|
|
Welcome to the Southend SEND Partnership Newsletter.
This newsletter is from the Southend SEND Partnership, made up of organisations and services dedicated to supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families in Southend-on-Sea.
This monthly newsletter brings you the latest updates, news, and information on local services and support. For information on available services and support in Southend-on-Sea, please visit the Southend SEND Local Offer.
|
|
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a global event designed to combat stereotypes and misunderstandings surrounding neurological differences.
It encourages schools, universities, organisations, and others to recognise the strengths and talents of neurodivergent people, fostering more inclusive and equitable environments.
This year's event features numerous free panel discussions with inspiring speakers from diverse backgrounds, covering key neurodiversity topics to educate and spark conversation.
Find out more.
|
|
|
Southend SEND Independent Forum invite parent carers of children and young people with SEND to their fourth Seminar this year: Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA).
This seminar is aimed at families who have applied for, or are thinking about applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), but would like to find out more.
Book now on Eventbrite.
|
|
|
SSIF attended the Contact and NNPCF in-person conference this month, an opportunity to talk about the year ahead and connect with other Parent Carer Forums nationally. We will update with highlights of the event on our website soon.
We are also pleased to have been invited to represent SEND families in Westminster this week to discuss bullying in schools. We want to thank you for completing the survey to support this work.
Did you know? You can read current news and consultations in relation to SEND Services on our website.
Find out more.
|
|
|
We are excited that our coffee mornings are growing and it has been wonderful to meet so many of you, find out future dates.
As always, we appreciate your feedback on your lived experiences of SEND services in Southend – the positives, the negatives and everything in-between! Complete our family feedback form.
|
|
|
The Southend Council SEND Team hold monthly SEND Surgeries. These give families an opportunity to drop in, ask questions and receive advice and information.
Our next SEND Surgery is on Tuesday 25 February from 9am to 11am at Greenways Primary School, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3BS.
Officers that will be in attendance at this surgery include representatives from the Early Years SEND Support Team, the school age EHCP team, the Lighthouse ASD/Jigsaws Team, the Oral Health Early Years team and the Local Offer team.
Anyone can come along to any surgery - your child doesn't have to attend the school the surgery is held at. There is no need to book, just come along!
Future dates and locations.
|
|
|
Share your experiences, ideas, and feedback to shape a better future for young people with SEND in Southend-on-Sea at the next SEND Youth Voice meeting!
Details: Tuesday 18 March, 4:30 to 6:30pm at Friends and Places Together, Top Floor, Unit 13, Victoria Shopping Centre. This meeting includes a craft session at the new Create98 in Victoria Shopping Centre.
Read about Southend SEND Youth Voice.
|
|
|
Ambassadors from Southend’s SEND Multi-Schools Council attended a ‘Voices of the East’ meeting along with other young people with SEND from across the East of England.
The ambassadors networked and attended workshops, panel discussions and inspirational talks from actor, Lenny Rush, Government and Department for Education SEN policy advisors.
Find out more about Voices of the East.
|
|
|
The Lighthouse team is holding a number of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) support sessions for families in Southend, Essex and surrounding areas.
Your child does not need to have a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD for you to join these sessions, they are open to all families.
Find out more.
|
|
|
The Lighthouse Parent, Carer and Young Person Network is open to all parents, carers and young people living in Southend and Essex who use services provided by the Lighthouse Childhood Development Centre in Southend-on-Sea
Meetings give you the opportunity to:
- meet and speak to the Lighthouse team
- ask questions
- hear about service developments
- connect with other parents, carers and young people
- stay for as long or as little as you like, come with a question or simply to listen.
The network meets on the first Tuesday of each month, alternating between 12.30pm-2pm and 7pm-8.30pm. Find out more.
|
|
|
The Kids Autism Hub is now accepting self-referrals.
Are you a young autistic person who has just been diagnosed? Are you a parent wondering how best to support your autistic child? Then the The Kids Autism HUB is for you.
Who is it for?
- young people aged 12-25 who have just received a diagnosis of autism or are going through the process of diagnosis
- the families of those young people
Find out more.
|
|
|
Are you a family member or carer of an autistic child or adult? Are you looking for support, but not sure where to start?
Aspens is the Regional Hub for the South East for Autism Central. This is a new programme, providing high-quality and accessible autism information, education and coaching for families, and carers, which is co-delivered by autistic people, families and carers.
Join their Facebook group.
|
|
|
Worried about the way your child moves or walks? The Children's Physiotherapy Team offer advice and support for parents of children aged 0 to 5 at drop-in clinics.
We will offer quick screening and immediate advice. No referral or appointment needed.
You can also ring our advice line on 01702 372252 on weekdays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.
Find out more.
|
|
|
Elective Home Education (EHE) SEND Hubs offer a range of support services to families who choose to home educate their children with special educational needs (SEND). You can get support on accessing educational resources, specialist advice and guidance, social opportunities, and support groups.
The EHE SEND Hubs run at the Visitor Centre in Priory Park from 10am to 2pm on the following dates: 4 March, 8 April, 6 May, 3 June, and 8 July.
Please email the EHE Team for more information electivehomeeducation@southend.gov.uk or visit the EHE Hub on Your Say Southend.
|
|
|
The Early Years SEND Support Service host stay and play sessions, designed to support you and your child with a variety of play and sensory experiences.
The sessions are available to children with SEND aged 0 to 5 and their families in Southend and run on Wednesdays 1pm to 2:30pm. A variety of different services join the sessions to provide support and information.
Find out more.
|
|
|
11 to 13 year olds are invited to a free 2 day Health4Life programme - a fun, inclusive, and engaging way to explore what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle!
Through hands on food prep sessions, exciting games and trips to Indirock, Southend Combat Academy and Brazilarte, you will learn about:
- how to keep your body healthy
- how to make good nutritional choices
- portion sizes
- body positivity
Find out more.
|
|
|
The Southend SEND Network is for organisations and groups who support children and young people with SEND and/or their families who live in Southend-on-Sea, and local parent carers.
Read about news and events from the Southend SEND Network and other local organisations:
If you wish to join the Network, please contact localoffer@southend.gov.uk
Find out more.
|
|
|
Southend High Street is set to come alive with a celebration of our city’s heritage, culture, and community spirit!
Enjoy live performances, roaming entertainment, and activities for all ages, alongside a tempting selection of food and drink. From music and dance to creative displays and local talent, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we come together to celebrate everything that makes Southend special.
Find out more.
|
|
|
Window Wanderland is a captivating community art project that invites Southend's residents to be a part of transforming our city into a spectacular outdoor art gallery.
The idea behind it is simple, all participants need to do to get involved is decorate their street-facing windows with whatever imaginative display they can think of!
Find out more.
|
|
|
You can help us improve services and the Local Offer for children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and their families in Southend-on-Sea.
Share your feedback about the Local Offer website, Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA), and Annual Reviews, and stay informed.
Find out more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
