In this issue:
SEND Listening events
Thank you to everyone who has already filled in our online survey or attended one of our listening events last week - we met over 100 of you in-person and your feedback is invaluable.
If you haven't yet had your say, make sure you complete the survey before midnight on Thursday 31 July. We want to ensure that the voices of families are at the heart of our SEND Summit taking place in September. Your experiences and ideas will help shape the event and our future SEND Strategy.
Support available over the holidays (all ages)
SENDIASS are open throughout the holidays. They provide information, advice and support about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities for families living in Hertfordshire on a range of issues. Their aim is to empower and enable children and young people with SEN/D and their parents/carers to take an active role in decision making on matters relating to their needs.
The Neurodiversity Support Hub is open throughout the holidays from Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm. An advice service offering support, signposting and guidance about a whole range of things relating to ADHD and Autism. Tel: 01727 833963. You do not need a diagnosis to access this service.
The Therapies Advice line is also open throughout the summer. To contact the children and young people's therapy (CYPT) service: Call: 01923 470 680, choose option 3, then option 1 for children not known to the service or option 2 for children known to the service. The advice line is a dedicated telephone number which parents, carers and professionals can call to speak to a therapist about a new referral or a child’s development.
National Sleep Helpline. Having a sleep issue is surprisingly common. At any given time up to 40% of adults and 50% of children (this rises to 80% with a SEND diagnosis) have difficulties with their sleep. The helpline is run by a team of specialist trained sleep advisors. Although they cannot give medical advice, they can talk through your issues, offer you some practical strategies and recommend services that could help. Tel: 03303 530 541 Open 9am - 11am Mondays and Wednesdays, and 7pm - 9pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Take part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge (ages 4+)
This year's reading challenge is available all summer holidays in
Hertfordshire Libraries. It's free and open to all children.
Sign up for FREE at any Hertfordshire Library, read six books, and collect special stickers and rewards – while stocks last. Those who complete the challenge will be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to an interactive workshop with the celebrated author, Sean Taylor.
There are books to suit everyone.... stories, non-fiction books, picture books, audio books, braille books and large print. If you can't find something suitable, talk to a librarian and they can help you order something your child will enjoy. You just need to be a member of Hertfordshire Libraries to take part.
Read more about the Summer Reading Challenge
Summer Fun with the Family Centre Services (ages 0-5 and siblings up to 8)
This summer, the Hertfordshire Family Centre Service have a fantastic mix of activities designed for children aged 0–5, with plenty to keep older siblings (up to 8 years old) engaged too. Whether you’re looking to explore, get messy, or try something new, there’s lots to enjoy across Hertfordshire.
Non SEND specific events
- Family Fun sessions are back, with new weekly themes to spark children’s imaginations. From storytelling and seaside-inspired crafts to active games and messy play, each session offers a chance for little ones to learn through play. Sessions are just £2.50 per family and are suitable for 0 - 5s, with older siblings up to age 8 welcome to join in.
- One of our summer specials is Fun on the Farm, where Ark Farm Mobile Farm will be visiting selected centres to give families a hands-on experience with friendly animals like sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys and ducks. A brilliant opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy some outdoor fun. Tickets are £3.50 per child and booking is essential via our district Eventbrite accounts.
SEND specific events
- We’re running SEND Cycling sessions for children aged 4–8 with special educational needs and disabilities. These bookable free sessions provide a calm, inclusive environment where children can develop their cycling skills at their own pace.
- SEND Family Fun sessions replace our usual SEND Chat and Plays in some locations, too. These adapted Family Fun sessions still have new weekly themes and lots to do, like crafts and messy play. Sessions are free and suitable for ages 0 - 5, with siblings up to age 8 welcome too.
So whether you're looking for something active, creative, or just a little bit different, we’ve got plenty to keep your family entertained this summer. Find out What’s On in your local area.
Support for exam results (ages 16+)
Young people who are getting their A-level, T-level or GCSE results this August can get support from Services for Young People (SfYP) as they decide on their next steps.
Whether the results are better or worse than expected, SfYP offers the latest information and impartial advice to help young people with their important choices. They can help young people rethink their plans or explore new options if needed. One-to-one personalised advice is available from SfYP Advisers in schools and at SfYP 11-5 Hubs at young people’s centres across Hertfordshire. Young people can contact their local team to make an appointment or just drop in during the opening hours. Phone or video-call appointments are also available.
Get more details including the opening times and SfYP local team contact details
Events
Check out Hertfordshire's Fifty Thrifty Things to do this summer - low cost or free family activities around Hertfordshire.
View all courses and activities
Herts Inclusive Theatre - Build your world drama workshop (ages 5-12)
Tuesday 5 August, 10am - BEAM theatre, Hertford
Join in the fun and create a world of your own using drama, movement, and arts and crafts
Bishop Stortford Museum - relaxed museum tours
Every second Friday of the month, 10am - 1pm
The relaxed Museum Tour is a new, free-of-charge package for visitors with additional needs, such as those living with dementia, autism, speech and hearing impairments, low vision, or similar.
Up on Downs - Family Support Meeting
Saturday 9 August, 12pm, Hitchin Youth Trust
These family support meetings are the perfect way to meet new families and share news and experiences whilst the children socialise and play together.
Hudnall Park Activities (for young people aged 13-19)
20, 21, 27, 28 August, various times, Hudnall Park near Berkhamsted
Free adventurous outdoor activities for young people aged 13-19 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.