 ...to the spring edition of the Stoke-on-Trent Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) Families' Newsletter. We hope our regular publication will help to keep you updated on what is going on in the city for children and young people with SEND.
SEND Services team recognised as Emotion Coaching accredited
All of the SEND Services team are trained in using Emotion Coaching as a relational approach to supporting the emotional regulation of children and young people. The team have developed resources to support the use of Emotion Coaching, delivered training to school staff across the city and practitioners model the approach when working directly with children and young people. Recently, we applied to be recognised as an Emotion Coaching UK accredited organisation, and we are delighted to have achieved this. We are now exploring ways to expand our offer further to include parents and carers.
Getting in touch with your SENMAS Caseworker
We understand that being able to effectively communicate with SENMAS is important to our families and partners, and we are committed to making improvements in how we communicate with you.
You can find out more about how to get in touch with SENMAS and what to expect here:
If you want to speak face to face with your caseworker, the best option is to make an appointment. This is because caseworkers are often out and about visiting schools, and attending meetings which means they are not always physically on site in one of our offices. You can make an appointment to meet with your casework officer by calling 01782 231863.
If you visit Hazel Trees or another council office without an appointment, we cannot guarantee that your caseworker, or a member of the team, will be available to talk to you.
Get your nominations in for SHINE award
SHINE is an award given to local early years settings who provide a high quality learning environment for children with additional needs. The Early Years Inclusive Leaning Service are extending the SHINE award to include playgroups and need the views of parents to ensure that they can make it a success. Please take the time to complete this survey and share with other parents.
For further information, email: EYIS@stoke.gov.uk
ICB looking to create Down's Syndrome Forum
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board are looking for adults with Down’s syndrome to create a ‘Down’s Syndrome Forum’, where they can talk about experiences of health, social care, housing and employment, and find out what can be improved.
The first meeting is planned for the end of March and from then on, the group will meet a couple of times a year in person. The ICB will reimburse travel expenses and provide refreshments at every session.
Further details about the forum are on the ICS Down's Syndrome webpage:
The form to register is on the website and can be found below:
NEW support groups for adult siblings of autistic people
Are you an adult who has an autistic brother or sister? Sibs are offering online peer support group sessions led by a trained Sibs volunteer, where you can meet others who just ‘get’ what sibling life is like. All sessions are 7pm - 8.30pm:
- Being a sibling vs being a carer (13 February)
- Money (mis)management (9 April)
- What if your brother/sister doesn't want support? (10 June)
- Reciprocity (4 August)
- Supporting romantic relationships (7 October)
- Setting boundaries (3 December)
To find out more and sign up, click the button below:
Uniting Staffordshire Against Hate (USAH)
Uniting Staffordshire Against Hate (USAH) provide free and confidential support to children, young people and adults affected by hate-driven crimes or incidents in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire. If you or someone you know believe have been targeted because of disability or identity, USAH will help you cope, recover and move forward.
You don’t need to have reported the incident to the police to access their services. They can help with:
- The emotional/practical impacts of the incident
- Helping you report the incident to the police if you wish to do so
- Liaising with the police and other key agencies on your behalf
- Supporting you to access your rights under the Victims Code.
Contact USAH today to learn more about how they can support you. Phone 0330 0881 339 or email help.usah@staffsvictimsgateway.org.uk
Update from National Deaf Children's Society
Forthcoming NDCS events/NEW TO HEARING LOSS
Events are running throughout the year and include Glue Ear, Mild and Unilateral sessions and Early Learning. Links to events are below:
Online Family Sign Language Courses: Also, new for 2025 is ‘First Sign’s, First Stories’, which starts in February. The sessions are aiming to be fun and interactive and there may be a few famous characters along the way!
Fegg Hayes Futures sessions
Fegg Hayes Futures is a small charity that operates out of The Hub in the heart of Fegg Hayes. They offer a diverse range of sessions and work with a large number of health, social care and creative organisations.
This includes currently setting up 'Wellbeing Wednesday' sessions and working with Creative Foundations to run 'Positive Me' workshops throughout February. They also offer work experience and volunteering opportunities for students from Regent College or anyone who may experience barriers to placements in other settings.
If you would like to access any sessions or are interested in volunteering, please contact Laura or Andrea on 01782 761134 or email laura@fegghayes.org.uk
SEND Travel Assistance
Do you have a young person currently in Year 11 or Post 16 education, who currently:
- receives SEND travel assistance (either through commissioned transport or a Personal Transport Budget (PTB))
- or will be looking to receive SEND travel assistance for the 2025-2026 academic year
If you, you will need to apply or reapply for SEND Travel Assistance, as all young people in Post 16 provision must apply for SEND Travel Assistance annually.
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will open on 03 March 2025 and families are urged to apply as soon as placement is confirmed. The link will be on the SEND Local Offer website below:
NEW after school club for SEND children
Kindi Club is an inclusive after-school club for young people with special educational needs or disabilities, providing a safe and fun environment where children can connect, grow, and thrive. Each session will offer exciting activities that cater to a wide range of interests.
The sessions are delivered by local charity, Project Indi and take place at The Indi Club, Sneyd Green. Each session requires a £5 contribution, which includes a meal (carers/parents go free).
New members are warmly welcomed, and your first session will be a FREE taster session, giving you the chance to explore what the sessions offer. To find out more, request a monthly activities calendar or to sign up, please get in touch.
Email: info@projectindi.org.uk
Call: 01782 212 000
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