun Days throughout the summer. They will be available to chat to families about the support SENDIASS can provide and answer any questions on Friday 25 July, Tuesday 5 August and Wednesday 20 August.
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Melo now has a new building in Hereford. Sessions take place at East Street and will soon roll out into communities - watch this space!
Melo can:
- Provide early intervention mental health support
- Support CYP to develop tools and strategies to improve wellbeing
- Enable the building of emotional resilience
Get in touch:
Visit: Melo Onside Herefordshire
Email: cypenquiries@onside-advocacy.org.uk
Call: 01432 800809 or WhatsApp: 07377154731
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The Hope Centre's on-site sensory room is available for public hire. The space provides a multi-sensory experience, promoting self-confidence, sensory exploration and imagination. You can use the equipment to create a quiet space where you can unwind, relax and regulate.
Alternatively, there are plenty of resources to stimulate your sense of sight, sound, touch and smell. The space is designed for you and can be booked by individuals, small groups, carers or charities. Please phone reception on 01885 488495/7 for further details. There are also promotions running throughout the year, you can keep up to date with deals by visiting the Facebook page.
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The HOPE Centre also run weekly Sensory Stars groups in the sensory room space. There are currently two sessions taking place with a morning session at 10:30-11:15am for 0 - pre-walkers, then an afternoon session running 1:30-2:15pm for early walkers – 5 years. These sessions aim to offer a safe, welcoming space for children and their parent carers to access the sensory room and take part in themed activities.
Please note that places are limited and booking is essential. These sessions are free to attend but donations are welcome where possible. Please visit the website, Facebook page or phone reception on 01885 488495/7 to find out more or to book.
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Flip Out hold regular SEND-friendly sessions all year round and are also offering HAF (Holiday Activity and Food programme) SEND-friendly sessions this summer too!
SEND-friendly sessions are available:
- First Thursday of the month, 6 - 7pm (7th of August, 4th of September)
- Every other Sunday 9:30 - 10:30 am (6th, 20th of July, 3rd,17th and 31st of August)
HAF SEND-friendly dedicated sessions (for those who are eligible). You can book using EEQU system - 31st of July, 15th and 21st of August 5 - 6 pm.
Carers are always welcome to participate for free - they must wear Flip Out Socks @ £2 per pair or bring some if they have been to the park before. Proof of Carer is required.
There is free parking on site.
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Halo Leisure have a range of sessions that take place regularly throughout the year that are suitable for children and young people with SEND and their families.
New for this summer and being offered on a trial basis, there are now SEND sessions at the Jump In Gym at Leominster Leisure Centre. If these prove popular, they will continue after the initial trial period.
Leominster Leisure Centre
SEND Jump In Gym sessions (Trial sessions)
Customers are welcome to bring siblings or a friend with them, fees still apply.
Starts on the 11th July
Fridays, 5-7pm.
Free parking for Blue badge holders (please register car at reception)
No booking required, drop in.
Hereford Leisure Centre
Wiggle It (ages 16+) - Group Exercise Class (All year around)
Wednesdays, 1pm, 45 minutes
This is a fun dance class suitable for individuals with support needs/Special educational needs and Disabilities at Hereford Leisure Centre.
Pay as you go (book 1 week in advance) or memberships (book 2 weeks in advance)
Book online, over the phone, by app (if registered) or in centre.
Free parking for Blue badge holders (please register car at reception)
Staffed cycle track sessions with a range of adaptive bikes available (All ages, all year around, mixed group)
No additional charge for bike hire, bikes are subject to availability.
No pre booking, book in at desk on day
Visit the app or timetable for dates and times - Hereford Cycle track timetable
Free parking for Blue badge holders (please register car at reception)
Hereford Leisure Pool
SEND swimming session through the summer holidays
Wednesdays 9 - 10am
23/07/2025 - 27/08/2025
Continues outside of school holidays, Wednesdays 1pm
Standard prices apply.
Book online, over the phone, by app (registered users) or in the centre.
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Be a Star! at the Courtyard
A week of inclusive workshops for young people with additional needs and / or disabilities
Come along to The Courtyard and enjoy a week filled with exciting arts activities for young people of all abilities.
Experienced practitioners and staff specialise in working with young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment for everyone.
Monday 11 - Friday 15 August
10.30am-3pm (half day option 10.30am - 1pm)
£100 per participant* (PAs and carers can attend for free)
Half day option £50 per participant.
Aimed at ages 8 - 15.
To book a place, please contact Rebecca Cook on 01432 346511 or email rebecca.cook@courtyard.org.uk
*Bursaries available, please ask for more details.
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Joy Club Juniors - Hereford's Inclusive Rave!
This fun-filled event is specially designed for young people with additional needs and disabilities to enjoy with their families.
Expect an incredible atmosphere with glitter, glow sticks, and
plenty of energy!
For ages 8-17 years, under 12’s must be accompanied by an adult for the whole session.
Friday 1 August, 11am - 12.30pm
Tickets £6 (Accompanying carer free, must be booked)
To book your tickets, visit the Courtyard events page.
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Aspire Youth Club have listened to feedback from young people who currently attend the regular youth club and are making some exciting changes to the sessions!
From 23rd July 2025, they will be offering the following options:
AYC – for those aged 14 – 18 years old
Wednesday evenings, 5pm – 7pm
A new session for a younger age group. The group will run in the same format as the existing successful youth club - a space to meet friends and chill with others.
The cost for this session will be £25 per session, payable at the session.
AYC+ – for those aged 18 – 25 years old
Thursday evenings, 5pm – 7pm
The existing youth club will remain for those aged 18+ with all the things they enjoy staying the same. For this age group it will be a ratio of 6 young people to 1 staff member (1:6).
The cost for this session is £17.50 (5-7 pm) £25 (3.30-7) payable at the session.
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The yearly festival returns with a brand-new set of workshops, so you can dive into learning and development activities led by expert trainers, meet other families and have a great time from the comfort of your own home.
Whether your child wants to discover the world of coding, have fun designing comic strips, doodle mindful drawings or even create their own music – there is plenty to keep your family entertained this summer.
Visit the Digital Discovery Summer Festival webpage.
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Autism West Midlands have a range of webinars scheduled for September and October and bookings are now open.
All webinars are open to parents, carers and professionals in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire area. Webinars start at 10:00am and run between 1.5 and 2 hours.
For more information or to book a place email herefandworcs@autismwestmidlands.org.uk or visit the Autism West Midlands Eventbrite page. Can’t attend live? Catch up with a recording available for two weeks following the event.
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For many children and young people, this time of year may bring up feelings of worry about transitioning to a new school, starting a new class, or making new friends.
Why not help your child boost their confidence ahead of the new school year with a fun mobile game from Lumi Nova.
Lumi Nova is a free therapeutic app designed to support children aged 7-12 years to overcome their fears and worries one step at a time.
Visit the Lumi Nova website for Herefordshire families and download your free copy of the app.
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If you would like to contribute to the next edition of the SEND Newsletter, please get in touch by Friday 10th October 2025. We value your feedback and would love to hear what you think of the newsletter. To submit future content or share your views on this newsletter, please contact us by email: localoffer@herefordshire.gov.uk
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