In this issue:
SEND Summit: Key themes from the listening events and link to livestream
Thank you to all those who have shared their views and experience as part of the listening activities and events for the SEND summit. The findings from the listening activities reinforce our understanding of the challenges in the system. We have used your feedback to inform the key themes which will be discussed at the SEND Summit. These key themes can be grouped into 6 main areas:
- Accessing the right learning environment
- Ensuring timely and effective EHCP delivery
- Enhancing communication and collaboration
- Building workforce capacity in education, health and care services
- Improving equitable access to health services across the county
- Strengthening transitions and post-16 support
The SEND Summit taking place on Monday 15 September will be live streamed with a BSL interpreter to make the event available to as many people as possible.
You will be able to join the livestream through MS Teams. This will allow you to hear the key speakers, watch a Q and A with leadership from the council, health and education, and submit your questions.
The livestream will take place from 10am - 12.15pm and you can join at any time.
Find out more about the SEND summit and join the livestream
Introduction to the Special Care Dental Service (all ages)
The Hertfordshire Special Care Dental Service (HSCDS) is a community dental referral service for patients with additional needs. They offer a shared care approach with general dental practitioners (GDPs) and treat Hertfordshire residents who are unable to access dental treatment from their GDP and who meet the specific acceptance criteria.
They have clinics in Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Cheshunt and Letchworth. They are also able to provide a domiciliary (home visit) service to those patients who are unable to access our clinics.
General enquiries: 01727 732051
Home visits: 01727 732053
Email : hct.hertsdentaladmin@nhs.net
We provide personalised, safe, high quality dental care for all our patients in a relaxed and non-threatening way.
Find out more, including how to refer to the Special Dental Care Service
Need some strategies now to make looking after your child's oral health easier?
Check out the resources section for tips and information on toothbrushing for children with additional needs
Visit ToothPASTE - a free, online resource developed with parents and professionals to support autistic children's oral health.
Celebrating the transformation of the Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre (ages 11-25)
Thanks to a grant from the DCMS Youth Investment Fund, the Services for Young People (SfYP) Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space for young people in the community. Young people with SEND played a crucial role in the transformation, ensuring it became an inclusive space for all.
To celebrate the completion of the refurbishment, an event was held for partner agencies and other local service providers to come together and view the completed centre. Some of the young people involved in shaping the developments, including Nathan, a member of the SfYP Broxbourne SEND Youth Council, also attended and talked about their involvement and the difference the improvements and new facilities has made to them and other young people in the area.
Read the full story with quotes and photos of the speakers and new facilities
Improving the Directory for people with learning disabilities (all ages)
Are you aware of the Hertfordshire County Council's Directory of Services, which promotes all sorts of groups and services across the county, including many for people with a learning disability?
We're trying to improve the Directory and make it more useful for people with a learning disability and their family and carers. If we can make the Directory better for them, it will be better for everyone else too!
We also know people with a learning disability can experience isolation and we'd like to help them find safe and supported activities and groups near where they live.
We've created a short survey and we would really appreciate your views. It can be completed by someone with a learning disability or a family member or support worker.
Complete the Hertfordshire Directory survey for people with a learning disability
Events
View all courses and activities
Inclusive United - learning disabilities futsal (ages 18+)
Thursday 4 September, 1pm, Hertfordshire Sports village, Hatfield
Participants will learn about futsal and play in a safe, inclusive and fun environment.
ADD-vance: Understanding ADHD and Autism in girls - 6 week course
Tuesday 9 September 10am - 12pm, online
6 week course for parent/carers of girls aged 5-14 yrs with a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of ADHD and/or Autism.
Carers in Herts: Bishop's Stortford Carer Support Hub
Wednesday 3 September, 10.30am, Bishop's Stortford
The Carer Support Hubs allow you to meet with other carers, share information, support each other and chat over a cuppa.