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Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you and your families had a lovely summer and have settled well into the new term. A new school year brings fresh opportunities, and there is plenty happening across Herefordshire to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Thank you to everyone who responded to our consultation on developing new special school provision in Ross-on-Wye. We received a positive response and are now considering all the feedback as we move forward with the next stages of the proposal. We will keep families and schools updated as the work develops.
We are also beginning the pilot year of Experts at Hand. This will test a new way of giving schools earlier and easier access to specialist advice and support, while helping school staff build their skills and confidence in meeting a wider range of needs. Some schools will take part in the first year so that we can listen, learn and refine the approach before considering how it could be developed more widely to all schools.
The schools involved in the pilot are (in alphabetical order):
- Almeley Primary School
- Aylestone School
- Bodenham St. Michael’s School
- Broadlands Primary School
- Burghill Community Academy
- Canon Pyon CofE Academy
- Earl Mortimer College
- Eardisley C.E. Primary School
- Hampton Dene County Primary School
- Holmer CE Primary
- Ivington CofE Primary and Pre-School
- Kimbolton St James’ Primary
- Kingsland CofE School
- Kington Primary School
- Lady Hawkins’ School
- Leintwardine Endowed CE Primary School
- Leominster Primary School
- Lord Scudamore Primary Academy
- Lugwardine Primary School
- Luston Primary School
- Marden Primary Academy
- Mordiford CofE Primary School
- Orleton C.E. School
- Pembridge Primary School
- Shobdon Primary School
- St Francis Xavier’s Primary School
- St James’ Church of England Primary School
- St Mary’s C.E. Primary, Credenhill
- St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Dilwyn
- St Paul’s C.E. Primary School
- St Thomas Cantilupe C.E.
- Staunton-on-Wye Endowed Primary School
- Stoke Prior Primary School
- Stretton Sugwas C.E. Academy
- Sutton Primary Academy
- The Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School
- Trinity Primary School
- Weobley High School
- Weobley Primary School
- Wellington Primary School and Nursery
- Whitecross Hereford
- Wigmore High School
- Wigmore Primary School
- Withington Primary
Although the pilot is beginning with these schools, we want to hear from all families, whether or not your child attends one of the pilot schools. Your experiences and ideas are important and will help us shape and improve the approach. Please keep an eye out for details of an information event near you, where you can find out more, ask questions and share your views.
There is lots more in this edition, including an update on how families’ feedback is helping us improve the Education, Health and Care Plan process, details of parent carer drop-in sessions, the latest Local Offer Annual Report, new resources for families, SEND-friendly activities, training and upcoming events. I hope you find it useful and enjoyable to read.
Thank you, as always, for your continued involvement, honest feedback and support.
Best wishes
Hilary Jones
Head of Service - Additional Needs
Thank you to the parent carers who recently shared their experiences of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Feedback showed that many families feel EHCPs have had a positive impact, helping children and young people access support and making their needs better understood. Parents also highlighted areas where we can continue to improve, including communication, keeping plans up to date, and ensuring support leads to the outcomes families expect.
To help us be more responsive, we will now gather feedback from every parent carer when a final EHCP is issued and whenever an EHCP is updated following an annual review. This will allow us to identify themes earlier, respond more quickly to concerns, and make improvements based on families' experiences. By gathering regular feedback throughout a family's EHCP journey, we can be more responsive and ensure parent carers' voices continue to shape SEND services in Herefordshire.
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Do you have questions about your child or young person's special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)? Would you like to talk through concerns, find out what support is available, or share your experiences with the SEN Team?
Our friendly and informal Drop-In Sessions provide an opportunity for parent carers to meet with members of the SEN Team, ask questions, seek advice and guidance, and learn more about the support available locally. There is no set agenda and no need to book, just come along and chat with us.
Upcoming sessions at HANDS Hub, 4 Berrows Business Centre, Hereford, HR1 2HE:
- Tuesday 20 October, 1pm to 3pm
- Tuesday 3 November, 1pm to 3pm
- Friday 20 November, 1pm to 3pm
- Wednesday 2 December, 9am to 11:30am
- Monday 14 December, 1pm to 3pm
No booking required. Just drop in at a time that suits you during the session. We look forward to welcoming you and hearing what matters most to you and your family.
