Wokingham Borough Connect
 Beth's colourful heart is award-winning art!
We're pleased to announce the winner of a logo competition for Wokingham's Autism Partnership, which was open to people to live, study or work in the borough.
Everyone's ideas were displayed at the Autism Celebration Event at the Oakwood Centre in April, so people at the event could vote for their favourite.
Beth, whose rainbow heart design came first, will receive an Amazon voucher as a prize while Hannah and Presley were named runners-up.
Wokingham's Autism Partnership is made up of organisations, groups and people in our borough. They work together to develop plans and drive progress, led by local autistic people of all ages and their families.
On top of what's in this newsletter, you may find more useful information on our SEND Local Offer webpages and Local Offer Directory.
 Help at hand for school movers of all ages
There's still time to join our online sessions for families with a child who:
- has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- will start Reception or Year 7 in September 2026
The sessions will provide a step by step guide to the Phase Transfer process, so you know what to expect and when.
The sessions are on Tuesday 6 May, 10am to 11am or 7 to 8pm.
You can also book onto sessions for parents with a young person due to move to sixth form, college or other education in September 2026.
The sessions are on Tuesday 3 June, 10am to 11am or 7 to 8pm.
 Helping neurodiverse children to thrive in school
SEND Voices Wokingham are excited to be part of the national Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) project.
It aims to create more inclusive, understanding, and supportive environments for neurodiverse children in mainstream schools.
In Wokingham Borough, 30 of our primary schools are involved. The project is led by the Department for Education and NHS England.
Other upcoming events for SEND families
Over the summer term, SEND Voices Wokingham are running free events for parents and carers including:
- Drop-in and chat sessions, a great chance to connect with other SEND parents
- SENDIASS training courses on the EHCP process, EHCP annual reviews, SEND support in school and preparing for adulthood
More about these events and others in the summer term can be found online and you can book by sending an email.
SEND Voices Wokingham, the independent parent carer forum for Wokingham Borough, gives families and carers of children and young people with SEND a voice and opportunities to participate fully in developing services.
 Explore post-16 options at SEND event and online
Join us at a market stall event for families and young people aged 12 and up to explore their next steps. You can book your free ticket online.
There'll be a range of information and support services, including representatives from Bracknell and Wokingham College and Reading College.
 Get a better understanding of ADHD
Local charity Parenting Special Children is running an online ADHD course for parents and carers, across three sessions, which covers:
- An introduction to ADHD, including strengths and opportunities
- The link between anxiety and ADHD
- Strategies to support children and young people
The first session takes place on Thursday 8 May, 7 to 9pm. Book your place online.
You can also find more courses and support on the Parenting Special Children website.
Online autism support for parents and carers
Autism Central Hubs are funded by the NHS to provide free education and coaching to families.
In May and June, the South East Hub offers free online workshops on themes like:
- Low demand parenting
- Transitions to primary and secondary school
- Supporting autistic parents
 Sunday soft play sessions for SEN
At Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley, SEN sessions take place every Sunday from 8.30 to 10am.
Children up to 12 years old can enjoy the three-storey soft play area. Find out more on the Places Leisure website.
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