SEND Parent Carer and Family Newsletter
March 2022
Discover all the current news and information for Parent Carers and Families about Special Educational Needs and Disability in Telford & Wrekin.
 Welcome from the Service Delivery Manager
Welcome to the SEND Parent Carer and Family Newsletter for March.
Firstly, I would like to highlight the SEND Newsflash from the Department for Education, the Government’s SEND and alternative provision green paper was published on Tuesday 29 March 2022. This paper sets out a vision for SEND and a system that will introduce new standards in the quality of support for children and young people. The paper is now out for public consultation and I would like to encourage parents, carers and families to take this opportunity to share their views and shape how the new system will work in the future, please do take a look at the full article for more information.
In Telford & Wrekin we truly believe that families lived experience is key to developing services, therefore we have been developing ways that families can share their experiences and feedback. The starting point for this project is a refresh of the Education Health and Care Needs Assessment Feedback Form, please do complete the feedback form and return to the service so we can continue to make improvements. If your child or young person has recently had an Annual Review, please can we encourage families to complete the Annual Review Feedback Form, this is available to complete online. Further information on this project will continue to be shared over the next few months as we continue to look at how families can be involved working together to develop and improve SEND services.
Over the last couple of months new sections have been developed on the SEND Local Offer, a new Activities & Events area is a quick and easy place for families to find out more about clubs and activities in the community. A new section has been updated to bring all the information about Travel Assistance into one place, this area is still undergoing development and we would love to hear your feedback. If you would like to share any feedback on the SEND Local Offer, please email: localoffer@telford.gov.uk.
Finally, please can I encourage you to sign up and receive the SEND Parent Carer and Family Newsletter direct to your Inbox, through this Newsletter we aim to keep families up to date with all the current developments in Telford & Wrekin.
Best Wishes,
Natalie
Subscribe
To the SEND Parent Carer & Family Newsletter
Would you like to sign up to receive the SEND Parent Carer and Family Newsletter direct to your Inbox, if so please follow the link below and enter your email address.
SEND Newsflash
SEND and Alternative Provision Green Paper
The Government’s SEND and alternative provision green paper has been published (Tuesday 29 March), it sets out a vision for a single, national SEND and alternative provision (AP) system that will introduce new standards in the quality of support given to children across education, health and care.
You can access a copy of the Green Paper on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/send-review-right-support-right-place-right-time
Available alongside the Green paper:
The ambitious green paper is the result of the SEND Review, commissioned to improve an inconsistent, process-heavy and increasingly adversarial system that too often leaves parents facing difficulties and delays accessing the right support for their child.
The plans to reform the system will be open for a 13-week public consultation, giving families frustrated by the existing, complicated and bureaucratic system of support the opportunity to shape how a new system will work in the future - and give them confidence that their local school will meet their children’s needs so they can achieve their full potential.
Capital funding allocations worth £1.4 billion have also been published today at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-needs-provision-capital-allocations. This funding is for councils to pay for new places and improve existing provision for children and young people with SEND, or those who will benefit from high-quality AP. This funding will help stabilise local systems ahead of any further legislation from the green paper proposals.
The Government will also look to approve up to 40 new special and AP free schools in regions where they are most needed. This is in addition to over 60 special and AP free schools already in the pipeline.
Low-income families with seriously ill or disabled children will be further supported through investment of £27.3 million next year. This funding will help pay for equipment, goods or services - from washing machines and fridges to sensory and educational equipment that they might not otherwise be able to afford.
Over £10 million will also be invested to train over 200 more educational psychologists from September 2023, to give advice and input into EHCP assessments, advise schools on how to support pupils with SEND and offer wider wellbeing support to them, their families and teachers.
Your Views Matter
We have been updating our Feedback Forms Annual Reviews, a short feedback form is now available and can be completed at the end of each Annual Review.
Shout Out for SEND
Young Persons Forum
Shout Out for SEND (SOS) is a group of 11-25 year olds who meet every month to ensure they have the chance to have their voice heard and to influence the decisions in Telford & Wrekin SEND and the Information Advice and Support Service (IASS service).
The SOS group met up during February, face-to-face, and Sarah from the Telford Youth Forum came along with a video of the candidates for the Youth Parliament and the SOS Group had the opportunity to vote and put their paper in an official ballot box. The group shared how great this was, as they had never done an official ballot before!
The next Shout Out for SEND Group is on:
-
Tuesday 12 April 2022
2-4pm
Hazledine House
To find out more information you can call Telford & Wrekin SENDIASS on 01952 457176 or email info@iass.org.uk.
Shout Out for SEND on Facebook: You can find out more about the group by joining the SOS Facebook page.
