See the guide to local support for children and young people with SEND in Nottinghamshire including education, health and care services available.

The guide has been developed to help you navigate the local system. Its aim is to help you access the right support, at the right time, for a child or young person with SEND.

When Jak’s health condition deteriorated and using the stairs had become challenging and unsafe, his family contacted the integrated children’s disability service’s occupational therapy team which helped them find the right support.This led to a recommendation for home adaptations including an accessible bedroom and wet room facilities.

Jak said “I love my room, it’s a good place to chill out and it’s safe for me to use my bedroom and bathroom alone sometimes. I’ve definitely got the best room in the house!"

Our new preparing for adulthood (PFA) guide for young people with special educational needs, and their families, in Nottinghamshire is now available.

Full of information from education and employment to getting out and about independently, the guide has been designed to help young people plan for their futures as they move into adulthood.

The delighted manager of The Big House children’s disability home has been given the best retirement present after it was rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted recently.

Described as outstanding for

• Overall experiences and progress of children and young people
• How well children and young people are helped and protected
• The effectiveness of leaders and managers.

A special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) at Alderman White School, Patricia Padley, talked to us about her role recently.

“The main part of my role is being an advocate for the students. Some of the students respond really well to the support they have and that’s really rewarding.

“A SENCO is like a triaging role. We look at each child individually and think about what support they need, whether that’s mental health support, help to fill gaps in learning, sensory support or just talking to them to check in every so often. I think it’s reassuring for parents to have a point of contact."

We were proud to support National Internship Day recently (27 March) raising awareness of this valuable route-to-work education study programme for young people who have an education, health and care plan.

We work with local colleges and employers to create these valuable placements to get as many young people as possible into paid employment.  

Watch a video of Max’s supported internship at co-op.

A major scheme to rebuild the ‘outstanding’ Yeoman Park school for children with special educational needs is nearing completion. The school, in Mansfield Woodhouse, will welcome pupils for the first time after the Easter break.

Over the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of working with the children and young people who were at risk of suspension and permanent exclusion. 

So, as the newly appointed SEND co-production officer I’m really looking forward to meeting children, young people, parents and carers across the county who have a lived experience of SEND.

If you would like to take part in future co-production opportunities, I’ll be starting by sharing half termly updates from April. 

The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) local offer website has plenty of activities from arts and crafts to support groups happening throughout the county during the upcoming Easter break.