SEND Parent Carer and
Family Newsletter
Spring 2023
Discover all the current news and information about Special Educational Needs and Disability in Telford & Wrekin
Welcome from the SEND & Personalisation Service Delivery Manager
Firstly, please can I say ‘Thank You’ to everyone who participated in the Ofsted & CQC (Care Quality Commission) Area SEND Inspection. The information from all the completed surveys was vital for the inspectors to build a clear picture of the local area, there were also numerous conversations with children, young people and their families in schools and setting and during virtual and face to face meetings. We are unable to let you know the outcome of the inspection at this stage, but we can let you know that the publication of the letter from the inspection is expected towards the end of May 2023.
We have some lovely stories to share with you from our Sensory Inclusion Service, they provide an excellent service support children and young people with hearing and visual impairments across Telford & Wrekin. Please do take a look at their newsletters to see the amazing work they do.
Once again, it’s the time of year that we are requesting parent carers and family carers to submit applications for travel assistance, we are pleased to announce a new application system is in place. This system will make the process of applying, tracking and awarding travel assistance easier for families.
A new website has been launched by our partners in NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, the Healthier Together website provides consistent, accurate and trustworthy health care advice for everyone living and working in the area. The website provides links and information to local services and resources including information for families on numerous health conditions and advice on keeping children safe, well and in good general health.
A SEND Drop In for young people, parents, carers and families has been arranged every Monday afternoon from 1pm – 4pm, the location at Southwater One provides access to other services at the same time such as, advice from Future Focus careers advisors at the same time, for more information please take a look at the information below.
A busy programme of events is taking place over the next few months, Challenges at Home sessions supported by PODS, Talking SEND Session provided by SEND IASS (Information Advice and Support Service) and a range of events delivered by the Children’s Autism Hub, more information about all the opportunities for children, young people and their families is included in the articles.
Natalie Bevan
Service Delivery Manager
SEND & Personalisation
Sensory Inclusion Service
England v Germany
Men's Deaf International Football
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Young people who are supported by the Sensory Inclusion Service (SIS) were invited to the England v Germany Men’s deaf international football match at AFC Telford United on Friday 24 March 2023.
They led the team onto the pitch as mascots.
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At half time, there was a penalty shootout with Bobby the Buck.
Following the game, the children got to meet the players.
It was a wonderful evening!
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Bowling Event
Our role is principally about supporting children and young people who have a Visual Impairment (VI) to maximise their potential in educational settings or at home when pre-school.
However, we know how valuable it is for someone who may be the only child in their school with a VI to meet others like them to help reduce social exclusion and improve confidence and self-image.
On Friday 3 March 2023, we organised a bowling event for 36 children and young people who we support along with some of their brothers and sisters. The youngest participant was only 2 years old!
I can say with confidence that they all enjoyed themselves, made new friends, let off steam and talked with others who also have needs due to their vision. Parents also had a chance to talk and share their experiences with each other. Several approached us on the evening to say how they enjoyed the opportunity to meet others in similar circumstances.
Nichola our Social Inclusion Facilitator’s organised the event which consisted of 2 games of bowls and a meal and drink, all paid for by The Shropshire and Mid Wales Head and Neck Charity. Mr Bowyer is an ENT Consultant and Chairperson.
If you know of a child or young person in Telford and Wrekin and Shropshire with a visual impairment who you feel would benefit from our service’s support, want to know more about our role or if you can offer funding for future events, please take a look at the SEND Local Offer for more information.
Contact us by email: sendandinclusion@telford.gov.uk
or, phone: 01952 385269
Newsletters
Available to download is the Visual Impairment Newsletter - April 2023
Available to download is the Hearing Impairment Newsletter - April 2023
Travel Assistance
Independent Travel Training
Please take a look at the new video on the SEND Local Offer, Josh shares his experience of Independent Travel Training.
New Application Portal
Behind the scenes we have been working hard on a new travel assistance application system. This should make the process of applying, tracking and where eligible, awarding travel assistance much easier for parent cares and family carers.
It is really important that where parent carers and family carers are looking to apply and are eligible for travel assistance from September 2023 then parents do not wait until the summer holidays to apply as this can cause long delays.
We are therefore encouraging all applications for September to be made by 30 June 2023.
Who needs to apply?
- If a child is statutory school age but does not currently receive travel assistance and is eligible then they need to apply.
- If a child is statutory school age, already receives travel assistance and is changing school in September then they will need to re-apply.
- If a child is statutory school age, already receives travel assistance and is not changing school in September then this will carry on next year and there is no need to re-apply.
