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.
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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)
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.
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.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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