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Welcome to our
September 2024 E- Bulletin
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IASS workshops and training
The IASS team love speaking with parents and carers to offer the information you need to feel empowered and move forward with your situations. We do this in many ways, one of which being our FREE legal sessions and workshops that we deliver throughout the year.
You will not be surprised to learn that these sessions take time for our staff to prepare and deliver, and in some cases there are costs for venues. Although the sessions are usually fully booked they are not always fully attended. We understand that things happen and you may have to change your plans. We would really appreciate your help in letting us know if you are unable to attend, whenever possible in advance, so that someone else may have the opportunity to take your place. If you do need to cancel you can do this via your ticket on Eventbrite or email ias.service@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Do take a look at this term’s events below and book a place if you wish to attend.
Please note for our Makaton Level 1 training for parents and carers IASS will pay for the resources which you will get to keep. You will need to attend both sessions.
You must live in Wolverhampton to attend our parent carer workshops.
IASS Autumn term training events
SEN Support
Tuesday 15th Oct 2024 at 10:30am
Virtual online training
Book at: SEN Support - The Graduated Approach Tickets, Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite
A one hour virtual training session for parents and carers to learn more about Wolverhampton's Graduated Approach to supporting children and young people in education within the city. Learn what support you can expect for your child and how you and your child will be involved.
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EHCP Annual Reviews
Thursday 3rd October 2024 at 10:00am
Virtual online training
Book at: EHCP Annual Review Tickets, Thu, Oct 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
An IASS workshop for parents and carers who have a child with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP).
Learn about the EHCP Annual Review process including:
- Timescales
- Who is responsible for the Annual Review
- Who should participate in the process
- What happens during the Annual Review process
- Outcomes following an Annual Review
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Support during exams:
access arrangements
Monday 7th October 2024 at 10:00am
Location: Brickkiln Community Centre, Cherry Street Wolverhampton, WV3 0QW
Book at: Access Arrangements Parent Workshop Tickets, Mon, Oct 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
IASS joins Wolverhampton's Specialist Teachers from the SEND Early Identification and Support Service along with Voice4Parents for this session about the support available children and young people during exams, otherwise known as access arrangements.
This session will provide you with the information you need about how access arrangements work, how schools identify pupils that may need access arrangements, the testing process and what that means for your child.
Staff from the Specialist Teachers service and IASS will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have related to access arrangements.
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Makaton Level 1 training opportunity for parents and carers
Dates: Thursday Mornings of 10th and 17th October
Location: Brickkiln Community Centre, Cherry Street Wolverhampton, WV3 0QW
Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.
Level 1 training provides a practical introduction to the Makaton Language Programme.
IASS is offering parents and carers the opportunity to complete a free Level 1 workshop. This will be delivered over two mornings (totalling 6 hours) and will require you to attend both sessions in order to gain your certificate and participant manual.
Please express your interest by emailing Stacey at ias.service@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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Working together to improve school attendance:
part-time timetables
New guidance for maintained schools, academies, independent schools and local authorities was issued by the Department for Education in August this year.
In particular we would like to share a few bullet points from paragraphs 65-69 regarding part-time timetables: Working together to improve school attendance (applies from 19 August 2024) (publishing.service.gov.uk)
All pupils of compulsory school age are entitled to a full-time education suitable to their age, aptitude and any special educational needs they may have. In some circumstances their education may be provided partially at school and partially at another educational setting or through education otherwise than at a school in line with section 19 of the Education Act 1996 or section 42 or 61 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
In very exceptional circumstances, where it is in a pupil’s best interests, there may be a need for a school to provide a pupil of compulsory school age with less than full-time education through a temporary part-time timetable to meet their individual needs. For example, where a medical condition prevents a pupil from attending school or another setting full-time and a part-time timetable is used to help the pupil access as much education as possible. A part-time timetable should not be used to manage a pupil’s behaviour.
A part-time timetable should:
- Have the agreement of both the school and the parent the pupil normally lives with.
- Have a clear ambition and be part of the pupil’s wider support, health care or reintegration plan.
- Have regular review dates which include the pupil and their parents to ensure it is only in place for the shortest time necessary.
- Have a proposed end date that takes into account the circumstances of the pupil, after which the pupil is expected to attend full-time, either at school or alternative provision. This can be extended as part of the regular review process. In some limited cases, a pupil with a long-term health condition may require a part-time timetable for a prolonged period.
VoiceAbility Advocacy Service
The City of Wolverhampton Council has appointed VoiceAbility as its new advocacy service provider.
Advocacy helps to ensure that people's voices, wishes and preferences are heard, their rights are upheld, and their needs are met, particularly when they have difficulty in speaking up for themselves or are concerned that they are not being heard.
“If you or someone you know feels they do not have enough of a say in decisions about treatment or care, if you want to understand your rights, or would like support while going through social care or NHS services, VoiceAbility is there to help you to get your voice heard.”
