Welcome from SEND Family Voice Torbay
This newsletter is for parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs in Torbay. It’s created through a partnership of services across health, education and social care, working alongside families.
Our aim is to share helpful information — from SEND news and updates to services, resources, training opportunities and events — anything that might make day‑to‑day life a little easier for families.
You’ll find contributions from professionals across the Local Area Partnership, as well as from us. We’re Torbay’s recognised parent carer forum, representing the voices of local families and working with education, health, social care and the council to help shape SEND services.
Many of you have told us communication could be better, and we want to make sure this newsletter truly meets your needs. This short questionnaire is your chance to tell us what you like, what could be improved, and how you would prefer to hear about SEND news in the future.
Your feedback will help shape this newsletter and our wider communication channels so they work better for you and your family.
Government White Paper on SEND reforms
Last month, the government published its Schools White Paper, Every Child Thriving and Achieving.
Proposals to reform the SEND system are a big part of their plans.
This is an ongoing consultation and no decisions have been made – so it’s important you make your views known now, before the consultation ends on 18 May.
You can do this by taking part in the Department for Education’s survey.
In the meantime, Torbay’s SEND local area partnership will continue to offer support to all children with special needs.
 SEND Pledge event
We held a SEND Pledge event in January to hear from parents, carers and young people so we could understand their views and experiences.
There were professionals from education, health, social care and the voluntary sector there.
Our aim was simple – to look honestly at how well the SEND Pledge is being lived out in practice, and to hear from children, young people and families about what needs to change.
What children and young people told us
Our young people were brilliant, clear and honest about what matters most to them:
- Please listen to us.
- Be kind, be patient and explain things clearly.
- Don’t label us – help us feel safe.
- Make sure we get the right support when we need it.
We heard this loud and clear. We understand that communication needs to be clearer, support needs to feel more consistent, and that kindness and understanding make the biggest difference in day‑to‑day experiences.
Becky Box, Chair of SEND Family Voice, said: “As your parent carer forum, we were genuinely heartened to see such wide engagement across services, and especially how open and receptive people were to hear the lived experiences of families and young people.
“We’ll continue to work positively and constructively with all partners to champion the SEND Pledge and make sure it’s something children, young people and families can truly feel in practice.
“This reflective event was only possible because families shared their stories. For parent carers wishing to share their experiences please contact us.
“For young people 12 - 25 please consider joining or contacting our SEND Youth Forum.”
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Sarah Evans, Torbay Council’s participation officer, said: “We understand that joining something new can take time for some, so we offer gentle introductions and a supportive, inclusive space where everyone can get involved at their own pace.”
You can call, WhatsApp or text Sarah on 07500 608 141 to join the SEND Youth Forum or follow the email link below.
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Partnership board update – watch our video
Feedback from the pledge event will shape the next steps for the pledge and how we progress with our priority impact plan to improve SEND services.
The SEND Local Area Improvement Partnership (SLAIP) board makes sure these improvements are happening and that they are having a positive impact.
Dr Lincoln Sargeant, a member of the board, summarises what was discussed at the February board meeting.
Events
Preparing for adulthood conference
SEND Family Voice is hosting a free conference for families on preparing for adulthood.
Learn about education and post‑16 pathways, supported internships, health and social care and family life and wellbeing. Local providers and support organisations will be there.
It’s being held on Monday 30 March at University Centre, South Devon College, from 10am to 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided.
 Strengthening inclusion across Torbay
Torbay Council and partners held two events recently to look at how they can strengthen inclusion for young people in education.
More than 100 delegates, including practitioners from early years providers, met last month to discuss how to make their settings more inclusive.
Charity Dingley’s Promise led the event, which was also a celebration of the 15 settings in Torbay who have received the Dingley’s Mark of Achievement.
The mark recognises early years settings that show a commitment to inclusive practice.
Earlier this month, the council held its third co-production event, assisted by the Council for Disabled Children.
More than 40 people attended, including parents, carers, early years staff, school leaders and colleagues from health and social care.
The session focused on developing the support and services that mainstream schools provide for SEND pupils so that it’s consistent across the Bay.
Key themes included the need for clear and shared language, the importance of linking our early years provision with later phases and the role of strong transitions in improving children’s experiences.
 Open for booking now
Healthy Holidays Easter clubs
Bookings are open for the Easter Healthy Holidays clubs, including dedicated SEND sessions.
The clubs are a great opportunity for kids to stay active, learn skills and make new friends. Everyone who attends receives a nutritious meal.
School-aged children receiving benefits-related free school meals and those who are electively home educated are eligible for the Healthy Holidays clubs.
There are clubs running at locations across the Bay including SEND-specific sessions at Taleblazers in Paignton and Turning Heads in Torquay.
 Play Torbay
Children have been enjoying their new-look play sessions at Play Torbay, as these photos show.
Thanks to council funding, Play Torbay has been able to continue running weekly clubs for neurodiverse young people and their families.