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We are pleased to share our SEND Local Offer Annual Report for 2025-26, which provides an overview of how the Local Offer has developed over the past year and the difference this work has made for children and young people with SEND and their families. The report highlights key improvements made to the SEND Local Offer website, how feedback from families has shaped these changes through our "You Said, We Did" approach, and our priorities for further development over the coming year.
The report outlines how we have worked in partnership with Parent Carer Voice (PCV) Herefordshire and colleagues across education, health and social care to improve information, make the website easier to use, and ensure the Local Offer continues to reflect the needs of local families. It also explains how local data and evidence, including Herefordshire's SEND Needs Assessment, help inform ongoing improvements.
The SEND Local Offer brings together information about education, health and social care services in one place, helping families find support, understand what is available, and access the information they need.
Read the full SEND Local Offer Annual Report 2025-2026 .
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Earlier this year, parents and carers attending our engagement events told us that finding information when you're new to SEND can feel overwhelming and that they would value a clear starting point bringing together key information and support in one place.
In response to this feedback, we have worked with PCV Herefordshire to co-produce a New to SEND page on the Herefordshire SEND Local Offer. The page has been designed to support families whose child has a diagnosis, is waiting for an assessment, or who may have concerns about their child's development. It brings together links to advice, education, health and family support services, making it easier to find the right information at the right time.
Thank you to the families who shared their experiences and ideas to help shape this new resource.
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Finding suitable activities for children and young people with SEND can be challenging, and feedback from local families has shown that many are unsure what opportunities are available. To help, Herefordshire Council has launched a new Short Breaks and Activities for Children and Young People with SEND Directory, bringing together clubs, activities and social opportunities from across the county in one easy-to-search place.
Families can browse opportunities by age range and activity type, including sports, youth groups, creative activities, outdoor experiences and more, helping them find activities that match their child or young person's interests and needs.
We're also encouraging local organisations and activity providers to add their sessions to the directory. The more providers who register, the easier it will be for families to discover inclusive opportunities close to home.
Explore the new directory and see what's available for your child or young person: Short breaks and activities for children and young people with SEND. If you're a provider, you can also submit your activities through the online registration form.
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A big thank you to all the parent carers who completed our Targeted Short Breaks survey or took the time to speak with us about their experiences. We are incredibly grateful for your honesty, ideas and feedback.
Many families told us how much they value the flexibility and choice that the Targeted Short Breaks allowance provides, helping children and young people access activities that build confidence, independence, friendships and enjoyment. At the same time, families shared some of the challenges they face, including finding suitable activities, accessing the right support and navigating payment processes.
Your feedback will play an important role in shaping the future of Herefordshire's short breaks offer. We are committed to listening to families, understanding what matters most, and using what you have told us to improve support and opportunities for children and young people with SEND. We will continue to share updates on this work through future editions of the SEND Newsletter.
Thank you for helping us make sure the voices of children, young people and families remain at the heart of our planning.
Find out more about Targeted Short Breaks in Herefordshire.
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 Melo aND More is a free, welcoming service for children and young people (CYP) aged 0–25, along with their parents, carers and families, across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. For CYP and their families, neurodivergence can make life feel tough and it can feel like you are on your own. Whether you're feeling worried, overwhelmed, struggling with your emotions, or looking for advice about neurodiversity, we are there to help.
Melo aND More provide early support before problems become bigger, helping children, young people and families build confidence, resilience and the skills they need to thrive. Everyone's journey is different. That's why we listen first, understand what matters most to the CYP, and work with them to create the right support. Some people only need information or a one-off conversation, while others may benefit from ongoing support or specialist services. Options available can include; local drop-in sessions providing information and guidance, 1:1 support from a skilled practitioner, peer support and learning opportunities.
In Herefordshire, Melo aND More will be running drop-in sessions in Hereford, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye. For further information about Melo aND More, visit our website.
New Office Space for Herefordshire SENDIASS Team
Thank you to everyone that attended the Herefordshire SEND Information Advice & Support Service (SENDIASS) Office opening event on Wednesday 16 September.
The Herefordshire SENDIASS team have recently moved into a new dedicated office space at 8 St Owen Street, Hereford, giving the service a permanent base and access to meeting rooms.
This new location will enable the team to offer regular face-to-face SEND advice appointments for families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the future.
To celebrate the move, the SENDIASS team held an office opening event attended by local families and SEND professionals. The Mayor of Hereford officially opened the office, marking this exciting milestone.