To make an enquiry or referral, please email helpline@voiceability.org, call free on 0300 303 1660, or to find out more about what the service offers in Wolverhampton visit the VoiceAbility website: VoiceAbility | Wolverhampton
Base 25 opportunities
Base 25 café,
29-31 Temple St,
Wolverhampton
WV2 4AN
SEND Solutions Surgery
IASS is pleased to announce in partnership with Base 25 we will be delivering our SEND Solutions surgery on the last Thursday every month.
Visit on 26 September and 31 October from 1:00pm to 4:00pm for a confidential chat to receive information and advice on matters relating to special educational needs and disability for children and young people up to 25 years.
For more information about Base 25 visit their website:
Base 25 – Supporting young people in Wolverhampton
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Helping Profession training programme
From September, Base 25 offers 16 to 24 year olds its funded two day training programme of 'Introduction to the Helping Profession'.
The course is a fantastic opportunity for anyone considering a career in youth work, mentoring, counselling, or social work.
The certificated course will explore techniques involved in supporting people in a one-to-one and group setting. You will learn valuable communication and interpersonal skills, as well as developing confidence in working in a diverse range of settings.
Email info@base25.org or visit Base 25's open event on 5 September from 2:30pm to learn more: (3) Development in the Helping Professions (Open Event) | Facebook
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Base 25 offers 16 to 25 year old its employment mentoring hub. Gain support with education, training and employment opportunities whilst also focusing on developing your emotional wellbeing.
Gain guidance on developing your CV, learn how to search for prospective jobs, enhance your interview skills and gain additional emotional health support if you are currently struggling within your setting. Available on:
Monday: 4pm-7pm
Wednesday: 4pm-7pm
Friday: 9am-12pm
Saturday: 12pm-4pm
Base 25 offers its Wellbeing Hub to 11 to 25 year olds. Gain low level therapeutic support through mentor guidance, 1:1 support, attend group sessions and gain bespoke advice and guidance to help to improve your emotional health and wellbeing. Available on:
Monday: 4pm-7pm
Wednesday:4pm-7pm
Friday: 9am-12pm
Saturday:12pm-4pm
Wolves Play Café
Wolves Play Café offers outdoor play and learning experience for young ones and children with SEND.
Sessions take place at community centres, parks, allotments and schools across Wolverhampton. Sessions include Play in the Park, Wolves in the Woods and drop in café.
Learn more and view their upcoming events at: Wolves Play Cafe - Wolves Play Cafe
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The Witherslack Group:
Free training webinars
Re- engage your child with learning
Wednesday 4 September at 10:00am
Book at: Re-engage Your Child With Learning - Witherslack Group
The Witherslack Group welcomes parents and carers to their 4 September webinar to provide you with tips and strategies to re-ignite your child's passion for learning after the summer holidays, plus ideas of how to re-introduce learning at home.
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Helping your child navigate transitions
in education
Wednesday 11 September at 10:00am
Book at: Helping Your Child Navigate Transitions in Education - Witherslack Group
The Witherslack Group welcomes parents and carers to their 11 September webinar 'Helping your child navigate transitions in education'.
Learn practical strategies to help ease your child's anxiety about moving into a new class, year or school following the summer holidays. The session will provide tips for helping your child adjust to new routines and environments, strategies for supporting their emotional well-being, plus idea for how you can support them understand feelings of distress about navigating educational transitions.
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Working with your child's school
Thursday 19 September 10:00am
Book at: Working With Your Child's School - Witherslack Group
The Witherslack Group welcomes parents and carers to their 11 September webinar 'working with your child's school'.
Discover how to create a supportive and collaborative home- school relationship to ensure your child's school success.
The session will share advice and guidance on building positive interactions and working in co-operation with the school team to ensure your child's needs are fulfilled both in and outside of the classroom.
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Understanding Emotionally
Based School Avoidance
Wednesday 25 September 10:00am
Book at: Understanding Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) - Witherslack Group
The Witherslack Group welcomes parents, carers and professionals to their 25 September webinar 'Understanding Emotionally Based School Avoidance'.
Discover the causes of emotionally based school non- attendance, and learn approaches to support children and young people to manage their feelings of overwhelm regarding the school environment and experience.
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SEN Conference:
Strategies, Support and
Success For Our Children
Wednesday 9 October 10:00am to 3:00pm
Book at: Virtual SEN Conference: Strategies, Support & Success For Our Children - Witherslack Group
The Witherslack Group invites parents and carers to its 9 October Virtual SEN Conference focusing on 'strategies, support and success for our children'.
Gain tools for success, guidance on building self- esteem, life, communication and social skills and support into employment.
