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 May 2026
Hello and welcome to our May SEND Newsletter
As always, this edition shares a snapshot of what’s been happening across Herefordshire, and some opportunities coming up where we would really value your voice. In particular, I’m very much hoping to meet as many parent carers as possible at our upcoming SEND consultation drop‑in events. These sessions are about listening – hearing your ideas and experiences as we think about how support for children in mainstream schools could be shaped over the next three years. There are no pre‑set answers and no promises, but we genuinely want to learn from parents about what matters and what could work better.
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Over recent weeks, I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting with the young people’s panel from Westfield School, who played a really important role in helping to evaluate the bids for our social opportunities funding. Their insight, honesty and care in doing this work was impressive, and it was a strong reminder of how powerful it is when young people are meaningfully involved in decisions that affect them.
This term, I’ve also enjoyed getting out and visiting the Harvest Project, which we set up after listening carefully to young people, their families and schools. The project is run by the Herefordshire Pupil Referral Service and is an outdoor‑based learning environment, based on a working farm with its own dedicated site. Its curriculum is diverse, engaging and constantly evolving in response to pupils’ needs and interests. I was joined on the visit by Cllr Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, and we were both struck by how much the team and pupils have created in such a short time. It’s hard to believe the project has only been running for two terms.
I spent time with staff and pupils, hearing about the wide range of opportunities available and the positive difference the project is making. It was inspiring to see something so thoughtful and special taking shape.
Finally, I’ll end where I began – I really do hope to see many of you at the SEND consultation drop‑in events. They are about listening to parents’ ideas and experiences as we look ahead to the next three years of support for children in mainstream schools, and your views truly matter.
Best wishes,
Hilary Jones
Head of Service for Additional Needs
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SEND Consultation Drop-in Events - Experts at Hand
We’re inviting parent carers to join us for a SEND consultation drop‑in event focusing on the “Experts at Hand” model proposed in the Schools White Paper.
This session is a chance to share your feedback, insights and ideas about what 'Experts at Hand' should look like in practice in Herefordshire – what would work well for children and young people with SEND, families and schools, and what needs to be done differently.
Hosted by: Hilary Jones, Head of Service for Additional Needs
Where:
This is an informal drop‑in session – pop in, ask questions and have your say. To help us manage numbers, booking is essential. Click on each session to book your free space on Eventbrite.
Your experience and expertise as a parent carer really matters, and we’d love to hear your views.
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Support available in Herefordshire while waiting for your appointment
Have you used the ICB Support While You Wait website? The ICB would really like to hear your feedback on the site and ideas for how it can be improved. Please help make the site even more helpful for families by sharing your experience and suggestions. Click the yellow button to go straight to the survey.
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New Herefordshire Neurodivergence booklet
Following feedback from families, the ICB have created a Herefordshire specific information booklet for families with children on the Autism or ADHD pathway in Herefordshire. The revised booklet focuses on pathways, services and support available in Herefordshire to help make it clearer for families.
Download the booklet from the ICB website.
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Are you a parent or carer of an early years child (0–5) with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?
We warmly invite you to attend a friendly and informal support session designed to help you feel more confident in understanding your child’s EHCP.
Tuesday 9 June, 10am - 12noon
HANDS Hub, Suite 4 Berrows Business Centre, Hereford
This session is a great opportunity to:
- Speak with professionals who can help explain the EHCP process
- Ask questions in a relaxed, supportive environment
- Gain guidance tailored to your child’s needs
- Connect with other parents and carers
There is no formal agenda—just a welcoming space to talk, listen and feel supported.
Who is this for?
Parents and carers of children in the early years (0–5) with an EHCP in Herefordshire.
Children are welcome, but you are equally welcome to attend on your own.
Book your FREE place on Eventbrite to let us know you are coming.
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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
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.
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SEND Information Day for Parents & Carers
Tuesday 8 July 2026, 9.30am – 2.00pm at St Peter’s Church, Hereford
Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire (PCVH) is hosting a SEND Information Day for families across Herefordshire.
The event will cover key SEND topics including SEND reforms, transitions, alternative provision and overnight short breaks, with short talks from local professionals and time for parents and carers to ask questions.
Advance booking is required so please visit the PCV Eventbrite booking page to reserve your space.
For queries, please contact: admin@pcvherefordshire.com or parent.reps@pcvherefordshire.com
Delivered by Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire – the recognised parent carer forum for SEND in Herefordshire.
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is back for Summer 2026, offering free fun, food and activities for eligible children aged 5–16. From dance and crafts to sports and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy - plus a healthy meal included with every session.
Bookings open on Wednesday 1 July, with the programme starting on Monday 27 July. Families can book up to 16 sessions per child, making it the perfect way to stay active, try new things and have fun over the holidays.
Save the date and book your sessions from 1 July - visit the HAF page to find out more.
The activities range from horse riding and assisted roller skating to cricket and activity days.
The successful grant funding recipients and their activities/workshops were:
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Longtown Outdoor Learning Trust (Longtown, HR2) - Outdoor adventurous activities with an overnight stay for children and young people with SEND.
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Trewen Meadows Ltd (Ross on Wye, HR9) - Group horse riding, hands-on horse care and social activities for children and young people aged 5-18 years with SEND.
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Autism in Racing (Hereford, HR4) - Autism-friendly family race days at Hereford Racecourse.
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Little Play World (Countywide) - Pop-up role play SEND sessions in the local community.