Contact SENDIASS
SENDIASS have a dedicated team of trained advisors offering legally based information, advice and support on all matters relating to children and young people (0-25) who have or may have SEND. The service is FREE, impartial, and confidential.
Call: 01432 260955 Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm (24hr answerphone service)
Email sendiass@herefordshire.gov.uk
For regular Special Educational Needs/Disabilities (SEND) updates, sign up to the SENDIASS mailing list by clicking the sign-up link on their SENDIASS Contact page or follow them on social media: Facebook-HWSENDIASS
SENDIASS also have lots of useful information on their website www.hwsendiass.co.uk
SENDIASS support for young people
Did you know that Herefordshire SENDIASS offers dedicated support for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?
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
This is a great opportunity for young people to discuss their next steps, explore education, training and employment options, and access independent SEND support in a friendly and welcoming environment.
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Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire (PCVH) has been recognised in the Midlands Enterprise Awards 2026 for its work supporting parent carers and helping to shape services for children and young people with SEND across Herefordshire.
The award celebrates the importance of parent carer voice and reflects the contribution of the many families who share their experiences, ideas and feedback through PCVH surveys, events, coffee mornings and co-production activities. Their involvement helps ensure that services continue to develop in response to the needs of local children, young people and families.
PCVH would like to thank everyone who has supported its work. This recognition is a celebration of the parent carer community and the positive difference that can be achieved when families and services work together.
Read the full article on SME News.
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Spaces are available at a new social club for young people aged 16+ with SEND, offering opportunities to meet new people, make friends and enjoy a range of fun activities in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Run by What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful (WMYDMYB) and supported by National Lottery funding, the club provides a chance to socialise, try new things and build confidence. Sessions include activities, games, food and drinks, with everything needed for a great day out included in the cost.
Upcoming sessions will take place on 18 October, 13 December and 14 February, from 10am to 3pm at The Fold.
The club is designed for young adults aged 16+ who can take part in group activities with minimal support. It is a volunteer-led group and cannot provide 1:1 care, personal care or support for people with highly complex needs.
To find out more, discuss whether the club is right for your young person or to register an interest, contact kim@wmydmyb.co.uk
Cost: £25 per session (includes activities, food and drinks).
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Hereford Workshop, part of Hereford & Worcester Dyslexia Association (HWDA) was a shortlisted finalist for the Best Community Project or Group Award at the Hereford Times Community Awards 2026. The ceremony took place on Wednesday 7 October at Hereford Cathedral.
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HWDA's Honorary President, Katrina Kear-Wood said:
''The work Bev and the team do to support young people with dyslexia in Herefordshire is invaluable, helping children and young people build confidence, develop their skills and reach their potential.
We are very proud that Hereford Workshop were runners up for the Best Community Project or Group Award, a testimony to the dedication of our tutors.
A wonderful achievement and a brilliant way to celebrate the impact of your work during Dyslexia Awareness Week."
If you would like any information about Hereford Workshop, please contact Bev Drinkwater, Senior Tutor: seniortutorhereford@hwda.org.uk or check out HWDA's website.
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Herefordshire Council is hosting a Non Violent Resistance (NVR) three-day workshop for parents and carers on the following dates and times at Maylords Orchard, Hereford, HR1 2DT.
Wednesday 27 January - 9.30am to 2.30pm*
Wednesday 3 February - 9.30am to 2.30pm*
Wednesday 10 February - 9.30am to 2.30pm*
*Participants are required to attend all three workshops.
What is Non Violent Resistance (NVR)?
NVR is a peaceful approach that helps to improve relationships between parents, carers and young people. The approach helps to raise the presence of adults in a young person’s life. You’ll learn to avoid escalations, build a useful support network and about the importance of self-care.
Who will benefit from the training?
NVR works especially well for the parents and carers of a young person who shows difficult behaviours like hitting, kicking, spitting, threatening behaviour or violence towards themselves and others (self harm, suicidal thoughts, disrupted eating etc.). NVR can also be useful for children and young people who are neuro-diverse (for example diagnosed with Autism or ADHD).
For more information and to book a place on the three workshops, please email NVR@herefordshire.gov.uk or call Wendy Glinski 07792 882167.
An NHS England-funded service for families and supporters of autistic people is now offering thousands of online support sessions for families and supporters of autistic people.