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Autism West Midlands opportunities
Autism and the teenage brain webinar
Tuesday 10 September 9:30am to 10:30am
Book at: Autism and the Teenage Brain - WebinarNinja
Autism West Midlands offers its free webinar 'Autism and the teenage brain' on 10 September at 9:30am.
The in- depth training session will discuss changes to the teenage brain during puberty, autism and growing up, executive functioning and provide you with strategies to support your autistic teen.
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Black Country parent support group
Wednesday 11 September 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: The Walsall Hub, 1902 Green Lane, WS2 8HE
Book at: Black Country Parents Support Group Tickets, Wed, Sep 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
Parents and carers of Autistic children and young people are invitied to join Autism West Midlands 'Black Country Parent Support Group' on 11 September at 10:00am.
The session will be lead by a senior trainer from Autism West Midlands and is a great opportunities to engage in a Q&A session and meet local families.
For more information email michelleh@autismwestmidslands.org.uk
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Parent Carer support group evening
Wednesday 18th September 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Gospel Oak Pub, 1 Bilston Road, Tipton,
DY4 0BT
Book at: Parent/ Carer Evening Support Group Tickets, Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
This is a wonderful opportunity to treat yourself to a nice meal and connect with parents and carers on their Autism Journey (no-diagnosis required).
An Autism Specialist Advisor will be available to answer any questions you may have about Autism and share what support you and your family can access.
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Autism and Girls webinar
Tuesday 8 October 9:30am to 10:30am
Book at: Autism and Girls - WebinarNinja
Autism West Midlands offers its 'Autism and Girls' free webinar on 8 October at 9:30am.
The session will discuss why girls often find it more difficult to obtain a diagnosis, particular challenges autistic girls may face, the internalised autistic profile and how to support autistic girls.
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BSL training opportunity
This course is aimed at those who have little or no knowledge of British Sign Language (BSL) and are working with or in contact with deaf or hearing impaired children on a day-to-day basis or just want to build their knowledge and awareness.
It is a 15-week course which takes place every term time every Thursday with two session times – 1:00 to 2:00pm or 4:30-5:30pm. Each session should be attended as there is a lot to cover and each week is different.
To book your place or for more information please contact Danielle Smith via email: Danielle.smith@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Gazebo Theatre: Arts Trainee Programme
From 9 September Gazebo Theatre is offering a free 10 week trainee programme to 18- 24 year olds that dream of a career in theatre and the arts.
Through mentoring, training and accredited qualifications you are supported to find your ideal career.
Email info@gazebotheatre.com for more information and complete the application form at: Gazebo Theatre Interest in Training Form (office.com)
Help for Families
Did you know that Contact for families with disabled children offers advice and information on topics which may help you and your child. These include:
- Early years support
- Benefits and tax credits
- Education and learning
- Social care
- Health and medical information
- Family life, work and childcare
- Preparing for adulthood
There is also a FAQ tool which you can check out and a helpline.
You can access this information via the Contact website:
Information & advice (contact.org.uk)
Counting the Costs 2024 Survey
Contact for families with disabled children wants to hear from parents and carers about the financial impact of having a disabled child.
From energy costs, adaptation expenses, assessments, equipment and therapies, have your say in their 'counting the costs' 2024 survey.
Complete before 23 September deadline at:
Counting the Costs 2024 Survey (surveymonkey.com)
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Autistic Girls Network:
Reasonable adjustments guide
As the new school year begins, Autistic girls may find the thought and experience of returning to the school environment overwhelming.
The Autistic Girls Network offers its 'Reasonable Adjustments' guide to parents, carers and teaching professionals.
The guide provides suggested tips and reasonable adjustments that can be established throughout the school day, within the classroom, during break times, with homework and during exams to help support the school experience for neurodivergent pupils.
View at: AGN Reasonable Adjustments Possible at School (autisticgirlsnetwork.org)
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My NDSC App
The National Deaf Children's Society has launched its 'My NDCS' app; a free app available to parents and carers of a child with hearing loss or deafness to provide information, support and expert guidance.
Download from your mobile app store and find out more at:
My NDCS app | National Deaf Children's Society
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Wizzybug Electronic
Wheelchair Loan
The Wizzybug Loan Scheme provides electronic wheelchairs to disabled children aged 14 months to 5 years.
The wheelchair offers children the fun and independence of movement and is available to a child with a condition or developmental delay that effects their ability to walk, including those who do not yet have a diagnosis.
Find out more and apply at: Wizzybug - Designability
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Complete our evaluation survey
Wolves IASS is always grateful for the wonderful feedback we receive from families that have benefitted from our service.
If you have been supported by IASS previously, we would love to hear about your experience with us.
Please complete our evaluation survey at: Wolverhampton IASS Survey Jan - Dec 2024 - City of Wolverhampton Council - Citizen Space
Follow us on social media
We post lots of information and advice on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Pages to keep you aware and informed of upcoming events, activities, useful resources and other information:
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