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Alongside our SEND Local Offer webpages and our Local Offer Directory, this half-termly newsletter brings news and updates about what's on offer locally for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), directly to your inbox.
 Give your views to Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are visiting our area as part of an inspection.
They will look at the arrangements for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The inspectors want to hear from:
- Children and young people with SEND
- Parents and carers
- Practitioners who work with children and young people with SEND
You can share your views by filling in an online survey.
You do not have to give your name. All responses will be treated in confidence.
The surveys close at 9am on Tuesday 20 January.
 Online session: supported internships
Ways into Work are hosting a Zoom session for young people with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and their families. It will explain their supported internship programmes starting in September 2026.
A supported internship is a work-based study programme for young people who:
- Are aged 16 to 24
- Have an EHCP
- Want a paid job in the future, and need some help to build skills and confidence
Find out more on the SEND Local Offer.
 Gardening holiday club in February half term
Garden Explorers is a holiday club in Reading run by the charity Thrive.
It is for children and young people:
- Aged 11 to 17 years
- With an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or in the process of getting one
During February half term, the holiday club will be running from 10.30am to 2.30pm on:
- Monday 16 February
- Tuesday 17 February
 Online update on local area SEND improvements
Parent carer forum SEND Voices Wokingham is hosting a Zoom session with representatives from Wokingham Borough Council and the NHS.
The session will cover:
Session details:
- Monday 19 January
- 7pm to 8.30pm
To book a place, email info@sendvoiceswokingham.org.uk.
 Early language development workshops
NHS Berkshire Healthcare Children, Young People and Families Services run free, online workshops for:
- Parents and carers of pre-school aged children
- People working in early years settings
The workshops are led by Speech and Language Therapists. Upcoming workshops include:
- Helping children with unclear speech
- Autism and communication
Book online on the NHS Berkshire Healthcare CYPF website.
Speech and language helpline
Families with pre-school aged children can also speak to an NHS Speech and Language Therapist about their child’s communication. The helpline is open:
- 9am to 3.30pm
- Tuesdays and Thursdays
Telephone: 0118 9043700
 New autism family wellbeing course
The University of Reading's Centre for Autism Wellbeing Hub has developed a new course for parents and carers of autistic children. The course aims to help families better understand their child, while also supporting parental wellbeing.
The course is delivered by Dr Jo Billington, alongside an autistic parenting practitioner from the local charity Parenting Special Children.
Sessions will take place in person at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus.
Find out more on the University of Reading website.
Monthly talks and meet ups for families
The Centre for Autism Wellbeing Hub also hosts monthly talks and meet ups for parents and carers. The February meet up will focus on school attendance and mental health.
Browse upcoming events on EventBrite.
 Courses and drop-ins for families
Wokingham SENDIASS and SEND Voices Wokingham work together to offer free courses for parents. Upcoming courses include:
- SEND support in school
- Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs): for those new to the process
- EHCP Annual reviews
You can find the course dates on the SEND Voices Wokingham website.
SEND coffee morning with SENDIASS drop-ins
SENDIASS offer free, impartial advice to families. Drop-ins take place every fortnight, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. SEND Voices Wokingham will also be there to offer a cup of tea or coffee, a chat and opportunity to connect with other families.
Find dates and times for SENDIASS drop-ins.
ASSIST drop-ins
ASSIST is the council's support service for families with autistic children and young people. The service runs monthly, informal sessions where families can meet other parents, carers, and the ASSIST team. You can also book a one-to-one appointment.
Find dates and times for ASSIST drop-ins.
In case you missed it
The CAN (Children with Additional Needs) Network's January newsletter shared details of local clubs, including dance, drama and sports.
Read the January issue of The CAN Network newsletter.
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