In this issue:
An update from the Speech and Language Therapy Team on the EHCP needs assessment backlog
We've recently made some changes to the service to reduce the backlog of children and young people waiting for an assessment of their special education needs.
In December and January, the Speech and Language team focussed on delivering assessment-only appointments in order to provide their contributions to EHCP reports, so that schools and families have up-to-date advice about the children and young people’s strengths and needs, as well as strategies that can be used to support them. During this period, we therefore offered an amended service to all schools in Hertfordshire whilst we focussed on getting this EHCP needs assessment work done. We also used a shortened Speech and Language Therapy report for the EHCP request, which still met statutory guidance but meant that the therapists had to spend less time on administrative work.
These changes meant that we were able to complete a SaLT assessment for 526 children.
As a result, the number of children and young people waiting for a SaLT assessment for their EHCP has now been reduced by 78%.
We're now reviewing what we’ve learned from this process and asking for feedback from families, schools and staff to work out what positive changes we can make for the EHCP Needs Assessment going forward.
Hertfordshire students get a sneak peek at their new SEND school
The James Marks Academy is a new communication and autism secondary school currently being constructed in Welwyn Garden City.
The school, which opened as a satellite class for 20 pupils on the Roman Fields site in Hemel Hempstead in September 2023, is due to open for 45 pupils in September 2024 (a further 25 places in addition to the existing 20 pupils) with the total pupil number rising to 60 in September 2025 The new school is the result of our successful bid to build a new communication and autism special secondary school, through the Department for Education’s Free School delivery programme.
Two of the existing pupils, Teddy and Kayden, took time out of their school day (on Thursday 7 March) to visit their new school being built. At the end of the visit, Kayden, a current year eight pupil at the school, said: “It’s been great. I’ve never actually been on a building site before, but it was very interesting going into the different rooms and seeing what it’s like. I’m mostly excited about being able to go around the new school and go into different rooms for different lessons, as I am usually in the same room for most of my lessons at my current school.”
Teddy, a current year seven student, added: “It has been absolutely incredible! It’s been very eye opening seeing all the ins and outs of a humungous project like this. It has been really, really interesting seeing this entire project and I am super excited to come and learn here!”
Read more about this visit
The Neurodiversity Support Hub (all ages)
The Neurodiversity Support Hub has been expanded across Hertfordshire, offering advice, support, signposting, and guidance about a whole range of things relating to ADHD and Autism. The phones are answered by a team of parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people and your child doesn't need a diagnosis for you to use this service.
They can help with questions about anxiety, distressed behaviours, school, anger, sleep, resources.
The Support Hub can:
- Explain more about neurodiversity and what it means.
- Signpost you to the right support.
- Provide strategies you can use to support your child's development or behaviour.
We've had great feedback for this service, with parents and carers rating it 4.9 out of 5.
Get in touch:
Call us: 01727 833963.
Or: email us at supporthub@add-vance.org
Open Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm (closed bank holidays)
HAPpy Camps - booking is open for the Easter Holidays
Booking for the HAPpy Camps is now open!
Fully funded holiday activity camps, including SEND camps, will return for the Easter break, providing eligible children and young people with the chance to meet friends, learn new skills and enjoy nutritious food. The camps are free to school aged children (Reception to Year 11) in receipt of benefits related free school meals.
Ask your school office if you haven’t already received your code and your child is eligible.
Bookings are now open via the Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership’s website
SEND Cycle Training helps give children the chance to be part of the 'Big Walk and Wheel' (ages 8-18)
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be part of Sustrans ‘Big Walk and Wheel’ fortnight thanks to specialist cycle training by our Walking and Wheeling team and the Hertfordshire Disability Sports Foundation. The ‘Big Walk and Wheel’ is the UK’s biggest walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling challenge for school children taking place from Monday 11 until Friday 22 March.
The cycle training sessions are taking place during the Easter holidays and are offered on a 1-to-1 basis, or 2 instructors to 1 child if needed. Children can develop their skills at their own pace. The sessions are also based around having fun, helping children build their confidence and self-esteem.
When asked what the most rewarding aspect of providing this training has been, David Staddon, Cycling Instructor from the Walking and Wheeling team, said: “I think it’s just seeing how much fun the children are having. They absolutely love it, regardless of what they achieve in their session. Whether it’s just taking their foot off the ground for a second or being able to ride their bike all around the area, they just have huge grins on their faces from their achievements and what they’ve done in the session.”
Events
Please bear with us while we update our events pages on the Local Offer. We are working on a new events tool which will hopefully be ready in the next few weeks. Thank you for your patience!
Easter Eggstravaganza Easter holiday activities
29 March - 14 April, Aldenham Country Playground
Easter egg hunts, lamb bottle feeding, tractor trailer rides
Potential Kids Craft and Chat social group for ages 12 - 16
Tuesday 26 March, 4.30 - 6pm, Hatfield
Encouraging social communication and discussions, whilst working with lots of different materials to make some awesome creations!
Family Lives - Bringing Up Confident ADHD / ASD Children
6 week course online starting on 21 March (evenings) or 26 March (mornings)
We will help you to understand your child's behaviour, and learn to break negative interaction cycles. Email services@familylives.org.uk for more info.