In this issue:
HPCI Public Forum on changes to statutory SEND
If you have questions about the recent changes to statutory SEND in Hertfordshire, Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI) are holding an online public forum on Thursday 19 May, where they'll be joined by officers from Hertfordshire County Council. They will be answering questions such as 'What does this mean for families?', 'What can families expect, and from which team?' and 'How does this fit in with the rest of the SEND service?'
Register for the HPCI Public Forum webinar here
Sessions and Training on new High Needs Funding (HNF) banding descriptors
Over the next few weeks, we'll be running briefing sessions and training for professionals, parents and carers supporting children and young people with SEND, following changes to High Needs Funding (HNF) Banding Descriptors. This is an essential update on the use of the new banding descriptors to be published on 6th June 2022. These sessions are taking place in Stevenage, Bushey and online. Come along and:
- Hear about the changes to the Banding Descriptors including the new specialist bands
- Undertake training in the use of the new Banding Descriptors
- Understand how resources are provided using the new Banding Descriptors
You can find out more, and register for the HNF briefing sessions on the Local Offer
Moving on from school
Moving on from school or college can be an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Your young person might be heading off to college, or to university, or might not yet know what the future looks like. Whatever the case, change can
be unsettling and feeling prepared can definitely help. In this blogpost, Services for Young People share some great advice to help them with their next steps.
Find out more in the SfYP - Moving on from school blog
Services for Young People - projects for 13-24 year olds with Learning Disabilities
Services for Young People have 11 projects for young people with learning disabilities that run every week during term time. Projects are now running in all districts of Hertfordshire every week.
The projects enable young people with mild to moderate learning disabilities to socialise and build their communication skills, resilience and independent living skills through a variety of fun activities and discussions. The sessions are delivered by qualified Services for Young People youth workers who are experienced in supporting young people with a variety of needs and are flexible to the needs of the group
Services for Young People - weekly youth projects for 13-24 year olds with learning disabilities
SEND Green paper - accessible versions
The Department for Education has now published accessible versions of the SEND green paper, including:
- a full British Sign Language version to support those who are deaf or have a hearing impairment
- an easy-read version to support those with learning disabilities
- a guide to help children and young people with SEND or those in alternative provision to understand the green paper and respond to the consultation
They are extending the consultation period by 3 weeks, to 22 July 2022, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part in the consultation.
View all accessible versions of the SEND green paper here
New Local Offer Video
We've created this new video to help explain to parents what the Local Offer website is and what kind of information you can find on there. We want to reach as many parents and carers as possible so please feel free to share with any friends and family who might find it helpful.
Events
View all events here
Online - SPACE - Check in and Chat - PDA
Wednesdsay 18th May 2022 - 7- 8pm
SPACE Hertfordshire are pleased to welcome Steph Curtis to our online Check in and Chat session for May. Steph has used her blog to raise awareness and spread understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance. Steph has been a Trainer for the PDA Society for several years and has hosted both in-person workshops and online training.
Carers in Herts - Evening Meditation
Tuesday 24th May 2022 - 7pm
Wind down for the weekend by joining us for a peaceful hour of tranquil evening meditation. Meditation can help you relax , de-stress and sleep better.
Families in Focus - Q and A session with Specialist Teacher from the Speech, Language, Communication and Autism team
Thursday 19th May 7 - 9pm
Parent Zoom Network with Sharon and Siobhann. Q and A session with Hertfordshire Speech, Language, Communication and Autism team (SLCA). Parent Network is open to ANY parent in the UK caring for a child with any Special Educational Needs including those waiting for assessment or diagnosis.