|
Shropshire’s early help service are hosting an opportunity for parent carers to meet teams from education, health and social care.
The theme for Autumn is
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support
- Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Annual reviews
Come along and hear from those who can help, support and guide parent carers on these topics, and then chat to them about any queries you have on the process.
The session will also be attended by the Parent and Carer Council (PACC) and the Early Help team.
Sessions are being held in Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Oswestry and Market Drayton and are free to attend.
Mon 13 Nov, 9.30am-12.30pm, The Centre, Oswestry, SY11 1LW
Mon 20 Nov, 9.30am-12.30pm, Sunflower House, Shrewsbury, SY1 4E
Fri 1 Dec, 9.30am-12.30pm, Raven House, Market Drayton, TF9 3AH
Thu 14 Dec, 9.30am-12.30pm, Helena Lane Community Centre, Ludlow, SY8 2NP
To find out more about these specific SEND events or the weekly Early Help drop ins offering support to families, please visit the Family Information Directory.
The Early Help and Support Team is a single point of contact for partner agencies, children, young people and their families, focused on making sure that the right support is put in place as soon as it is needed.
This is an inclusive service for all children, young people and parent carers across Shropshire including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The E-HAST team is led by a Team Manager who has been a Senior Social Worker within the Disabled Children's Team (DCT) but who is also an expert by experience having children of their own with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.
The team offer a 'How can I help?' approach listening to parent carers to understand what support they need, enabling the right support to be offered. All support given is individual to each family, child and/or young person and may include signposting with support from a Family Support Worker to make referrals with follow-up contact.
The team may also direct parent carers to a team of dedicated professionals such as those with our Early Help hubs, our parenting support team or the Family Information Service (FIS). In each situation they will ensure that a seamless process is provided so that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families receive the right level of support in a timely way to help them achieve the best possible outcomes.
If you feel your family could benefit from some information or support, please contact the early help and support team on 0345 678 9021
|
Parenthood can be extremely rewarding and enjoyable. It can also be demanding, frustrating and exhausting. Shropshire Council’s Parenting Team is here to support parent carers with any questions you may have around child development and parenting. Their trained Parenting Practitioners will be ready to listen to you. No judgment, just support.
The Parenting helpline is available Monday - Thursday, 9.30am - 4.30pm and Friday, 9.30am - 3.30pm and you can call the helpline on 01743 250950
We are inviting families, parent carers and children age 0-5 to Shropshire’s Best Start Family Event which will be held on Friday 27th October at 10am to 4pm, at The Lantern Community Hall and a quiet zone in the library in Shrewsbury.
The event is FREE to attend for Shropshire’s families.
We will be showcasing Shropshire’s Best Start for Life offers on the day, with a number of services and charities hosting stalls and activities, including the SEND Local Offer and the Parent and Carer Council (PACC)
For a full timetable of events please visit this website.
We will be using the event as an opportunity to gain feedback from families, parent carers and children which will be used to inform the future direction for The Healthy Child Programme and the development of the Best Start for Life offers in Shropshire.
We would be grateful if could please share this information with parent carers and partners who support children and their families age 0-5.
My name is Clare Kear and I am a Social Worker in the Disabled Children’s Team (DCT) in Shropshire Children’s Social Care. I have been with the team for 2 years and support children and young people aged 0 – 18 years who have complex needs and disabilities and their families across Shropshire. I am also a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Champion within the team which means I can support my colleagues for example with their role in the Education Health and Care assessment, planning and review process and support social care practitioners across the service to better understand SEND.
I have worked with children and young people with SEND and their families throughout my working life. I previously worked for RNIB with children and young people who were deaf blind and had learning disabilities in a residential school. I have also been a manager of a Sure Start nursery and have been a Family Support Worker with Children’s Centre Services and an Early Help Locality Development Officer. All of these roles have given me a good understanding of the SEND community, the diverse needs of children and young people and how important it is for services and families to work together in partnership to meet the needs of children with SEND so that they can thrive and live their best lives.
As a Social Worker with DCT I work with children who have been identified as Children in Need under The Children Act 1989 due to their disability rather than there always being safeguarding needs and risks. I do support some children and families to manage safeguarding risks through Child in Need and Child Protection Plans and I also support children who are looked after by the Local Authority and in residential or foster care.
My role focuses on preparing disabled young people for a safe, happy and healthy transition into adulthood and independence. My work has a whole family approach including assessing and meeting the needs of parent carers and non-disabled siblings and empowering children and young people to have the same life opportunities as their non-disabled peers. To help support children and young people with SEND to improve their outcomes, a large part of my role is spent building relationships not only with the family but with other practitioners to promote a holistic and creative approach to building the best possible individualised package of support for each child and their family.
The Disabled Children’s Team can be contacted via the Shropshire First Point of Contact on 03456789021.
