Welcome to our February E- Bulletin
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Risks of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support with SEN legal processes
The national network for IAS services (IASSN) which reports directly to the Department for Education, has released the following statement on the risk of using AI tools in relation to the law and accessing legal guidance:
“Parent/carers, children and young people have the right access information, advice and support where they choose, including the use of artificial intelligence tools. However, IASSN’s position is that artificial intelligence does not provide an accurate or reliable source of information and guidance on the law. The risk of incorrect or misleading legal information being provided to parent/carers, children and young people who make use of such tools is high."
The High Court of Justice has issued a regulatory warning in 2025 against the misuse of artificial intelligence in legal cases:
“Freely available generative artificial intelligence tools, trained on a large language model such as ChatGPT are not capable of conducting reliable legal research. Such tools can produce apparently coherent and plausible responses to prompts, but those coherent and plausible responses may turn out to be entirely incorrect. The responses may make confident assertions that are simply untrue. They may cite sources that do not exist. They may purport to quote passages from a genuine source that do not appear in that source.”
A reminder that parents, carers, children and young people can contact Wolverhampton IASS for free, impartial and confidential advice on SEN legal matters by leaving a message on our answer phone 01902 556945 and one of the team will call you back, email ias.service@wolverhampton.gov.uk or complete our web contact form: Contact us | Wolverhampton Information, Advice & Support Service
Alternatively drop in to our SEND Surgery held every Tuesday 1-4pm during term time at Cherry Street SEND and Sensory Hub WV3 0QW.
Help shape Wolverhampton’s School Accessibility Strategy
The City of Wolverhampton Council is inviting children and young people, parents and carers, education leaders, and social care and health professionals to help shape its new School Accessibility Strategy.
A consultation on the draft strategy in underway and will run until Sunday 22 February, 2026, gathering feedback from key stakeholders to ensure the final strategy reflects the needs and priorities of local people.
Under the Equality Act 2010, councils must prepare and implement an Accessibility Strategy for the maintained schools they are responsible for, setting out how the schools will improve access to education for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
The draft strategy outlines how the council will support inclusive practice across all settings, improve physical access to school environments, and enhance the delivery of information to pupils with SEND.
To view the draft strategy and share your views, please visit: School Accessibility Strategy Consultation - City of Wolverhampton Council - Citizen Space
All Means All
The City of Wolverhampton Council’s has launched its new Inclusion Charter, 'All Means All'. It sets out Wolverhampton's shared definition of inclusion, why it matters, and the lifelong impact it has on children and families.
The charter has been co-produced with children, young people, families and professionals, and it reflects what young people themselves have said about how it feels to be included. The charter also outlines commitments for schools and services to work together to ensure every child and young person is supported.
You can find out more about the Inclusion Charter at: Inclusion Charter - All means All | Wolverhampton SEND Local Offer
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Pit Stop Playtime SEN Session
Pit Stop Playtime offers car themed stay and play sessions. Their first SEN Session is taking place on Sunday 29th March 12:15pm at Wombourne Village Hall.
The SEN session is designed for children who benefit from a calmer environment, while still enjoying all the fun of car-themed play.
To find out more and book the SEN Session visit: Pitstop Playtime Events - Booking by Bookwhen
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Children's mental health week resources
From the 9- 15 February, Place 2 Be celebrates Children's Mental Health Week by offering free resources and fund raising packs.
Whether you're a primary school, secondary school, family, community group or workplace, they have got activities and resources for all.
Access at: Place2Be's Children's Mental Health Week - Official site
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The Witherslack Group: Upcoming training events
Behind the avoidance: What is PDA? 4 February-10:00am to 11:00am Book at: Behind The Avoidance: What Is PDA?
This webinar helps to build your understanding of PDA by exploring how anxiety develops, when it is triggered and how it presents in pressure- sensitive children. Examine the impact of PDA on children and the wider family, and gain practical ways to reduce anxiety and support positive engagement and participation.
High-Impact Strategies For Building An Inclusive Mainstream School 4 February- 3:30pm- 4:30pm Book at: High-Impact Strategies For Building An Inclusive Mainstream School
This webinar is ideal for teaching professional looking for practical strategies to help support neurodiverse learners in the classroom. The webinar will discuss:
- High-impact strategies that embed inclusion into everyday classroom and school-wide practice.
- Practical approaches to meeting diverse needs within mainstream settings so all pupils can thrive.
- Inclusive systems and cultures that improve wellbeing, engagement and long-term outcomes.
Neurodivergent Brains & Bodies: How Hormones Impact ADHD 11 February- 10:00am to 11:00am Book at: Neurodivergent Brains & Bodies: How Hormones Impact ADHD
Gain practical, evidence-based strategies to support your child with ADHD through hormonal changes. The webinar will discuss:
- How hormones influence ADHD behaviours and emotional regulation across developmental stages.
- Insights into neurodivergent brains and bodies, helping you anticipate challenges during hormonal changes.
- Practical strategies that help children thrive during periods of hormonal fluctuation.
Masking in Schools: How to spot the signs Wednesday 25 February- 10:00am to 11:00am Book at: Masking In Schools: How To Spot The Signs
Understand what masking and its impacts on the child, explore the signs and how it may present, gain strategies and self reflection practices to better support pupils who are masking.
Virtual SEN Conference: Neurodiversity and Inclusion: Practical Pathways for Education Wednesday 28 March- 10:00am to 3:00pm Book at: Virtual SEN Conference: Neurodiversity and Inclusion - Practical Pathways for Education
Discover practical strategies to support positive parent relationships, understand pupils behaviour and strategies to create positive environments and inclusive classrooms. The event's seminars discuss:
- Working Together For Inclusion: A Guide To Positive Parent-Teacher Partnership
- Understanding Pupils Behaviour As A Bodily Response, Not a Deliberate Choice
- Embodied Cognition: Creating A Positive Environment For Developing Brains
- Inclusive Classrooms: Supporting Pupils With Different Neurodivergent Needs
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New date to be announced for launch of parent carer forum
Due to unfortunate circumstances the launch of the new parent carer forum, which we advertised in our January ebulletin, has had to be postponed.
We will share the new date when it is announced via our social media.
Follow us on social media
We post lots of information and advice on our social media pages to keep you aware and informed of upcoming events, activities, useful resources and other information:
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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.
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