Autism Central, delivered by Anna Freud, a mental health charity for children, young people and families, provides peer support nationally and now offers 7,000 one-to-one and 1,000 group support sessions every year.
The fully funded sessions are intended to build knowledge and understanding of autism. Find out more about Autism Central and raises awareness of the support available for families and supporters of autistic people.
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Families of young children who need a little extra support with their social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) are invited to attend a series of gentle Stay and Play sessions taking place across Herefordshire.
These sessions are designed for children who may be experiencing challenges with managing emotions and provide a welcoming space to play, explore and connect with others. As well as fun, child-friendly activities, parents and carers will have the opportunity to meet other families and talk with professionals about ideas and strategies that can help support their child at home and in the community.
Upcoming sessions
Ledbury Family Hub
29 October 2026, 10am to 11:30am
Ross-on-Wye Family Hub
15 February 2027, 10am to 11:30am
Kington (venue to be confirmed)
30 March 2027, 10am to 11:30am
Widemarsh Family Hub
1 June 2027, 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Leominster Family Hub
27 July 2027, 10am to 11:30am
The sessions offer:
- A relaxed and supportive environment for children and families
- Opportunities for parents and carers to connect with other families
- Advice and information from professionals
- Practical ideas to support children with emotional wellbeing
To find out more or book a place, please contact Kim Evans, Early Years Area SENCo (SEMH Link) on 07792 880134 or email Kim.Evans3@herefordshire.gov.uk
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The Hereford Hub has a fantastic offering of SEN sessions available to the local community, from pre-school sessions, Cheer & Dance classes for primary+ children and home educated children, SEN Family days and adults with SEND - there really is something for everyone. In their friendly, professional, accessible and safe space at Hinton Community Centre, the community interest club is a welcoming place to meet like-minded people, get active, have fun and be involved in inclusive activities.
Mondays: 9:30-11:00 - SEN Soft Play and Story Massage - for babies and toddlers to experience a safe and happy environment to play and explore in a small group setting.
Tuesdays: SEN Learn & Play for primary aged children. Safe play activities using tumble equipment, soft play, sensory tuff trays, light tent, space to be physical and quiet based on the child's needs. We also have SEN Cheer & Dance for children aged 10+, building on skills, learning new cheer, tumble and dance skills, working towards routines and having fun.
Wednesdays: 11:00-12:00 - Coffee, Chat & Dance - Adult SEND session, for the elderly and adults with additional needs to come together to Dance, move and socialise with others.
Thursdays: 13:45 - 14:30 - SEN Home Ed Cheer & Dance, a daytime session to provide the coaching of Cheer and Dance skills for children who are home educated. Building confidence, providing equal opportunities and a chance to be active and learn new skills.
SEND October Half Term Holiday Workshop
Looking for a fun and inclusive activity this half term? Hereford Hub's SEND-friendly holiday workshop offers a safe and welcoming space for children to explore, play and connect with others.
Children can enjoy soft play and tumble equipment, sensory autumn-themed activities including tuff trays, a light tent and parachute play, as well as autumn crafts to take home. A friendly and experienced team will be on hand throughout to provide support and encouragement.
Two age groups are available, and families can pay using their Targeted Short Breaks card.
Places are limited - book all sessions through the link below.
Hinton Community Centre, 21 Ross Rd, Hereford HR2 7RJ
Email: theherefordhub@gmail.com
Phone: 07792 254217
Booking link: https://bookwhen.com/theherefordhub
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 The Regal Tenbury Wells will be hosting a Relaxed Performance of Jack and the Beanstalk on Sunday 20 December at 2pm.
This accessible performance has been adapted to create a more comfortable theatre experience for those who may find traditional performances challenging. Adjustments will include reduced sound levels, house lights remaining on throughout the performance, and no loud bangs.
The relaxed performance may be particularly suited to children, young people and adults with autism, sensory sensitivities, learning disabilities, additional needs or dementia, as well as anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed and welcoming environment.
The Regal is committed to making live theatre accessible to as many people as possible, helping everyone enjoy the magic of pantomime this Christmas.
For booking information and further details, visit their website.
If you would like to contribute to the next edition of the SEND Newsletter, please get in touch by Tuesday 8 December 2026.
We value your feedback and would love to hear what you think of the newsletter. To submit future content or share your views, please email: localoffer@herefordshire.gov.uk
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