Wokingham Borough Connect
Alongside our SEND Local Offer webpages and our Local Offer Directory, this newsletter brings updates about what's on offer locally for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
This issue includes:
- Wokingham Autism Awareness Day
- Our market stall event for young people to explore post-16 options
- Online sessions about the process of moving to school or college with an EHCP
 Update from Jamie, Head of SEND
New SEND and Inclusion Strategy
Together with partners in the local area, we are proud to launch our new SEND and Inclusion Strategy.
It has been created in partnership with children, young people, parents, carers and professionals across education, health and social care.
Our collective vision is that Wokingham Borough is a place where all children and young people are visible, valued and included in their communities, are safe and cared for, achieve their potential, are healthy and feel happy, hopeful and loved.
Our strategy outlines a set of shared principles and agreed priorities for the next five years, to support children and young people achieve fantastic outcomes within our local community.
On the SEND Local Offer you can:
- Read a summary of the six priorities
- Download an easy read version of the strategy
- Read the strategy in full
Information events for families
We have several events coming up for families and young people. We hope these will be a great opportunity to get information and advice directly from services.
Share your feedback
Thank you to those who shared what you find helpful in this newsletter and where we can improve further. There’s still time to share your views in our two-minute, online survey.
 Celebrating World Autism Awareness Day
Come and join us for the Wokingham World Autism Awareness Day.
- Wednesday 2 April
- 2 to 7pm
- At the Oakwood Centre in Woodley (RG5 4JZ)
Book your free ticket online and drop in at a time that suits you.
On the day, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the All-age Autism Strategy and take part in action planning
- Find out about support for neurodivergent people and their families, from local charities, community and statutory organisations
- Join workshops to learn more about autism, including communication and sensory differences
- Join activities, including Brickies Lego – fun for all ages
The event is hosted by The Autism Partnership, made up of organisations, groups and individuals in Wokingham Borough. Together we develop plans and drive progress, led by the local autistic community and their families.
Autism Partnership logo competition
We're running a competition to design a logo for the Autism Partnership. It's open to all who live, go to school or work in the borough. Visit our website to find out more and take part.
 Explore post-16 options at our SEND event
We are inviting young people aged 12 and up, and their families to attend a free, market stall event to support with preparing for adulthood.
This event will bring together a range of information and local support services, to support young people with SEND to explore post-16 options.
Book your free ticket online and drop in when it suits you.
 Online sessions: moving to school or college with an EHCP
We are hosting online information, question and answer sessions, for families with a child or young person who:
- has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- will start Reception, Year 7 or post-16 education in September 2026
The sessions will provide a step by step guide to the Phase Transfer process, so that you feel well-informed about your child or young person’s move to a new phase of education.
Sessions for children moving to Reception and Year 7
- Tuesday 6 May, 10am to 11am or 7 to 8pm
Sessions for young people moving to post-16 education
- Tuesday 3 June, 10am to 11am or 7 to 8pm
Book your place online.
 Download a guide to local services
SEND Voices Wokingham have updated two guides for parents and carers about services, organisations and support available locally.
The SEND Guide for Parents is particularly helpful for those who are new to the SEND system locally. Click on the links in the guide to take you to more information.
The SEND Local Offer Guide includes lots of local organisations, charities and services offering support, activities and help.
Both guides are also available as printed copies. Please email info@sendvoiceswokingham.org.uk if you would like copies.
Pick up a Max Card
With the Easter Holidays just around the corner, a reminder that members of SEND Voices Wokingham are eligible for a Max Card, which is a nationwide discount card for families who have a child with SEND.Find out about membership on the SEND Voices website.
SEND Voices Wokingham is the independent parent carer forum for Wokingham Borough. It gives families and carers of children and young people with SEND a voice and opportunities to participate fully in the development of services.
 Life skills for neurodivergent teenagers
Local charity ASD Family Help are running the Safer Me Project. The project is aimed at autistic and neurodivergent teens aged 15 to 19, who want to meet others in safe and welcoming spaces, while learning new things.
The sessions cover topics such as:
- Healthy relationships
- Community safety and travel training
- Behaviour and communication
- Money, online and sexual safety
- Alcohol, drugs, health and wellbeing
The project will be taking a second intake of young people from May. If you'd like more information, get in touch with ASD Family Help at rachael@asdfamilyhelp.org
 Accessible activities for the Easter holidays
Stay and play sessions at Our House
Local charity Building for the Future are offering stay and play sessions at their accessible play centre, Our House, Wokingham, on these dates:
- Tuesday 8 April, 1 to 3pm
- Friday 11 April, 10am to 12pm
- Monday 14 April, 10am to 12pm
The facilities include a soft-play area, sensory room, teen chill-out zone, toys for all ages, an outdoor space and a parents’ room. There is an accessible bathroom with hoist and full size change table.
There is no need to book, just drop in. For more details, visit their page on the Local Offer Directory.
Building for the Future also run Saturday Clubs twice a month for children with SEND, as well as a Ladybirds playgroup for under fives and their siblings.
Easter crafts at Reading Museum
On Monday 14 April, Reading Museum has craft sessions aimed at neurodivergent visitors and their families.
A breakout room with tents, cushions and sensory bags will also be available. Book online on the Reading Museum website.
Accessibility guidance for LEGOLAND, Windsor
LEGOLAND have updated their accessibility guidance on their website to support families when planning a visit.
The park offers a virtual queuing system to assist guests who are not able to queue due to physical or emotional needs, as well as a sensory guide to each ride.
There is also a sensory space, designed to provide a calm and quiet area for guests with additional sensory needs.
 Spotlight on clubs for young adults
The Local Offer Directory lists lots of local clubs for teenagers and young adults with SEND. There are a range of activities to choose from, including special interests, drama and karaoke.
Browse the list of clubs, or get in touch if you would like some help to find what you need localoffer@wokingham.gov.uk
 Share your views on this newsletter
There's still time to give us your feedback. We'd be grateful if you could complete this two minute, anonymous survey to tell us what works well in this newsletter and where we could improve further.
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