Search for Shout Out for SEND on Facebook and request to ‘Join Group’ (young people will need to be over the age of 13 to access this Facebook Group). Please can we request that this information is shared with any students who may be interested.
SEND Local Offer
SEND Local Offer - Preparing for Adulthood
The Preparing for Adulthood section has been updated on the Local Offer with a new look and additional information, please take a look.
|
|
 |
SEND Parent Carer and Family News
Keep up to date with the current news on the SEND News section for Parent Carers and Families.
SEND Activities & Events
The Activities & Events page is a quick and easy place for families to see what is going on in their community. Take look at the pages below to find art, dance, drama, music, clubs & activities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
How to add or update your activity details
Do you provide a service for children & young people with special educational needs and disabilities, please complete the form (available to download) below or contact us at localoffer@telford.gov.uk to add your service to the directory.
Travel Assistance
A new section has been updated on the SEND Local Offer that collects together information on Transport Assistance in one place, please take a look. This section is still undergoing development and we would love to hear your feedback.
Support for Parent Carers & Families
Live Well Telford
Live Well Telford is an online directory of support / groups in Telford and this includes lots of mental health support groups.
SilverCloud
If you are experiencing low mood / anxiety you can access support from Silver Cloud. SilverCloud offers secure, immediate access to online supported CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) programmes, tailored to your specific needs.
There are a range of programmes to choose from to suit your needs. This includes Depression, Generalised Anxiety, Stress, Sleep and Perinatal Mental Health. We also have a range of programmes for people who are dealing with low mood and anxiety whilst living with a long-term condition. These are designed for those with Chronic Pain, Diabetes, Respiratory Disorders and Heart Disease.
There are optional modules to complete in each programme on sleep difficulties, relaxation, self-esteem, grief, relationships, employment support and anger management.
These programmes have demonstrated high improvement rates for depression and anxiety.
It’s flexible – access it anywhere, on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
It's easy to use - interactive tools and activities make your experience interesting and motivational.
Branches Listening
Has there been a recent life event that has affected your mental wellbeing?
Things such as, stress, external pressures, recent bereavement, breakdown of a relationship or daily worries. If so the Listening Service may be able to help.
All listeners are counselling skills trained. If you qualify, you will be offered one session a week for three to four weeks. Sessions can last up to fifty minutes. Branches Listening Service is a free and confidential support service.
Offered to individuals aged 18+ that reside within the Telford and Wrekin area. We aim to aid individuals with gaining a better sense of wellbeing and mental health.
Please call for more info: 01952 899205
Annual Health Checks
Annual health checks are for adults and young people aged 14 or over with a learning disability.
An annual health check gives people time to talk about anything that is worrying them and means they can get used to going to visit the doctor.
To help explain what is involved in an annual health check, a group of inspiring young people from Derwen College have created the following video to raise awareness of the importance of annual health checks.
The video is aimed to help young people with learning disabilities to understand the process of an annual health check in a simple, easy to understand format.
Preparing for Adulthood
Independent Living Centre
Telford and Wrekin’s Independent Living Centre (ILC) is a purpose built environment to provide a ‘showhome’ with built in features to both physically and digitally promote independent living in your own home to reduce costs of care and support needs using modern technology and Assistive Equipment.
The ILC is here to be used by the whole community, please note some drop in’s and the walk in availability may be effected by Covid Restrictions, staffing and/or busy periods, you can get further advice and information by calling the ILC on 01952 457181.
You can also access up to date information about the ILC in our Live Well directory.
The ILC can support:
- To access ideas and equipment that can be used by those with physical or sensory needs,
- Advice and support about what care may mean for you or a family member now or in the future,
- Access to advice and support regarding community support,
- Booked appointments for Occupational Therapy Assessments
Independent Living Centre
3A, Hazeldine House,
Overdale
Telford
TF3 4JL
Telford 16-19 Website Post 16 Prospectus
The Telford 16 - 19 prospectus has information on the post 16 offer in Telford & Wrekin including almost 300 A - levels, BTECs and Apprenticeships across six schools and colleges, making Telford an inspirational hub for learning, opportunity and achievement.
For more information please contact Future Focus by email: Future.focus@telford.gov.uk or, by phone: 01952 388988.
For young people with an EHC Plan, please take a look at the guidance for young people applying for post 16 education (with an EHCP).
Short Breaks
Short Breaks Forum
The forum is an opportunity for parents, children and young people that use Short Breaks services, working together with Local Authority colleagues to talk about what is working well, what isn’t and how we can make improvements to the Short Breaks offer. It is a place where we can share knowledge for the benefit of all, including inviting guest speakers on particular issues or services.