Sessions take place at ASRUS in Brixham and Mayfield Hub Club in Torquay. These clubs provide safe, welcoming and relaxed spaces where young people can have lots of fun, build confidence, develop new skills and form friendships — with families very much part of the experience too.
Play Torbay supports young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions and other forms of neurodiversity, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. All are welcome.
 Activities include bushcraft skills, cooking, arts and crafts, woodworking and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) projects as well as trips out.
Both sites offer excellent outdoor environments including forest areas and slides and there’s a large play field with climbing equipment and bikes and scooters for children to use.
Dan Rees-Jones, of Play Torbay, said: “Young people can join in as much or as little as they feel comfortable with, and there is always space to simply relax, enjoy a drink or snack, and connect with others.
“We're proud of the inclusive community these clubs have created and look forward to welcoming both returning and new families this year.”
 Schools
Cycle training for pupils
Torbay Council has teamed up with Active Devon to offer free Bikeability cycle training for children across Torbay.
A team of freelance Bikeability Instructors will deliver Levels 1, 2 and 3 training to primary, secondary and SEND schools throughout Torbay.
Combe Pafford works
You may remember we told you that Combe Pafford School has successfully changed its status.
From September this year, it will be designated as a school for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), as part of a phased move.
It will be carrying out a series of works to reconfigure the site for pupils.
In the first phase, there will be two external canopies added and the toilets will be reconfigured. The second phase will see perimeter fencing and the creation of sensory spaces in some classrooms.
Finally, there will be some internal refurbishment so that the school can take more ASC pupils from September and beyond.
All works are due to finish by August.
Once the brief has been finalised, we can share more detail in the next newsletter.
 Are you a young Carer or do you work with young Carers?
If so, Torbay Carers want to hear your views about your experiences and the support you receive.
Your views will feed into the Young Carers under 25 Strategy, which will cover the next five years.
Save the date - Tuesday 9 June
The Fair Futures for young Carers event takes place at Torquay Town Hall in Castle Circus, Torquay, on Tuesday 9 June from 12pm to 5pm.
The event, aimed at young Carers and those who support them, provides advice on next steps. To exhibit email youngcarers@torbay.gov.uk.
Improving access for autistic young people in Devon
The Creativity Centre Educational Trust wants to improve access to places for autistic children and young people in Devon, including Torbay.
If you have autistic children or young people, take part in their survey.
Two lucky people will each receive a £25 gift voucher.
Support for parents and carers
Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) helplines
CFHD has two helplines offering families specialist support.
The neurodiversity line has advice on topics including anxiety, diet, friendships, sleep and other support strategies.
Call 01752 435404 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
The occupational therapy phone line provides children and young people with support to develop everyday skills including dressing, toileting and using cutlery.
When you call the line you will speak directly to a children’s occupational therapist.
Call 0333 234 1123.
Mental health training and drop-in
The Parent Support Hub is running an eight-week course for parents and carers of children aged over eight who are struggling with their mental health.
The fully-funded course begins on 28 April either in person at People’s Parkfield in Paignton or online on Tuesday evenings.
Parents can self-refer directly via the application link below.
There is also weekly drop-in support every Thursday during term time at the Acorn Centre in Torquay from 1:30pm to 3pm. No referral or booking is required.
Health updates
Thinking about a farm trip this Easter?
As more outdoor activities like these take place during the spring and summer, it’s important to be aware of the risk of ticks to children and adults.
Ticks are small, spiderlike creatures that feed on the blood of animals, including people.
They live outdoors and are particularly common in grassy and wooded areas. Some ticks can pass on infectious diseases when they bite, including Lyme disease.
Ticks can be active all year round but are most active between April and July.
Always check for ticks when you return from a day out and remember to check your pets too.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection that can be very serious if not treated quickly. There’s a quick onset of symptoms which include headache, fever, stiff neck and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.
It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Vaccinations are given to babies and teenagers in school years 9 and 10 to help protect against some strains of meningitis.
If your child has missed these vaccinations, speak to the school vaccination team or your GP about a catch-up vaccination.
Other news
Supported employment
The Torbay SEND Employment Forum has been working together to promote opportunities for our young people to enter supported employment.
The forum commissioned our post 16 provider ROC United Response to make this video for young people to promote their work.
Makaton training
The whole of the council’s children with additional needs team has now completed their training in Makaton levels 1 and 2.
Makaton is a communication programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to allow people to communicate.
Users include people with autism, cleft lip and palate and Down’s Syndrome.
The successful training will have a direct impact for young people from pre-school aged to post 16 and their families, who are currently working with the team.
Important contacts
Torbay Council's SEND team
ehcp@torbay.gov.uk
01803 208274
SEND Family Voice Torbay
admin@familyvoicetorbay.org
07554 040107
Children and Family Health Devon
CFHD.DevonSPA@nhs.net
0330 0245 321
SENDIASS
sendiass@torbay.gov.uk
01803 207884
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