IASS February 2026 E- Bulletin

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Feb

 

Welcome to our
February E- Bulletin

 


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.


IASS SEND Surgery- Cherry St flyer p.1

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


Embrace Outreach- peer group 26.02.26

SLT workshops '26

EBSNA community workshops '26

Training presentation

Wolverhampton Outreach Service: February parent/ carer training workshops

 


Thursday 5 February at 9:30am
Introduction to Autism
Online webinar: 
Online Introduction to Autism with Rachel Watson - Wolverhampton Outreach Service and Family Hubs · Eequ

 

Tuesday 10 February at 9:30am
Understanding Demand Avoidance
at Cherry Street SEND and Sensory Hub, WV3 0QW: 
Understanding Demand Avoidance with Rachel Watson - Wolverhampton Outreach Service and Family Hubs · Eequ

 

Thursday 12 February at 9:30am
Supporting Sensory Differences
at Graiseley Family Hub, WV2 4NE: 
Supporting Sensory Differences with Rachel Watson - Wolverhampton Outreach Service and Family Hubs · Eequ

 

Wednesday 25 February at 12:30pm
Autism and Understanding Behaviour
Online webinar:
Online Autism & Understanding Behaviour with Rachel Watson - Wolverhampton Outreach Service and Family Hubs · Eequ 

 

Thursday 26 February at 9:30am
Navigating barriers to school attendance
at Cherry Street SEND and Sensory Hub, WV3 0QW: 
Navigating Barriers to School Attendance with Rachel Watson - Wolverhampton Outreach Service and Family Hubs · Eequ

 

Thursday 26 February 12:00pm
SEND Parent Champions- Friendship Group
Graiseley Family Hub, WV2 4NE: 
SEND Parent Champions - Friendship Group with Rachel Watson - Wolverhampton Outreach Service and Family Hubs · Eequ


Reflexions Game & Chill

Pit Stop playtime- SEND session March '26

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


Place 2 Be- Children's mental health week 9- 15 Feb '26

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


witherslack

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

Contact

Contact for families
with disabled children:
Upcoming webinar events 

 

 

Thursday 5 February at 7:00pm-
Supporting child's social communication skills (age 0-5 yrs)
:
Supporting your child’s social communication skills (age 0-5) England Tickets, Thu 5 Feb 2026 at 19:00 | Eventbrite

The online workshop outlines how social communication develops, how you can help, strategies to support and access to further resources.

 

Wednesday 25 February at 10:00am-
Supporting children with disabilities in mainstream settings:
Supporting children with disabilities in mainstream settings - DDI Tickets, Wed, Feb 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

The workshop is for parent carers of school-aged children and young people with additional needs or disabilities (with or without a diagnosis) in England.
The online workshop will cover:

· Ordinary provision available in mainstream settings

· Laws and policies in place to support your child

· SEN support

· The role of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

· The process behind Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans

· Information about professionals that may be involved.

 

Thursday 26 February at 7:00pm- 
Brighter Beginnings- Money Matters (age 0- 5):
Brighter Beginnings - Money Matters (age 0 to 5) ENGLAND Tickets, Thu 26 Feb 2026 at 19:00 | Eventbrite

Advice on benefits and how to maximise your finances for parents/carers with a child with additional needs (aged 0 to 5) in England.


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:

@wolvesiass

@wolvesiass

Instagram

@wolves.iass


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