IASS February 2021 e-bulletin

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February 2021 Ebulletin

We hope this finds you safe and well. Here we are in February and juggling remote learning, childcare and work along with all the other challenges that this lockdown sends. The IASS is still here offering free and confidential information, advice and support on SEN/disability matters for children and young people (0-25) and their parents/carers. It's more important than ever to look after our mental health. There are lots of resources to assist you which you can also find via our social media pages @WolvesIASS. Happy reading.


IASS online training Spring 2021

Please join us to learn more about how children and young people with special educational needs/disabilities (SEND) are supported with or without an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP).  Improve your knowledge of the law around SEND and feel more confident in discussions and decisions.  Parents, carers and professionals working in Wolverhampton are welcome to join. 

Download our Spring 2021 online training flyer. (Click on the dates to book your place)

IASS Spring 2021 Training

Covid-19 SEND update

We continue to receive enquiries about attendance at schools and settings. Here is a helpful reminder: 

  • Children and young people with an EHC plan should be allowed to continue attending their education setting if their parent wants them to (or, for post-16 provision, if the young person wants to attend).
  • Where, for any reason, it is not possible for a child or young person with SEND –
    including both those with an EHC plan and those who are supported through SEN
    Support – to attend their education setting during this period, they should receive
    remote education and support.
  • There is no change to the legal duty for schools and colleges to use their best endeavours in meeting the special educational needs of pupils/students whether they are accessing a place or are at home.

You can read more in the latest Government guidance

Guidance on who should be allowed to access a school place

Details on the system of protective measures that schools should put in place

Resources that are suitable for pupils and students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) of all ages

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) updated guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19

Guidance on making a support bubble with another household


Update on children's therapy services

Wolverhampton therapy service appointments are continuing with children & young people who have or are likely to have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) and for those attending a special school or other education setting with an active Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.


Rainbow

Support for home learning

Where it is not possible for a child or young person with SEND – including both those with an EHC plan and those who are supported through SEN Support – to attend their education setting during this period, they should receive remote education and support.

Supporting your children's remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Wolverhampton Education Psychology Service continues to offer a free consultation service to parents/carers living in Wolverhampton and also to parents/carers of children or young people in the care of Wolverhampton Local Authority.

Educational Psychology Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Outreach Service is now offering support directly to parents. This may include help for your child to engage in home learning, access the curriculum or develop on-task behaviours whilst learning at home. 

Wolverhampton Outreach parent support offer

You will find helpful information and resources on the Covid-19 page of the IASS website.


Equipment to support home learning

The City of Wolverhampton Council is supporting schools to access equipment to support pupils to learn remotely, through the DfE scheme and through a local device lending scheme (the council is loaning out laptops, MiFi dongles, data SIMs and providing BT Hotspot codes via schools). Parents should liaise with schools regarding digital hardware

The Council's Education Excellence department has developed a parental digital literacy offer in partnership with Adult Education Services and E-Services. Again, parents should contact their child’s school for more information.

The Council is raising the profile of the digital inclusion agenda in the city and collecting data to help us to understand the scale of need – this included a parent/pupil survey last term which many schools and families took part in. 

DigitalWolves has the latest local and national support to support children and families continue with their learning at home and online.


Contact

Covid vaccine update

 

Families who directly employ a personal assistant (PA) to care for their clinically vulnerable child are urged to contact their local authority to arrange for their PA to be vaccinated against Covid-19.  Find out more at Personal assistants for clinically vulnerable children eligible for Covid-19 vaccine now | Contact


Stay Safe Be Kind

Stay Safe Be Kind

 

You can find more advice and information on Coronavirus from the City of Wolverhampton Council website pages  and at Stay Safe Be Kind 

Including information on local Food Banks

During the current period of school closure due to Covid-19, schools are arranging support for children registered for Free School Meals (FSM). A national voucher scheme started last week too. Find out more at  Providing school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Government has temporarily extended free school meals eligibility to include some groups who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF), and covers both pupils who are attending school and who are at home due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you urgently need help with the costs of buying food for your children, please call the Stay Safe Be Kind helpline on 01902 290241.

If you are experiencing financial hardship  

Financial support and guidance | City Of Wolverhampton Council 

Email wrs.covid19@wolverhampton.gov.uk or call 07966 292321

 

Chat Health

Headstart

HeadStart Virtual Offer


Headstart Wolverhampton offers virtual wellbeing sessions for pupils, signposting and navigation to wellbeing resources and services that are available locally and nationally, as well as ‘Train the Trainer’ sessions on the Wellbeing Toolkit. In addition, sessions on stress for teaching staff can be booked via the Wolverhampton Education Wellbeing Network.

Read the latest Headstart newsletter 


HS_YES

Opportunity for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities

 

The Co-production and Youth Engagement Team that supports Wolverhampton’s youth voice is creating more opportunities for young people aged 11 – 25 to get involved. 

This is an exciting opportunity for young people to come together and share their views and experiences about things that are important to them and raise awareness. They will be supported to build their  confidence, develop new skills and work together with the City of Wolverhampton Council and its partners to make positive changes that will improve the lives of young people and their families.

To express an interest in joining the group please complete the Expression of Interest form. An easy read format and Parent/carer consent form is also available.

For more information please visit Wolverhampton Youth Engagement Strategy or contact Alison.baggs@wolverhampton.gov.uk


Voice4Parents virtual coffee mornings

CDC

Resources for families

 

The Council for Disabled Children has a list of Covid-19 support and guidance in one place at 

COVID-19 Support and Guidance | Council For Disabled Children


Contact

Supporting your child to sleep

 

Contact is offering a free workshop for for parents of children with additional needs living in the West Midlands to explore how you can support your child’s sleep.  Wednesday 24th February 7.30 - 9.30 pm.

Find out more and book a place at Brighter Beginnings: Supporting your child to sleep (West Midlands) Tickets, Wed 24 Feb 2021 at 19:30 | Eventbrite


Cauldwell Children

Digital Skills Training Programme

 

Caudwell Children is offering young people (18-25) with autism an opportunity to join its Digital Skills Training Programme aimed at upskilling and introducing individuals to the world of work within the Digital Industry.

There are still a couple of places left for the next course which starts 22nd February. To apply for a place on the Digital Skills Training Programme or for more information visit
www.caudwellchildren.com/digital-skills or email digitalskills@caudwellchildren.com

See Digital Skills flyer for details


GOV UK

Changes to Mental Health Act

 

The government is seeking views on proposed reform of the Mental Health Act. The Government's proposals aim to: 

  • Reduce detentions and ensure treatment is focused on improving health.
  • Give people greater control over their treatment.
  • Improve care for people with a learning disability or autism.
  • Tackle mental health inequalities.

The changes are summarised in a White Paper Reforming the Mental Health Act - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You can give your views on the proposals using the online portal at  Mental Health Act 2020 (dhsc.gov.uk)

Consultation runs until 21st April 2021.


Survey

Give your views

 

We always welcome feedback on experiences of using the IASS.  If you haven’t already please complete a short survey to tell us about your experience . https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/83S8PNJ


Please help us to increase our Social Media following

We post lots of information and advice on our Facebook and Twitter Pages to keep you aware and informed of upcoming events, activities, useful resources and other information.

If you don't already please follow us on Facebook and Twitter

@wolvesiass

@wolvesiass

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@wolvesiass


Update

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

Our next e-bulletin will be sent out Wednesday 24th February so please send any inserts by Friday 19th February.