- If the young person is leaving secondary school and is eligible for travel assistance to help them attend their post 16 setting then they will need to apply.
- If the young person is already in post 16 provision and receives travel assistance then they will need to re-apply. Travel assistance is only granted for one year for post 16 students.
- Parent / carers must also re-apply at any point in the year when you move house.
How to apply:
Applications must be submitted on the council's new travel assistance platform. This has been developed based on feedback received from parents and carers over the last year.
In order to submit an online application, parent / carers will be required to create a new account. Once they have created an account and submitted their application, parent /carers can also log on at any point to see the progress of their application. If parent / carers need support in creating a new account, they can call 01952 384545 (Monday to Friday, 7.15am-5pm).
Shout Out Young People's Group
Shout Out Young People's Group provides an opportunity for young people to have their voice heard and to influence the decisions in Telford and Wrekin.
If you know a young person who is passionate about sharing their voice and would like to make a difference in Telford, please do encourage and support them to join the young persons group.
Further developments are underway to strengthen the voice of children and young people in Telford & Wrekin.
SEND Local Offer
On the Local Offer website you can find information and advice about
services, support and activities for children and young people aged 0-25
with special educational needs and disabilities all in one place.
Find clear and accessible advice, information and support on…
- Leisure, fun and short break activities
- Specialist services including education health and care plans
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- How schools support special educational needs
- Local Offer for Young People
- FAQ's for Parents, carers and families
- Preparing for Adulthood
- Health services
- Care services
- and so much more...
 Your views matter, please tell us about any improvements we can make to the SEND Local Offer website!
Email us at: localoffer@telford.gov.uk
What's New...
SEND Parent, Carer & Family FAQ's
Have been updated and now include:
- Can I apply for an Education Health and Care Plan?
- I have been informed that the Local Authority is carrying out an Education Health and Care needs assessment, what can I expect?
- My child is on a Modified Timetable, should this happen?
- Where can I find information on support for Mental Health and Wellbeing for my family?
- Home to School Transport FAQs
What is a Moving Forward Meeting?
A new page has been created to explain the purpose of a Moving Forward Meeting and when families will be invited.
Annual Reviews - Top Tips for Parents, Carers and Families
A new page has been added to provide information for young people, parents, carers and families to explain the process for an Annual Review of an Education Health and Care plan.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Telford Mind Calm Café for 11-25 year olds
Telford Mind Calm Café sessions aim to provide a person centred and holistic approach to support young people through the challenges that they are facing. There will be activities to engage in, 1:1 support and the opportunity to meet peers facing similar experiences. Free light refreshments are also offered during the sessions.
The sessions are held as follows:
Monday - Brookside Community Centre 4-6pm (13-16yr olds)
Tuesday - Donnington Community Hub 4-6pm (13-16yr olds)
Thursday - Wellington Boardroom Cafe 4-6pm (16-25yr olds)
BEAM
Beam is an emotional well-being service for children and young people under 25 years old who are registered with a GP in Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin.
Come along to our drop-in session and be seen by an Emotional Health & Wellbeing Practitioner on the days below, no appointment needed.
- Monday ‘Drop Ins’ – 12pm - 4pm (last session 3.15pm) at The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Shrewsbury, SY1 4NG
- Tuesday ‘Drop Ins’ – 10am - 6pm (last session 5.15pm) at Beam, 9 Market Square, Wellington, TF1 1BP
- Thursday ‘Drop Ins’ – 10am - 6pm (last session 5.15pm) at Beam, 9 Market Square, Wellington, TF1 1BP
You can also register via our website: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk//beamshropshire
Young people aged 14 years+ can register themselves.
Young people aged 13 and under will need a parent/carer to register on their behalf.
If you have any questions about the Beam service, please contact us by email: shropshirebeam@childrenssociety.org.uk
Kooth
Kooth provides an anonymous 24-hour online service offering peer support, self-help and have trained counsellors to talk to. Anyone aged 11-25, living in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, can register to access this service and you don’t need to be referred or have an appointment Whilst the website is available 24 hours, there will be someone to talk to online at the following times:
• 12:00 to 22:00 (Monday to Friday)
• 18:00 to 22:00 (Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays)
For more information visit Kooth: http://www.kooth.com
Health
Speech and Language Therapy Service Advice Line
The Speech and Language Therapy Advice Line is available to parents and carers of children currently on our caseloads, those referred and those not known to the speech and language therapy service. School staff or other professionals can also seek support but can only access the Advice Line regarding a specific child with explicit parental permission. New referrals and re-referrals made by families of children and young people will be directed to the Advice Line.
Advice Line number: 01743 450800 (option 4).
Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Healthier Together
A new website for families
Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System has launched a new website that provides consistent, accurate and trustworthy healthcare advice to parents, carers of children, young people and professionals.
Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Healthier Together is a free website developed by healthcare professionals to help parents and carers keep their children safe and healthy. The website provides clear advice and information for anyone in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin who wants a reliable source of local information and is available by visiting www.stw-healthiertogether.nhs.uk.
 The Healthier Together programme first originated in Wessex and its success has led to it being adapted and launched in other parts of the country. Information on the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin website has been reviewed by local healthcare professionals and means that links and information about local services and resources have been made available.
The site aims to improve outcomes for children and their families and offers practical advice to families on numerous health conditions (such as skin rashes, mental health, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea) and on whether a child should go to nursery or school if unwell, along with advice on keeping children safe, well and in good general health.
Dr Priya George, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Lead for Mental Health and Children and Young People has led the project from a clinical perspective, and commented: “The Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Healthier Together website is an incredible local tool for healthcare colleagues, families and patients. It is a single resource for anyone concerned about childhood illnesses, and even has the functionality to send text messages to the patient, parent or carer - easily giving them the information they need.
“The simple ‘traffic light’ system helps guide parents to the right care at the right time and place for the symptoms their child is experiencing.
“With typical waiting times for health services currently higher than we would like, we hope this new website will provide parents with an alternative way of helping to identify the support they need in a quick and easy way.
“The Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Healthier Together website will be a boost for children and their families, and will also support health services by ensuring the right people are being directed to the right services.”
The easy-to-use self-triage tool gives health advice via a system of red, amber, and green signs which directs the user to the right place for the care of the child. If the website suggests the child does not need professional medical care, it may still suggest self-care for minor ailments (green), that can be provided at home or via their local pharmacy with over-the-counter treatments.
For children rated as amber, parents will be directed to primary care services, or NHS111 if outside normal GP practice opening hours.
In cases where urgent or emergency treatment could be required (red), the website will signpost the parent or carer to a nearby Accident and Emergency Department.
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 a 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.
For more information and to watch the video please use the link below.
Preparing for Adulthood
SEND Drop In
Parents, Carers & Families
A new SEND Drop In has been arranged, it provides and opportunity for parents, carers and young people to talk to a SEND Officer. The Drop In location has been arranged to enable young people and their families to request advice from Future Focus Careers Advisors at the same time, if appropriate.
Time: Every Monday 1pm – 4pm
Venue: Youth Hub (Floor 2), Southwater One, Southwater Square, Southwater Way, Telford, TF4 4JG
Please can we request that this information is shared with your parents, carers and families.
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.
PODS
Parents Opening Doors
Parent Carer Forum
Involving & supporting families who have a child or young person with a disability or additional need (aged 0-25).
PODS work across the whole range of services including health, education, social care, and alongside our voluntary sector partners – at a local, regional and national level. We are also members of the National Network of Parent Carer Forum.
Free challenges at home sessions
Support sessions
(for child/young person with Autism with/without diagnosis).
Open to 0-18 years from mainstream and special schools. For families to discuss home/life concerns and seek information and advice from Educational Psychologist team around emotional, behaviour, social, anxieties, routines, etc.
We use these sessions to support families to find solutions together and share experiences and offer mutual support in a safe and supportive place.
Autism Hub
Children's Autism Hub
The Children's Autism Hub is open to all children and young people aged 0-18, and their families, who have a diagnosis of Autism.
Spring Newsletter
The Children's Autism Hub Spring Newsletter is available to download.
Events and Activities
The Hub provides lots of activities and events for families including;
For more information on how to book, please take a look at the 'What's On' page on the website.
SEND IASS
Telford & Wrekin SEND IASS (Information and Advice and Support Service) have a full programme of workshops and drop in sessions available for families to access.
Talking SEND Sessions
Join our 'Talking SEND' sessions and speak to a fully trained SENDIASS advisor, to book a place please use the link below.
SEN Support Information Session
Increase your confidence to be able to participate more fully in your child's education
Education Health and Care plan Drop In
Increase your knowledge and gain confidence to express your views in relation to the EHCP processes
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.
Short Breaks Forum Newsletter
The Short Breaks Forum Newsletter - April 2023 is now available to download, please share with your parents, carers and families.
Learn Telford
Learn Telford is part of Telford & Wrekin Council and exists to provide high quality learning opportunities to the people living in the borough.
They aim to widen participation so that as many sections of the community as possible can experience the joy of learning and take advantage of the wider benefits that participation in learning brings, such as improved confidence, reduced social isolation, improved wellbeing, improved social cohesion and increased civic participation.
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