IASS December '25 E- Bulletin

Have your say on SEND reforms

The Department for Education will publish the Schools White Paper in 2026, along with its plans for improving special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support - making sure every child and young person can thrive.

To help them with this they are running a series of events across England and online, open to everyone with a stake in building a better SEND system.

They want to have an open conversation on points and ideas organisations have raised to help inform how they shape the policy in the White Paper. This is not a formal consultation. A public consultation on some aspects of the SEND plans will be launched alongside publication of the Schools White Paper.

Have your say and share your views via the online conversation at:
SEND reform national conversation - Department for Education - Citizen Space

Consultation closes 14th January 2026.

The Department for Education is hosting a number of online events joined by Schools Minister Georgia Gould and a panel of experts. Parents, carers, education staff, and professionals from across the SEND community are encouraged to join the discussion. 

You can join one of the upcoming online events at:
SEND Reform National Conversation - Online Series | Eventbrite

Teen Life parent programme
Starting Monday 15th Dec- Six week programme
Eastfield Family Hub, WV1 2QY
Book at: Teenlife Parent Programme with Rachel Watson - Wolverhampton Outreach Service and Family Hubs · Eequ

This six week programme is for parents and carers of children aged 10 to 16, who have a diagnosis of autism or are on the pathway.

Each week will look at a different topic that impacts teenagers with autism; such as homework, sexuality and relationships. It is also an opportunity to meet other parents and carers, swap advice and support and to hear other people's experiences.

Licensed by the National Autistic Society and delivered by two trained facilitators.

SEND Parent Champions- Friendship Group
Thursday 11th December 9:30am
Graisley Family Hub, WV2 4NE
Book at: SEND Parent Champions - Friendship Group with Rachel Watson - Wolverhampton Outreach Service and Family Hubs · Eequ

The SEND Parent Champion friendship groups are organised by the Wolverhampton Outreach Service and parents who all have children with Autism or ADHD or have ADHD themselves.

Drop in for the opportunity to meet other parents and carers, share experiences, support each other and to get advice. The parent champions can offer group support, one to one mentoring and signposting to other services. 

PIP (Personal Independence
Payment) workshop:
17 Dec webinar

Join Autism West Midlands for their 17 Dec 10:00am free online workshop on PIP (personal Independence payment).

The workshop will help to build your understanding about PIP. The session covers eligibility, how to apply for PIP and organisations who might be able to support you with this application.

Book your place at: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Workshop | Autism West Midlands

'Autism and Me' programme for
children aged 8- 12 years: 
February 2026

Autism West Midlands offers it's free programme to children aged 8- 12 years with a diagnosis of Autism.

The three evenings, face to face small group sessions offers your child the opportunity to learn more about their condition, meet other children with similar experiences and gain supportive strategies that can help in their day- to day life.

The course takes place during the 17th, 18th & 19th February 2026 from 5.45pm to 7.15pm.

To register your interest visit: Autism and Me for diagnosed autistic children 8 - 12 years | Autism West Midlands

Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton:
Relaxed accessible performances

Treat your family to the magic of theatre with the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's relaxed performances this Christmas season.

During relaxed performances there will be a lowered volume, reduction of special effect lights and startling noises, open door access with free movement in and out of the auditorium, relaxed auditorium rules, sensory room, quiet spaces, changing rooms, live stream of the show and additional staff to help.

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime- 11, 12 & 13 Dec

Discover more relaxed performances and purchase your tickets at:
Access & Inclusion | Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Children's Pantomime- 22 Dec

It's pantomime time at the Bob Jones Community Hub - oh yes it is! - with a cast of five bringing the classic tale of Dick Whittington to the stage on Monday 22 December at 2pm.

Tickets are on sale now for the Chaplins Gold Panto production, priced just £6. Get yours from Bob Jones Community Hub on Bromley Street, or call 01902 555460 or email bobjones.communityhub@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Too Good To Chuck:
Wolverhampton recycling initiative

Too Good To Chuck is an initiative which has resulted in many items, which would otherwise have been thrown away, being donated at the Anchor Lane and Shaw Road Household Waste and Recycling Centres.

The programme enables residents to give their unloved items a whole new life and help other local families in need at the same time.

Donated items include wooden furniture, beds, household items, decorative items, anything which can be re-purposed or restored and ultimately re-loved by someone else.

If you could benefit from receiving items donated to the scheme,
complete the Too Good To Chuck application form 
and email to edbridgewood@gmail.com.