In this issue:
Sign Language week - 14th - 20th March
Sign Language week runs from 14th - 20th March and this year's theme is 'BSL brings us together'. The aim of the campaign is to encourage people of all ages across the UK to take up the challenge of learning some
British Sign Language for themselves and finding out more about the language and culture of the 87,000 Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing British people for whom BSL is their first or preferred language.
If you are interested in learning BSL, you can search for courses via the two national awarding bodies for studying BSL in the UK: Signature and iBSL
Hearing the voice of deaf young people in Herts
Scarlet, a deaf young person attending Year 11 at a mainstream secondary school in East Hertfordshire, made a surprise appearance on the BBC News recently. With the success of Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis, the BBC were keen to meet other deaf dancers and see how they were inspired by Rose’s success.
Scarlet is moderately deaf in both ears due to microtia and atresia of her pinna and ear canals. She wears two bone anchored hearing aids and uses an Assistive Listening Device (radioaid) in lessons to help her hear her teachers above background noise. Mel Bethell, SENDSAS Specialist Advisory Teacher of the Deaf, visits Scarlet regularly in school and supports staff in ensuring Scarlet gains full access to the curriculum.
Scarlet is fully involved in school life and is passionate about Deaf issues. After completing her GCSEs this summer, she is planning to study A Levels next year and go on to become an English teacher.
World Sleep Day
World Sleep Day is 18th March and the theme and slogan this year is Quality Sleep, Sound Mind, Happy World
If your child is not sleeping well, it can affect every aspect of life. If you and your family need some support, Young Minds have some useful tips and advice for all sorts of sleep problems including night terrors, bed wetting and anxiety and worries.
You could also check out this Families in Focus: Sleep solutions 6 week course - starting 22 April 2022. A proven evidence-based and behavioural approach to help families get a better nights’ sleep. Together, in small interactive groups Lesley and Francine, who are licensed sleep practitioners with a wealth of experience, will help parents to restore healthy sleep.
How to talk to your child about the war in Ukraine
It can be difficult to know what to do or say as a parent in response to the conflict in Ukraine. BBC Bitesize has some amazing resources to help you find your way around these conversations and support your child with anxiety around these events.
Invasion of Ukraine - wellbeing resources for parents - BBC Bitesize Parents' Toolkit - BBC Bitesize
Events
View all events and courses here
Melody Monkeys for children 0 - 6 - SPACE - 6 week course
Starting:
Thursday March 17th 9.45 - 11am at Peartree Spring Primary School Stevenage
Thursday March 17th 1.15 - 2.30pm at Andrew Lane Primary School Cheshunt
Activities include singing, movement, parachute activities, bubbles, instrument play, action songs, puppets, dancing, stories, lights and more! Each week has a different theme, from Vehicles to Under the Sea, in the Garden to Space Adventures! Sally Page is experienced at working with children with additional needs, as well as being mum to an ASD son herself.
Online NESSie - Supporting a child with additional needs and self-harming behaviour
Tuesday 29th March 1pm - 2.30pm
This online training aims to:
- Explore the issues surrounding self-harm and offer parents a better insight
- Examine the nature of self-harming behaviour and support families to understand the reasons for this
Mixed Ability Rugby - Hertford RFC
Come along each Wednesday at 5.30pm-6.30pm for FUN non contact Tag rugby training at Hoe Lane. Ages 16+ and all abilities welcome.