August 2020

IASS Summer Events

Update on the IASS work with young people

Through the work have been doing with young people on our social media strategy we have identified how they would prefer to receive information and have created our new Instagram page. Why not take a look and follow our page wolvesiass. We are hoping to have some take over days so you will be able to see a day in the life of some of the young people on the IASS Advisory Board.

We have also been meeting with Corporate Parenting Team from the City of Wolverhampton Council about how we can work together co- productively so that members of our Young People Advisory Board can be involved in the wider strategic work of the youth engagement team. We are very excited about this work. You can find out more about the Youth Engagement Strategy at #YES

If you are a young person or know a young person who would like to get involved, please do get in touch we are always looking for new members for our Advisory board. Ias.service@wolverhampton.gov.uk

IASS showcases co-production

We have been working with Alison Baggs Co-production Officer for the City of Wolverhampton Council to showcase how we work in partnership with parents, carers children and young people.  Co-production happens when people come together to find shared solutions.  It involves people who use services and their parents and carers, being recognised by organisations as equal partners and having influence over decisions made.  This might be in discussions and decisions about improving their own health and wellbeing as well as working with others to design the offer of support and services available for others within the community. Over the coming months we will be sharing some of our case studies.  You can read our first coproduction case study here.

Have your say to shape SEND provision

Children and young people, their parents, carers, and other stakeholders are being encouraged to have their say and help shape provision for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) in Wolverhampton.

The strategy sets out the vision and key priorities that council and partners in the city want to focus on to improve the lives of children and young people with SEND over the next 3 years. This strategy signifies a commitment by all SEND Partnership Board partners to work together to achieve their vision.

The strategy also supports the city’s 10 year Children, Young People and Families Plan which aims to improve the resilience, health and emotional wellbeing of children, young people and families in Wolverhampton. 
 
The consultation is open until Monday 21 September, 2020.

Please click here for further information

Have your say consultation

Welcoming children and young people back to school and college in the autumn term

The Government has updated guidance for parents and carers as children and young people prepare to return to educational settings in September.  You can read the guidance here which covers early years providers, schools and colleges, safety in schools, attendance, transport, school meals and exams.

Ministerial Letter

TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SEND, THEIR FAMILIES AND THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM

On Tuesday 21 July, Children & Families Minister Vicky Ford and Care Minister Helen Whately wrote an open letter to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, their parents, families and others who support them.

The letter explains the actions that need to be taken to ensure that, where possible, all pupils return to their educational settings from September, and responds to some of the concerns and questions that have been raised.

The letter also states that, unless the evidence changes, they will not be issuing further national notices to modify the duty on local authorities and health commissioning bodies to secure or arrange the special educational and health care provision set out in a child or young person’s EHC plan in order to ensure children and young people receive the support they need to return to school.

Please click here to read the letter 

Coronavirus Advice and Information on The Local Offer

If you're a parent or carer of a child or young person with special educational needs or disabilities, head over to our Local Offer website, which has been updated to include specific advice and information around coronavirus for parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Please go to the website for more information.

Mentally Healthy Schools has resources available for schools and parents/carers to prepare for the return to school in the autumn.

Although some children have returned to school already, for many, the new autumn term will be their first time stepping into a classroom since lockdown began. Understandably, this may be a strange or worrying time for some children, parents and carers, and schools.

Please click here to access the resources

Mobile Covid-19 test unit moves to Aldersley Leisure Village

A mobile Covid-19 testing unit has relocated to the grounds of Aldersley Leisure Village – marking the venue’s latest contribution to Wolverhampton’s fight against coronavirus.

The city has played host to a mobile facility on a number of occasions over the last few months, and it will relocate to the City of Wolverhampton Council-run leisure centre.

There is an integrated one-way system that allows people with an appointment to attend either for walk-in or drive through testing.

Anyone, irrespective of age, should be tested if they have symptoms of Covid-19 such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste.

The test is most effective within one to three days of symptoms developing and should be carried out in the first five days. For more information, and to apply for a test, please go to NHS or call 119. All appointments must be booked in advance.

The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK

Contact – Listening Ear

In light of the CV-19 pandemic, Contact has adapted its workshops to online options so that families can continue to connect with each other and gain useful information and advice at the same time.  There is also a new “Listening Ear” service offering 1-1 confidential phone appointments with family support advisers for parents who would like to talk to someone for reassurance and practical and emotional support at this time.

Please access the links below which include important information about Covid-19.

Listening Ear

COVID -19 Information Pages

NDCS: Raising a Deaf Child - Family Programme

The National Deaf Children's Society has developed a new series of short online videos that offer essential help, tips and guidance to families with deaf children. They cover a range of important topics from sleep issues to keeping safe online. Read here.

Restrictions on going out and shielding in England

The National Autistic Society has produced an information sheet that you can share with transport staff if you are asked why you are not wearing a face covering and you can also download their I am Autistic Card for free, here

A new service from Caudwell Children

working with 18-25s with autism and complex needs

for further information about Cauldwell Children visit the website

Department of Education Funding for Family Fund

Family Fund has been given £10 million emergency funding from the Department of Education to help disabled or seriously ill children in England. Families can apply for grants to make their lives easier while implementing social distancing measures, including computers and tablets, outdoor play equipment and sensory toys. It will make a difference to thousands of families in England during this crisis, providing practical and essential grant support to help improve the quality of life and ease some of the additional daily pressures faced in these difficult times by many disabled children and their families.

