In this issue:
Herts Card for Families (previously HAND card) (all ages)
Have you heard of the Herts Card?
The Herts Card (previously known as the HAND card) is designed to support and benefit families of children with SEND across Hertfordshire and provides discounts and exclusive support. Families of children and young people on Free School Meals are also now entitled to a Herts Card.
You do not need to reapply if you already have a HAND account - you can access the new card by logging into your existing account.
Find out more about the Herts Card and where you can use it.
Find out more about the Herts Card for those eligible for free school meals
Last chance to have your say in the Children and Young People's plan
Make sure you have your say before the survey closes on 16 March.
We are creating a new plan to support children and young people over the next five years. We want to hear from you. By answering the questions in this survey, you can tell us what you think is important. Your feedback will help us decide what to focus on. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 
Complete the survey - open until 16 March.
The current plan Hertfordshire's plan for children and young people 2021-26 sets out our vision which is for us to support Hertfordshire’s children and young people to be happy, feel loved and thrive in their family and community.
If you have any questions or need the survey in an alternative format please contact p&d.team@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Vision Impairment Networking Day - 22 March
Do you know a young person with vision impairment? The Vision Impairment team are pleased to invite you to a networking day, taking place on 22 March at the United Reform Church in Welwyn Garden City.
This will be an opportunity for young people to meet other young people and families and have the chance to meet some of the incredible charities, agencies and services who support children and young people with vision impairment, and to find out what they offer. We'll be joined by the Hertfordshire Music Service, Herts Vision Loss, Guide Dogs for the Blind, The Thomas Pocklington Trust, VICTA, Albinism Fellowship, SENSE and Royal Society for Blind Children. There will also be information from other charities, agencies and services who are not able to attend.
If you would like to attend, please confirm your interest by Monday 17 March via email to: VI.team@hertfordshire.gov.uk
The event will be running from 10.30am until 3.30pm. Families are welcome to drop in between these times. All children and young people attending are to be accompanied by an adult.
(Please note: There is no parking available to the public at the Church. Paid parking is available nearby including Sainsburys and The Howard Centre.)
The event has been kindly sponsored by the Royal Society for Blind Children and the Vision Impairment Team.
World Down Syndrome Day - 21 March
On 21 March 2025, it's World Down Syndrome Day and this year's theme is all about support. You can celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with a pair of colourful, bright and mismatched socks and help raise awareness about Down’s syndrome.
As the Down Syndrome Association says "getting the right support at the right time opens up opportunities for people who have Down’s syndrome; so they can live the lives they want, giving them choice, control and dignity. Families also need support, to care for and advocate for their loved ones".
Visit the Local Offer for information about support available for Down Syndrome in Hertfordshire.
Do you know any budding photographers with Down Syndrome? The Down Syndrome Association are running an international competition called 'My Perspective' and are asking for entries from all age categories. There are 5 exciting photo categories and it's really easy to enter: you can use a camera, phone or iPad.
The competition closes on 27 June. Find out more about the 'My Perspective' photography competition.
Easter activity camps for Hertfordshire children eligible for free school meals (ages 4-16)
HAPpy camps will run every weekday during the Easter holidays, from Monday 7 until Thursday 17 April. Families of eligible children, in receipt of benefits related free school meals, should have received their booking codes from their schools after February Half Term. As before, there will be SEND specific camps catering for a variety of interests.
Book a HAPPy Camp
Neurodiversity Celebration Week - 17-23 March
Neurodiversity Celebration Week takes place from 17 - 23 March and aims to understand, value and celebrate the many skills and talents of neurodivergent minds.
There'll be events taking place across the week, including a whole schedule of free webinars organised by the Neurodiversity Celebration Week charity on a variety of topics.
Events
View all courses and activities
Potential Kids - skateboarding (ages 10+)
Friday 28 March at 5.30pm, St Albans
A session for neurodivergent young people and their siblings.
Families in Focus - a complete guide to parenting children with Autism and ADHD (ages 2-11)
Wednesday mornings 9.30am - 11.30am or Wednesday evenings 6.30pm - 8.30pm, starting 23 April, online
Interactive courses to increase understanding of children's needs and behaviours and get up to date information on services and support.
DSPL7 - SEND coffee morning for parents/carers of children with SEND
Wednesday 19 March at 9.30am, Fleetville Junior School, St Albans
This is an informal and safe place for parents / carers to share information and chat, no need to book.