15 November 2022

Welcome

In this issue:

Update on Provision Panels

As a result of the provision panel review, all children and young people who are on the special school referral list now have a proposal for next steps identified, including specialist placements, specialist resource provisions, alternative provision, further education settings and extra support in mainstream.
We are getting in touch with families from now until the end of November. If you haven't yet heard from us, please wait until the end of November before getting in touch.

National Sleep Helpline (12 months - adult)

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 specialist trained sleep advisors at the National Sleep Helpline can help with your problems. Call them on 03303 530 541 on Sun - Tues and Thurs 7pm - 9pm, and Weds 9am – 11am.

 

Find out more about The National Sleep Helpline

Exclusions and part-time timetables

Statistics show that children with SEND are more likely to be excluded from school than their classmates.  It can be a very difficult time for both the children and their parents, especially if communication with the school has broken down.

If your child has been excluded, or is on a part-time timetable, and you're worried that their needs are not being met, find out about the information and support that is available to you: Read more about Exclusions and part time timetables on the Local Offer

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) also has some very helpful information on their website: View the Exclusions advice on the IPSEA website

Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Collaborative

We want to introduce you to the work of the Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Collaborative, who are making great changes in the community, behind the scenes. This includes reducing the backlog of young people waiting for an ADHD assessment in some parts of Hertfordshire, and creating new services for those experiencing a mental health crisis.  

They are a group of colleagues from the NHS, local government, voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sectors, who work together to find new ways that all of these organisations across the county can “support people living with a mental illness, learning disability and autism in Hertfordshire to live longer, happier and healthier lives.”

Learn more about the MHLDAC and some of their achievements so far in the guest blog they wrote for us.

Events

View all events here

Supporting your child's motor skills development - Children's Occupational Therapy Service

Thursday 1st December 10 - 11am

Would you like to know more about motor development? Are you interested in how to simplify everyday tasks to help your child complete them? This session is for parents or carers of children aged between 4-8 years old who would like to understand more about their child's motor development and how to support this. 

Navigating the SEND world post 16 - SPACE

Monday 28th November 10am - 12pm

A workshop that explores the services and support available to Parents of children after 16 with Special Educational Needs in Hertfordshire.

Boxercise sessions for ages 18+ - Herts Disability Sports Foundation - Hatfield Leisure Centre

Thursday 17th November at 11am

Boxercise sessions for ages 18+ with disabilities, adapted to suit the needs of individuals.  Supporters / carers are encouraged to get actively involved in the sessions.