In this issue:
Inclusive online dance sessions for children and adults (ages 5+)
Para Dance UK at Communities 1st offers inclusive dance sessions for those with disabilities, all ages and abilities, featuring various styles like street and folk. They focus on fun, physical activity and community.
Join their fun weekly online sessions for adults and children, with instructors adapting to all levels. They also run local groups that foster a sense of family and belonging, plus an online after-school club for kids to explore dance.
- Adults Inclusive Dance – Mondays 10am (13 April to 20 July).
- Primary After School Inclusive Dance Club – Wednesdays 4.15pm, (15 April to 22 July)
- Young Adults Inclusive Dance Club – Wednesdays 5pm (15 April to 22 July)
All classes are via Zoom. Classes will not run on Bank Holidays, during May Half Term, or during the week of 1st June.
Cost: £10 per person, per year
Please contact paradance@communities1st.org.uk to make a booking, or for any other enquiries.
Last chance to have your say on Post 16 Travel Support
The deadline for the consultation on post 16 travel support been extended, and now closes on Sunday 19 April
Make sure you share your views on the proposed changes. 
We are proposing that young people between the age of 16-18 in need of travel support to access education will usually be offered a Personal Travel Budget, rather than travelling in a vehicle provided by the council (i.e. taxi or small vehicle from home to school/college).
We are planning to implement this change from September 2026 and it will apply to everyone needing travel support from the age of 16. This will mostly affect young people with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs) as very few young people without an EHCP benefit from post 16 travel support. This change will not impact anyone currently using transport provided by us, unless they change their course or change their address.
Read more about the change and have your say
Help with water bills – WaterSure scheme (all ages)
Families with children who have SEND may be able to get help with water bills through the WaterSure scheme. WaterSure caps your water bill if you use extra water because of medical or care needs.
To qualify you must:
- Be on certain benefits (check with your supplier which benefits they cover)
- Have a water meter (or be waiting for one to be installed)
- Have a high essential use of water (this means you have three or more children under 19 in full-time education, or a child with a medical condition or disability that requires your household to use a lot of water)
Apply directly through your water supplier.
For more information, visit the Contact website
Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-31
Hertfordshire County Council has launched Your Care, Your Future: Our Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026–2031, which sets out our vision, values, and priorities for supporting care‑experienced children and young people. The five‑year timeframe reflects our commitment to providing stability and continuity during local government reorganisation.
When a child or young person comes into our care, Hertfordshire County Council becomes their corporate parent. However, corporate parenting is a shared duty across all partners, services, and professionals who play a role in a child’s life. By working together, we aim to create an environment where young people feel safe, supported, and equipped to thrive as they grow into adulthood.
The strategy is shaped by what young people told us matters most to them. Their insights have formed seven key priorities that will guide our work over the next five years: belonging, aspiration, confidence, wellbeing, stability, participation, and feeling protected.
Find out more and listen to care-experience young people’s message to us as corporate parents: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/corporateparentingstrategy
Events
View all courses and activities
Have your say - SEND Provision Plan - Online discussion
Monday 27 April 11.30am - 1pm, and Thursday 4 June 6pm - 7.30pm
Come along and share your views on the SEND Provision Plan in one of these online discussion groups
DSPL9 SEND Information Fayre
Monday 27 April, 12.30pm - 3pm, The Stanborough Centre, Watford
A wide range of fantastic local services will be there to share their work and talk to you about the support available.
Transition to Secondary workshops
Wednesday 6 May 10am - 12pm, or Wednesday 13 May 6pm - 8pm, St Albans
These free 2 hour sessions will offer practical advice, helpful strategies and reassurance to support your child as they approach this new stage of school life
Mixed Ability Rugby
Wednesdays, 5.30pm - 6.30pm, Hertford RFC
Come along for FUN non contact Tag rugby training at Hoe Lane. Ages 16+ and all abilities welcome.