If you would like to see a Spotlight on a particular role, then please let us know via the Local Offer inbox, Local.Offer@Shropshire.gov.uk, and we will include that in the next edition of this newsletter
The Neurodiversity Workstream includes representatives for education, health, social care, voluntary sector organisations and PACC parent carer forum. We meet to discuss the challenges for neurodiverse children and young people, and aim to improve the support and services available. We know that there is still a lot to do to improve the experiences for neurodiverse children and young people but we wanted to share some steps which have been taken to improve things.
- Shropshire's library services have received training to enhance their understanding of, and ability to be, neurodivergent friendly. This training included advice on how to make an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodiverse individuals. The library services have also received a list of recommended positive and empowering books for neurodiverse children and young people and their families. Find out more about the libraries in Shropshire here and look out for the Lego club that runs at a number of our libraries.
- Work has taken place over the summer to develop a webpage which includes a range of local support available to neurodiverse children and young people and their families. The webpage can be found on the Local Offer website. It also includes information about national support available, such as Scope, which offers emotional support for parents and carers of children who are on a diagnostic pathway or have recently been diagnosed. We are pleased to see that the neurodiversity section on the Healthier Together website has been receiving an increasing number of visits, you can provide feedback on the Healthier Together website here
- Autism West Midlands had a great summer with increases in the number of children and young people using their activities both for family events and teens short breaks opportunities. They also had good uptake for their advice appointments that continued through the summer holidays, which have not been available during this time before. Find out about what support and opportunities Autism West Midlands can offer here
- MPFUT's BeeU service complete autism diagnostic assessments for 5 - 18 year olds across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. As is the case nationally there are often long waits for autism diagnostic assessments and we appreciate that waiting can be difficult. Following feedback from Shropshire parents the service have now started to send a letter to children, young people and their families if they are waiting for an autism diagnostic assessment. This letter includes confirmation that they are on the waiting list, although there is a long wait. The letter also includes suggestions of support available and encourages families to contact the BeeU service if their circumstances have changed.
|
All children, and young people (C&YP) should receive support to achieve their potential for the attainment of continence, regardless of their age, culture, or ability (Bladder and Bowel UK 2021). Often C&YP are thought not to be able to be fully continent because of their additional needs, however, we need to ensure C&YP are fully assessed and only when toilet training is not achievable then products will be considered. However, there is no statuary requirement to provide continence containment products through the NHS, products may be considered for children over the age of 5 who are not able to become continent within 6 months of engagement with appropriate support, interventions and/or toileting programmes.
We aim to promote healthy bladder and bowels for all C&YP, ensuring they are not constipated, are drinking regularly, and using the toilet regularly thorough the day but, they may not show signs of being ready to be toilet trained. We signpost all families with children who have delayed toilet training in their second year of life to: Lets go Potty and Pants for School
C&YP should receive toileting advice from their Health Visitor for under 5’s (Single Point of Access -SPOA Shropshire 0333 358 3654 / T&W 0333 358 3328) or School Nurse for 5 to 19 years old’s (SPOA Shropshire 0333 358 3654 / T&W 0333 358 3328) and if products are thought to be required over the age of 5 years, then C&YP are assessed by the Continence for Paediatrics Team.
If the C&YP attends a Special Schools or are under the care of the Community Paediatric Nurses, then assessments will be done by the most appropriate nurse.
Information for Nurseries: Thinking about wee and poo now you’ve reached the age of 2
Information for Primary School: Thinking about wee and poo now you’re on your way to school
Guidance for the provision of continence containment products to children and young people.
With thanks to the Lead Continence Nurse for Paediatric Services.
Junior Buddies is a social network for families of children 8-14 years with special educational needs or disabilities, supported by PACC. The group provides an opportunity for young people with SEND to get together socially and develop friendships outside of their educational provision.
Following the successful pilot of Junior Buddies earlier this year at an Easter Activity Session, Junior Buddies recently held a session with Sal Tongue, and joined the “Buddies Social Network” for 14-25-year-old’s for a walk and picnic at Attingham Park.
The next Junior Buddies event is being held on Friday 3 rd November 2-4pm at The Wild Child Garden at The Cut, Abbey Foregate. Booking closes on Friday 20th October. For more information, please contact Ruth@paccshropshire.org.uk
|
There’s another school holiday just round the corner, and we know how some families can find the holidays a challenge with the juggle of work and keeping the children entertained.
If parent carers are looking for thinks to do and places to go, then the Shropshire Family Information Service Directory is the place to visit. Click here for October half term fun.
There’s also the Actio activity offer for those children and young people who are registered for All In Short Breaks and Autism West Midlands are also hosting a family walk around Attingham Park, for booking information, please visit the Autism West Midlands website
|
Understanding your own trauma is a new FREE online course for Shropshire all parent carers, developed by a team of experienced NHS psychologists and professionals.
Launched on World Mental Health Day it offers a safe and accessible way for you to explore your own experiences and gain a deeper understanding of trauma's impact on your life.
What is trauma?
- Psychological trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event or series of events that overwhelms your ability to cope.
- Trauma can be complex and it touches all of us in different ways.
- Processing traumatic experiences effectively can help you to manage triggers and move forward positively.
