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Thursday 19 December 2024
Welcome from SEND Family Voice Torbay (SFVT)
As 2024 draws to a close we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has engaged and worked with us this year, and as we start looking ahead to 2025, it's looking like it will be a very busy start to the year for us.
We have new parent representatives coming on board, a Post 16 consultation, PINS parent meetings, our first conference and the launch of the new Torbay neurodiversity parent programme.
Please make sure you follow us on Facebook or visit our website so you're aware of events and opportunities.
We know balancing the excitement of Christmas with the needs of your child can be overwhelming so we thought we'd share some tips to get you through the holiday season. (See the Support over Christmas section below).
Happy Holidays!
 Autism waiting list letters being sent out
Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) is working with NHS Devon to ensure that children and young people waiting for an autism assessment receive one as soon as possible.
As part of this, everyone who has been waiting longer than 12 months will receive a letter. Letters will be sent this month and next and all letters should be received by the end of January 2025.
Neurodiversity update from NHS Devon
We're working with SFVT and Torbay Council on the Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools, (PINS) project, a national pilot working with 40 primary schools in each area to support family engagement and co-production.
The project will also provide a range of support to help schools better meet the needs of their neurodiverse children.
Results from nationwide trials will feed into government thinking about how our neurodiverse children can be better supported in school settings.
Five of the project’s schools are in Torbay and are being supported by SFVT to strengthen partnerships between schools and parents and carers.
Parents and carers at each of the schools have already completed a questionnaire to tell us what they think of how the school meets the needs of their child; another will follow at the end of the spring term.
Schools have also completed a self-assessment to help identify areas of need and they are working with partners to offer training, resources and support on emotional health and wellbeing, reviewing classroom language, environment and sensory needs, and engaging all school staff in how it feels to be a neurodiverse child.
Between January and March, SFVT will be holding parent sessions at each school participating in the project. Dates will follow in the new year.
You're hired!
Our young people have been helping us recruit new staff across Children’s Services.
Five young people have been trained to sit on interview panels and quiz prospective candidates applying for roles across the service.
The young people come from our SEND Youth Forum, Children in Care Council and the Young Person’s Panel, all groups which give young people a voice on how council services are run.
There are usually two young people in each interview. They ask questions, score candidates and offer their thoughts during the summing-up process.
So far, they’ve interviewed a SEND case worker and mediation officer, a care experienced team manager and a participation officer.
Sarah Evans, participation officer, said: “It’s vital to keep the voices of young people at the heart of the recruitment process. After all, they’re the ones directly impacted by these recruitment decisions.
“Young people, especially those with special needs, offer a perspective that can't be gained from applications or references. They can highlight qualities and skills in candidates – like empathy, patience and the use of language that cares – that matter most in everyday interactions.
“It’s fast becoming a popular and frequent request from our colleagues across Children’s Services teams.”
 Two of the young people who have been part of the interview panels
Meet the team - Quality Assurance
If your child has a SEND plan or an education, health and care plan (EHCP), this team will have had some input into how those plans look.
The team of four focuses on the quality of our SEND and education activities carried out by Children’s Services and the wider local area SEND partnership.
They are responsible for ensuring all teams learn from audit activity and make improvements.
Since starting our auditing of SEND EHCPs last year on Invision360 - an auditing tool used across more than 50 councils - the auditing team has seen the number of new EHCPs receiving an overall grade of ‘good’ increase by 52%.
As part of activities taking place to prepare for the next Ofsted and CQC inspection, the team has been checking EHCPs and individualised learning plans.
They received positive feedback on the quality of our plans following a recent review by the Local Government Association.
Let’s meet them...
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Donna Frost, team manager, has worked for Children’s Services for 13 years in early years and safeguarding. One of her priorities is to work more closely with parents and carers and she would love to hear from you if you have any ideas. |
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Cherelle Belcher, designated social care officer, qualified as a social worker and has been with the council since 2019. She’s also worked as a support worker with adults with learning disabilities and in Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services. In her role she liaises closely with social care staff. |
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Sarah Overton, education safeguarding and assurance advisor, worked in schools and early years for 18 years and started in her role earlier this year. She quality assures the safeguarding and welfare requirements in education, from early years to post 16 and alternative education. |
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Blanche Gibson, lead auditor, has been at Torbay just over two years and is a former primary school teacher and SENDCo. She hopes to talk with parents, carers and young people about their experiences of care plans, the assessment process and annual reviews. |
NHS Devon 10 Year Health Plan survey
NHS Devon wants to know what you think about its 10 Year Health Plan, which will run in parallel with, and support, the national Change NHS campaign.
Members of the public and patients in Devon, as well as NHS staff and healthcare experts, can share their experiences, views and ideas for improving the NHS by taking part in a survey, running until 28 February.
Navigating Christmas as a SEND parent: Tips and support for parent carers
Embrace flexibility
Whether it's adjusting mealtimes, creating a quiet space, or simplifying activities, flexibility can make the season more enjoyable for everyone. Not everyone can cope with surprises so consider how it's best to give any gifts.
Plan ahead
Create a schedule that includes all the important events and activities, but also allows for downtime. Involve your child in the planning process. A visual timetable can be helpful.
Sensory-friendly decorations
Sensory-friendly decorations are less likely to cause overstimulation. Consider using soft lights, minimalistic designs, and familiar items that your child loves.
Inclusive activities
Choose activities that everyone can enjoy. This might mean modifying traditional games or finding new ones that cater to your child's interests and abilities.
Support networks
You don't have to do it all alone. Online communities, local support groups, and charities can offer invaluable assistance.
Useful resources and signposting
Take Care of Yourself
Whether it's a quiet cup of tea, a walk in the park or a chat with a friend, taking care of your own wellbeing is crucial.
 Help if you're struggling with money
We’re supporting ten food banks and six social supermarkets throughout Torbay.
Our partners also offer debt and advice services and there’s specialist help for people in financial hardship.
You may also be eligible for certain benefits.
Festive opening hours
SENDIASS
SENDIASS is open from 10am to 2pm on working days and closed weekends and Bank Holidays. You can leave a message on their 24-hour answerphone: 01803 207884 or email sendiass@torbay.gov.uk.
Health visiting team
Call 0300 333 5352 or email publichealthnursing.torbay@nhs.net. The team is closed on Bank Holidays. Messages will be picked up on return to work and responded to within 48 hours.
Contact the out-of-hours GP service 111 for any urgent medical issues.
Children and Family Health Devon
Contact the Single Point of Access (SPA) team on 0330 0245 321 or email CFHD.DevonSPA@nhs.net. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm. They are closed on Bank Holidays.
Family Hubs
For contact details for all three hubs, visit their website. You can also find out how to download the Family Hubs app.
We’ve been working on our Family Hubs website. As well as details of the SEND local offer, it now has a lot of the information previously on the Torbay Council website.
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