Family Fund has produced a video to help families understand the process and to check for eligibility.

Ordinary Life Stories from

Changing Our Lives

Changing Our Lives has released the first book in their ‘Ordinary Life Stories’ campaign which aims to bring greater visibility to the real lives of disabled people, whose experiences and voices are all too often excluded from mainstream discourse.

The real stories told throughout the campaign of individuals such as Kashmire, a young man from Wolverhampton who has completed his degree and has great political aspirations for the future; Ami, a young woman of her generation actively creating cosplay and fan fiction; and Monique, also from the city whose passion for drama and dance brought her to the attention of the BBC’s New Creatives, showcase and celebrate what is ‘possible’ when the label of ‘disability’ is not seen as a limitation.

Read the first instalment of the campaign with Kashmire’s book.

Summer Activities

For children with special needs and disabilities and their siblings

There are still some remaining activities throughout the summer holidays.

To book call Claire 07979751893.or email bookings@lupwolverhampton.org.uk

More information can be found on the website

All venues at the Let us Play offices are at 7 Shaw Park Business Village, Shaw Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 9LE

ART ATTACK (Using paint to create art) - Wednesday 5th August 2020 10am-12.30pm  or 1.30pm-4pm 5 – 19 years at the Let Us Play Offices

Game Play (Using both indoor and outdoor space. A selection of fun games and play) - Saturday 8th August 9:30am – 12:30pm or 1:30pm – 4:30pm 5 – 19 years at the Let Us Play Offices

Cutting & Sticking (A selection of paper craft and templates aimed at the younger age group) -Tuesday 11th August - 10:00am – 12:30pm or 1:30pm – 4:00pm - 5 – 12 years

Albrighton Moat Fishing - Tuesday 12th August -10:00am – 12:30 pm or 1:00pm – 3:30pm - 5 – 19 years at the Blue House La, Wolverhampton WV7 3FL

Laches Wood Outdoor Centre - Thursday 13th August - Times to be discussed - at Laches Lane, Slade Heath, Coven, Wolverhampton, WV10 7PA

Foam Clay Craft - Saturday 15th August - 9:30am – 12:30 noon or 1:30pm – 4:30pm (for staffordshire families) at the Let Us Play Offices

Family High Rope Adventure -Tuesday 18th August -10:00am – 3:00pm at The Challenge Academy, Baggeridge Country Park

Canoeing - Wednesday 19th August - 9.45am - 8 years+ at the Severn Valley Park, Low Town, Bridgnorth, WV15 5AG

All Things Balloon (Crafting and game play using balloons) - Saturday 22nd August - 9:30am – 12:30pm or 1.30pm - 4.30pm 5-19 years at the Let Us Play Offices

Dinosaur themed Wolverhampton Adventure Golf, contact for dates - staggered start, first group start at 10:50am, 8-19 years at Perton Golf Club, Wrottesley Park Rd, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7HL

Space and Rockets (a mixture of craft and a touch of science) - Wednesday 26th August - 9:30am – 12:30pm or 1.30pm - 4.30pm - 5-19 years - at the Let Us Play Offices

Virtual Squad Activities

Children and young people are invited to join the WV Holiday Squad for a summer of fun activities.

The popular programme has plenty of activities to keep youngsters and their families engaged and entertained between now and the end of August.

Due to social distancing guidelines, many activities will be hosted virtually during the school holidays though a number of providers are offering activities in the community.

Among the highlights are a Six Weeks of Summer Challenge from WV10 Consortium, activity packs from Wolverhampton Art Gallery and free events across the city from Base 25. Find out what's happening where by visiting WV Holiday Squad.

Play areas and outdoor gyms to re-open this summer

Play areas and outdoor gym equipment in city parks will re-open during the summer holidays.

Please check for updates here.

Equipment will be inspected and maintained regularly. New safety rules for play areas and outdoor gyms will only work if fully supported by residents - this includes:

• staying away and at home if suffering with any coronavirus symptoms
• bringing hand sanitiser to use before, during, and after using play areas and outdoor gym equipment
• sticking to social distancing guidance and following the latest Government and Public Health guidance
• parents, guardians, carers, taking full responsibility for children while using play areas and outdoor gym facilities

Do you want to include an article in our IASS Autumn Magazine

We hope to produce an Autumn Magazine later this year, if you would like to include any information, then please contact us.

Please download our lastest magazine here

Share your news

We are always happy to share information on our e-bulletins which help to promote a relevant and appropriate service which will be informative and of interest to our readers.  

We aim to add short and punchy stories, facts and information.  Please add web-links wherever possible & any necessary documents in PDF.

Please e-mail your information to ias.service@wolverhampton.gov.uk

We send out the e-bulletin monthly around the first Monday of the month, so we would appreciate this being sent to us by the middle of the previous week.

Our next e-bulletin will be sent out around 7th September so please send any inserts by 27th August.