Access the course here Understanding your own trauma and use the access code DARWIN18 to get the course for free.
Thank you to parent carers who have raised some challenges around the vaccination programme across locality boarders. Because of the feedback we have been able to work with the immunisation team across the boarder to clarify processes to ensure children receive their vaccinations regardless of where they go to school.
Additionally, when the immunisation team attend special schools, alternative provisions and residential homes they plan extra time for each child and young person as they recognise a different approach may be needed to achieve a successful vaccination.
The immunisation team also provide domiciliary visits on request and community clinics for pupils who are unable to have vaccinations in the school setting with extra appointment time given. If your child requires any reasonable adjustments you can contact the immunisation team - details below
Flu programme
The 2023 school-aged programme is for children in reception up to and including year 11. For children who attend one of the special schools, the immunisation team visit these schools early in the programme due to their vulnerability. The team work closely with the staff so that they can support the pupils as they know the pupils and their individual needs the best. In special schools, the team tend to move around the school to vaccinate the pupils in areas that they are familiar with such as classrooms, sensory rooms. For identification of the child, we use their school “passport” which contains a photograph. Again we offer community clinic with extra appointment time if needed.
We have delivered a school briefing about the flu programme so we can work together to deliver a successful programme.
To find out more information about the School-Aged Immunisation Service follow there Twitter page, where they provide updates on clinic dates and the immunisation programme @shropshireimms or contact the team on 01743 730028 and shropcom.immunisationteam@nhs.net
Covid vaccinations
Currently young children (6 months to 5 years) with a Learning Disability, or associated need who are at high risk should be referred for a Covid vaccination via their GP. Speak to your GP if you think you child falls into this category. We are waiting for further guidance from NHS England about requirements for older children (6 - 18) to get their Covid vaccination.
Parents and carers of those who are high risk are currently eligible for boosters in the autumn winter campaign and can book online or attend a participating pharmacy. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/
DLD is a significant difficulty learning, understanding, and using spoken language.
DLD is a relatively NEW term (2017) for a condition we have known about for hundreds of years. This condition goes by many names: expressive-receptive language disorder, specific language impairment, speech-language impairment, and language delay among them.
Five things you need to know about DLD
- DLD is a hidden disability. People with DLD make more errors or use simpler sentences or even have trouble organizing a conversation. These problems are not always obvious to the non-specialist.
- DLD emerges in early childhood but persists into adulthood.
- DLD affects people around the world, no matter the language spoken.
- DLD is common. In one study, 1 in 14 children demonstrated symptoms of DLD.
- DLD matters. It can affect social and emotional well-being as well as success at school and work.
To find out more about DLD you can read this factsheet. Or visit the Raise Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder or ‘DLD’ website
|
Remember - No diagnosis is needed to access the AWM Shropshire service and there is no formal referral route – parents/carers can self-refer by booking an advice appointment or contacting us directly
Coffee/Tea and Chat
Join us for a free in-person session to meet members of Shropshire Families Autism West Midlands Team and other parent carers for a relaxed coffee and chat - you do not have to stay for the whole time. Please book a space so we know how many to expect. Hosted by our Autism Specialists, the session is open to parents and carers of children in the Shropshire Council area only. If you have any questions, please email shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk for further information please visit the Autism West Midlands website
WEEKLY Teams Advice slots
For those would like some online advice we are offering this virtually via video appointments. Teams works well on mobile phones. To book a 45 min advice appointment with a specialist autism advisor please book via our shop. If the dates/timings of our online advice appointments are not convenient for you, please contact us to make alternative arrangements – scroll down for details
https://shop.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/collections/events/products/copy-of-online-autism-advice-and-consultation-sessions-shropshire-county
Virtual Support Group for Parents
Wednesday Mornings 10am-11am & Wednesday Evenings 8pm-9pm – 1st and 3rd Weds of each month (term time)
Our online support groups meet twice a month via Teams. This is an opportunity to talk with other parents, share ideas, and offer support. We recommend that you have attended an online advice appointment with a member of the team before joining group sessions (link above).
If you would like to join either of the support groups, please email the team here shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Advice and support
We also offer advice and support over the phone and via email. Parents/carers and professionals can contact the team directly to arrange an appointment including face-to-face if preferable.
Shropshire office - 01952 454156
Email shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Helpline 0121 450 7575
Teen Events – Actio All In (ages 11-17)
Teens Online – Thursday 7th December from 6-7pm – for further information please email shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Attingham Park Walk and House Visit
An opportunity for the whole family to meet other families, the chance for parents carers to talk to staff from Autism West Midlands and enjoy nature in a calm outdoor setting, on Thursday 2nd November 2023
For booking information, please visit the Autism West Midlands website
|
|
|
PACC supports and empowers Shropshire parents and carers of children with a disability or additional need, to enable them to be actively involved in the design and delivery of the services that they use, through the sharing of their experience and knowledge of their family's needs.
You can read their latest newsletter here.
|
|
