 March 2026
Welcome to the March edition of our SEND Newsletter.
I hope you are looking forward to the Easter break. As the clocks change and the evenings start to get lighter it really feels like Spring is here!
As many of you will know, the Government has recently shared proposals aimed at improving consistency, reducing delays, and strengthening support for children and young people with SEND. These proposals are still being developed nationally, and the consultation is now open for families and practitioners to share their views. I would encourage you to take part - your voice and lived experience are vital in shaping the future of the SEND system.
I also want to reassure you that nothing is changing right now. Your child’s current support, EHCP, or school placement remains the same. Your rights as parent carers are unchanged, and schools, settings, and the local authority continue to follow the current SEND Code of Practice.
As national reforms progress, we will continue working closely with parent carers, schools and young people along with colleagues at the ICB and Parent Carer Voice to shape local SEND support.
Whatever developments come from the national consultation, our priority remains unchanged: ensuring that children and young people with SEND receive the support, understanding and opportunities they need to thrive.
I hope the updates below are useful – as always it there is something you would like to see featured in future newsletters, please get in touch.
Best wishes,
Hilary Jones
Head of Additional Needs
 The Schools White Paper ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving' sets out the government’s proposals for reforming the SEND system in England.
The Department for Education (DfE) have published a range of shorter, simpler documents that provide more information about the schools white paper and SEND consultation.
The consultation is open - which gives families and practitioners the chance to read the proposals and respond to them. You can access the consultation on the DfE website.
 Upcoming Coffee & Chat Sessions
Parent Carer Voice (PCV) would like to warmly invite families to join one of their Coffee & Chat sessions this spring. These friendly drop‑ins offer a relaxed space to connect with other parent carers, share experiences, and talk with the PCV team about anything SEND‑related.
Hereford Sessions – HANDS Hub, Berrows Business Centre
Ross‑on‑Wye Session – Children’s Centre @ Ryefield
Leominster Sessions – The Grange Coffee Shop
- 20 March — 10:00–11:30
- 15 May — 10:00–11:30
- 10 July — 10:00–11:30
PCV would love to see you there - whether you want to ask questions, share your story, or simply enjoy a chat over a cup of coffee.
Follow PCV on Facebook to stay updated on events and opportunities and get in touch with PCV directly if you’d like more information.
What is SENDIASS?
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 tips for transition
As we move into the summer term, children and young people will be preparing for transition, when they move from one year group to another or from one school or setting to another. SENDIASS have put together some tips for supporting your child through this change.
SENDIASS support for young people
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
|
 |
The HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme offers fully funded activities to eligible families this Easter. The programme is open to children and young people (school aged 5 to 16) who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Eligible children and young people can enjoy up to 4 free activity sessions throughout the programme, which will run between Monday 30 March - Thursday 2 April. There will be a free, healthy meal at each session. Activities on offer include trampolining, coding, forest fun, cookery, archery and more!
Eligible families can book their places on the Talk Community Directory. For more information on the programme contact HAF@herefordshire.gov.uk
A range of webinars aimed at parent carers are available to book on Autism West Midlands' events page. If you aren't able to attend the live webinar, you can still register and will be sent a recording to watch within 2 weeks of the live webinar.
- 17 June - Autism and Anxiety
- 24 June - Autism and Communication
- 1 July - Autism and Sensory Differences
- 8 July - Autism and Behaviour
- 15 July - Navigating the System
- 22 July - Autism and the Teenage Brain
- 29 July - Supporting your Autistic Teen
All webinars are free, take place on a Wednesday and last 1.5 - 2 hours
For more information or to book a place visit the Autism West Midlands event page or email herefandworcs@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
|
Hereford Gymnastics Academy are running mixed ability gymnastics sessions designed to enable children and young people with SEND (ages 4 - 16 years) more time to settle before progressing to a mainstream session.
Held every Thursday from 16:00 - 16:55 when the gym is quieter and class sizes are reduced, these sessions are a great way to try something new in a supportive environment.
Get in touch with Hereford Gymnastics to find out more and book a space - email team@herefordgymnastics.com
|
WildPlay Thinks Differently free SEND nature sessions with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust are now available to book.
Mondays 16:30 - 18:30 for 8 - 10 year olds
Tuesdays 16:30 - 18:30 for 11 - 14 year olds
Contact Julia by email j.morton@herefordshirewt.co.uk or call 07538 832742 to find out more and book a space.
Spaces fill up quickly so get in touch if your young person would like to attend the sessions.
|
Go Kids Go is offering a fantastic free wheelchair skills training day for children and young people aged 2 to 18 years. These fully inclusive sessions are designed to build confidence, develop practical skills, and make learning fun for the whole family. Extra wheelchairs are available so everyone can join in, whether using a manual or powered chair.
The training covers:
- Propulsion and manoeuvring
- Slopes and rough ground
- Back‑wheel balancing
- Road safety
- Emergency evacuation techniques
- Wheelchair sports and dance
Saturday 2nd May 2026, 10am – 2pm
John Kyrle High School, Ledbury Road, Ross‑on‑Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7ET
Families are asked to bring a packed lunch.
If you’d like your child to take part, please contact the Go Kids Go team directly to book a free place or ask any questions: training@go-kids-go.org.uk
This is a great opportunity for young wheelchair users to build independence, learn new skills, and have fun together.
|