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Close House Projects (Hereford, HR1) - Enhanced youth support work to enable more young people with SEND to access their local youth provision.
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Woodcraft Folk Biblins (Ross on Wye, HR9) - SEND activity days at Biblins Youth Campsite with residential summer camp.
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Herefordshire Cricket (Hereford, HR1) - Disability cricket programme for children and young people with physical, learning and sensory disabilities.
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The Core Skate Hereford CIC (Hereford, HR1) - Rollator accessibility devices to support children and young people to feel more confident when roller skating.
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Marches Family Network (Countywide) - Stay and Play style sessions for children and young people with SEND and their families.
More information can be found on the activity providers’ websites and through the online Talk Community Directory.
At Flip Out Hereford, we know that busy, loud environments don’t work for every child or adult. And for many families, that can make days out feel stressful — or even impossible.
That’s exactly why we run our dedicated SEND-friendly sessions.
These sessions take place every other Sunday from 9:30 – 10:30 and are designed to create a calmer, more comfortable space where children can enjoy themselves in their own way.
What’s different about these sessions:
💚 No music
💚 Arcade machines switched off
💚 Reduced number of people (more space, less waiting)
💚 A calm, supportive environment with a friendly team
We’ve also thought about the little things that make a big difference:
✔️ Carers go FREE (with valid carer ID or support letter)
✔️ FREE parking
✔️ FREE lockers
✔️ Lift access
✔️ Accessible, good-sized disabled toilet
✔️ Team members who speak English, Ukrainian, Russian and Polish — happy to help and support where we can
If you’ve never visited before, you’re very welcome to pop in for a look around before booking. We’ll happily show you the space, talk things through, and answer any questions — no pressure at all.
Upcoming SEND-friendly session dates:
• 24 May
• 7 and 21 June
• 5 and 19 July
• 2, 16 and 30 August
For many families, this is the first time they can relax while their child plays — and that’s exactly why these sessions matter.
Visit the Flip Out website to book your next SEND-friendly session.
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We’re delighted to share a fantastic line-up of inclusive events at The Courtyard, designed to ensure that all children and young people can enjoy creative, playful and welcoming experiences. Whether your child loves film, drama, animals or simply having fun in a supportive environment, there’s something for everyone!
🎬 Relaxed Screening: Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Wednesday 27th May
Enjoy a family cinema trip with a difference at this relaxed screening of the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. These screenings are specially adapted to create a comfortable environment for children and young people who may benefit from a more flexible cinema experience.
- Softer lighting and lower sound levels
- The freedom to move around and make noise
- A welcoming, judgment-free atmosphere
Find out more: https://www.courtyard.org.uk/events/super-mario-galaxy-movie-pg-relaxed-screening/
🐾 Inclusive Workshop: Animal Antics
Friday 29th May
Let imaginations run wild in this fun-filled, hands-on workshop celebrating all things animal! Animal Antics is designed to be accessible and inclusive, with activities adapted to support different needs and abilities.
- Explore creative movement and storytelling
- Take part in sensory-friendly activities
- Build confidence through play and interaction
Learn more: https://www.courtyard.org.uk/events/animal-antics-inclusive-workshop/
🎉 Joy Club Juniors
Friday 29th May
Joy Club Juniors is all about having fun, making friends and building confidence! This inclusive session offers a safe and welcoming environment where children can enjoy a range of activities, from games and creative play to social interaction.
- Friendly, supportive atmosphere
- Opportunities to develop social skills
- Lots of laughter and creativity
Find out more: https://www.courtyard.org.uk/events/joy-club-juniors/
🌟 Inclusive Summer Workshop: Be a Star!
Monday 10th August – Friday 14th August
Looking ahead to the summer holidays, Be a Star! is an exciting week-long inclusive workshop for children and young people who love drama, performance and being creative.
- Explore acting, movement and performance
- Build confidence and communication skills
- Work collaboratively and make new friends
- Take part in a final performance to showcase their talents
Book your place: https://www.courtyard.org.uk/events/be-a-star-inclusive-holiday-workshop-2026/
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.
As parents, you will be aware of these worries and will want to offer support and reassurance during this transition. Why not help your child boost their confidence around the new school year with a fun mobile game?
We're pleased to share that Lumi Nova continues to be free to access for families across Herefordshire in partnership with NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB.
Designed for children aged 7–12, Lumi Nova helps them reflect on their feelings, build resilience, and learn lifelong skills to self-manage their worries in a fun intergalactic adventure.
For instant, free access sign up here - luminova.app/handw
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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
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Latest HWDA Newsletter
The latest HWDA newsletter is now available online and includes updates, useful information, and upcoming opportunities for families.
This edition highlights the work happening at the Hereford Workshop, where students have been enjoying Animal Yoga—a fun, active way to support literacy by linking movement and posture with letter formation, while also building focus and concentration.
You’ll also find an example of real-life learning through the Tuck Shop Maths project, where students have been exploring budgeting, marketing and problem-solving. Parent carers are warmly invited to support the tuck shop on Saturday mornings and share feedback—your involvement really makes a difference.
Dates for the diary
The newsletter also includes key dates for your diary, including the HWDA AGM on Saturday 6th June 2026.
If you’d like any further information or support from HWDA, please visit their website.
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If you would like to contribute to the next edition of the SEND Newsletter, please get in touch by Tuesday 7th July 2026. 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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