In this issue:
Have your say on proposed changes to supported travel for 16-18 yr olds - webinar
We are currently seeking views on introducing Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs) as the usual offer for most eligible learners over 16, from September 2026, to ensure sustainable, fair and flexible travel support for young people aged 16–18 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
To find out more, join us for this free webinar where Jayne Abery (Deputy Head of Admissions) and Sally Glossop (Head of SEND Implementation) will take you through the changes, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thursday 19 March - 12pm - 1.30pm
If you can’t attend our webinar, you can still find out more about the proposed changes and have your say
Booking now open for Easter Holiday HAPpy Camps (ages 4-16)
HAPpy bookings for Easter are now open!
Children and teens living in Hertfordshire who get benefits-related free school meals can attend this FREE holiday activity provision. As ever, HAPpy Camps will offer a wide variety of activities with a nutritious meal included too!
Every HAPpy camp is SEND-inclusive, offering activities for children with lower SEND support needs alongside those without additional needs—whether a child is formally diagnosed or not (provided the right information is supplied with their booking). A limited number of SEND-specific camps are available for children with higher support needs. Please reach out to providers to discuss any specific requirements prior to booking to avoid disappointment.
The next HAPpy programme will take place between Monday 30th March – Friday 10th April (excluding Good Friday 3rd April and Easter Monday 6th April).
Search for a camp and book your place (you'll need a code from your school SENCo if you haven't already been given one). To find SEND specific camps, you can use the filters when searching.
School-age vaccines - new resources to explain vaccines to young people (ages 11+)
School-age vaccinations protect young people against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
The East of England Community and School Aged Immunisation Service (CSAIS), supported by NHS England, has worked directly with children, young people, schools and frontline clinicians to co-design a new set of youth-friendly vaccination materials. The project aims to improve understanding, build trust and increase uptake of key school-age vaccines, including HPV, MenACWY, Td/IPV and MMR.
The full range of videos explaining vaccines is available on YouTube
If a young person you know has missed a vaccine appointment, you can contact the Hertfordshire Community and School-aged Immunisation Service.
SEND White Paper - different ways to share your views
Last month, the government published their schools white paper on SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First setting out proposals to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England.
The Department for Education have also written shorter, simpler documents that summarise the schools white paper and SEND consultation for parents and those working in the sector.
Make sure you have your say
Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI) - will be preparing a detailed consultation response, and they welcome your feedback to help shape this. They want to make sure that they represent your views as much as possible. You can comment via Facebook or email contact@hertsparentcarers.org.uk. Keep an eye on their newsletter and social media channels for more ways in which you can feed back your thoughts to them.
You can also share your views by taking part in the consultation online, or by responding to the consultation via email at SENDreform.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk.
The consultation closes on Monday 18 May 2026.
The SEND Community Directory (all ages)
Are you looking for local activities and SEND services for a child or young person with SEND?
The SEND community activities directory promotes a wide range of local activities and support groups. Some activities will also include discounts for families registered with a Herts Card (SEND).
Find fun, inclusive activities your child will love – all in one place! Explore the SEND community directory
We will be adding additional activities on a regular basis. If there are any activities you know of, or wish to see promoted through this directory, please email us at SENDcommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week 16 - 20 March - get involved! (all ages)
This week is all about celebrating the different ways our brains work and challenging stereotypes to help everyone understand that neurodivergent people bring amazing strengths, creativity, and talent.
Throughout the week, schools, businesses and organisations across the world will be joining in by hosting different events and sharing information with the aim of making inclusive places where everyone feels supported and valued.
Check out the events schedule for Neurodiversity Week and join a free webinar
Don't forget, the Local Offer has a whole range of information, services and support for neurodivergent children and young people in Hertfordshire.
Visit the Neurodiversity Support page on the Local Offer.
Events
View all courses and activities
Easter Holiday outdoor activities at Hudnall Park (ages 13-19)
31 March - 9 April, Hudnall Park
During the Easter 2026 holidays Services for Young People is offering exciting outdoor activities to young people aged 13-19 with SEND, including those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
DS Achieve: Play and Learn Hub (ages 5-11)
Saturdays 10am - 1pm, Welwyn Garden City
A weekly Stay and Play group running on Saturday afternoons (during term time) for primary age children with Down Syndrome and their parents or carers.
DSPL3 SEND Coffee morning for parents/carers of children with SEND
Wednesday 18 March, 10am, Ware
A relaxed and supportive coffee morning for parents/carers of children with SEND. Connect with other parents, share insights and experiences and get practical advice and support.
Potential Kids - Inclusive family football session (ages 7+)
Saturday 21 March, 4-5pm, Hatfield
For neurodivergent children and young people and their families to play all together.