We would love to see as many of you as possible in the forum. If that is not possible, and you wish to ask a Short Breaks service question please get in touch via the Short Breaks email: Shortbreaks@telford.gov.uk and we will address it in the following forum. Individual case issues should be addressed to your case worker.
My Options
Young People's Service
Available to download is the calendar of events for the My Options Young People's Services.
PODS Parent Carer Forum
PODS Helpline
Supporting families with disabled/Additional need children aged 0-25 years
- Are you in need of some guidance or information?
- Would you like to access our Befriending service or maybe receive a call from one of our staff?
Phone: 01952 458047
Email: support@podstelford.org
Calls will be answered between 10am-4pm Monday-Friday, outside these hours please leave a message.
Download: PODS Helpline Flyer
Family Groups and Befriender Groups
Available to download are the dates and times of the next family groups and befriender sessions for April, May, June and July.
All events available to book via the PODS Eventbrite page: select 'follow us' to be notified of any events as soon as they go 'live'.
Save the Dates!
Upcoming events include:
Thursday 2 June 2022 Jubilee Celebration Event
Monday 1 August 2022 Annual Picnic in the Park
Children's Autism Hub
The Telford Children’s Autism Hub has now opened its doors in January 2022, and recently had their Official Launch Event. The Service is available to children and young people aged 0-18 years and their families who have a formal diagnosis of Autism living in Telford and Wrekin. They provide peer support for families, activities for children and young people and their families, training workshops and opportunities for children and young people with autism to aspire, develop and have access to community centred support.
They believe in:
- ” the empowerment of children and young people with autism to live a full and active life “
- “Our work is based around child centred principles focused on building up and celebrating the individual strengths and gifts of each child”
The team are available to listen and explain the hub and what we can offer through a range of support options.
There is also specialist advice available through Autism West Midlands through advice sessions and workshops.
They would love to hear from families, as you are the experts, and we value your feedback to support the future development of the hub. They also sit alongside the Telford Adults Autism Hub. This supports the transition of young people into the support for adults and opens the pathways of support into adult independence.
They already have feedback, and would like to share this with you from a family accessing support.
“The hub provides friendship for us and our daughter. A safe and non-judgemental place where we can access support and our daughter is free to be herself”.
Ambitious about Autism
Ambitious about Autism has today launched the UK’s first online platform for autistic young people.
This will offer autistic young people aged 16 to 25 a safe and moderated online space to help them understand their autistic identity and reduce isolation and loneliness that many feel. Young people will be able to take part in peer support sessions, share experiences and find volunteering, work experience and employment opportunities. There will also be opportunities for them to work together and campaign for change.
SENDIASS
The IASS Service provides a wide range of impartial and confidential information, advice and support to parents, children, and young people 0-25, relating to Special Educational Needs and Disability.
It is important for parents and young people to receive appropriate information to increase their confidence and understanding of the SEND processes. We support parents, children and young people to express their views, participate fully in their education and support positive relationships with those professionals involved in your child’s education, health and social care support. Our small and friendly team offer opportunities for families to access the service through telephone email, training workshops and individual information sessions We can also ensure that you are able to receive the appropriate information and also be signposted to wider services that may be able to help.
If you require any further information, please get in touch by,
Phone: 01952 457176
Email: info@iass.org.uk
New Support Webinars
Telford SENDIASS have produced a comprehensive NEW Information, Advice and Support webinar exploring how pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are supported in school.
The link for this is at the top of the website home page.
Workshops and Question & Answer Sessions
Relaxed SEND Support Workshops and Q&A Sessions, both virtual and face-to-face are now taking place – if you’ve got any questions you need answering, big or small, relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, please pop along.
-
Face to face
Tuesday 15 February 2022
10am—11.30am
-
Face to face
Wednesday 23 March 2022
10am-11.30am
-
Virtual
Wednesday 27 April 2022
1pm-2.30pm
-
Face to face
Thursday 26 May 2022
10am-1130am
-
Virtual
Tuesday 21 June 2022
4.30pm 6.30pm
SEND Support Workshop Dates
- Tuesday 10 May 2022
4.30pm-6.30pm
- Thursday 23 June 2022
10.am-12.30pm
- Tuesday 12 July 2022
4.30pm-6.30pm
If you require any further information, please get in touch by,
Phone: 01952 457176
Email: info@iass.org.uk
Steering Group
It’s really crucial for the service to have Parent/Caregiver Steering Group members to give a voice to parent and child issues and concerns. If you would like more information about being a Steering Group member, please get in touch with Julie Collins on julie.collins@tandwcvs.org.uk
|
