In this issue:
Supported Internships online information morning (ages 16+)
If your young person is going to be finishing school soon and is not sure about their next steps, it might be worth considering a supported internship.
Supported Internships provide a bridge between education and employment for young people with an EHCP. They are designed to help young people with disabilities or learning difficulties gain valuable work experience and develop essential skills for future employment.
Join our online information morning on 1 November at 10am to find out more. Whether you're a student, parent, or employer, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about this fantastic opportunity.
Sign up for the online information morning on eventbrite.
Herts Haven Cafes (ages 10 - 18)
Children and young people, parents and carers and the professionals who work with them are all invited to join us to celebrate the launch of our Herts Haven Café in The Bowes Lyon Centre in Stevenage, between 2pm and 5pm on Tuesday 17 October 2023. Come along and see how the service can support children and young people, and families in Hertfordshire with free-of-charge, emotional wellbeing support without the requirement for a referral.
There will be exciting activities on the day, as well as refreshments, gift bags and a raffle!? If you think that you may drop in, please RSVP to cyp@hertfordshiremind.org to help us plan refreshments.
Herts Haven Cafés are a free welcoming drop-in space for children and young people across Hertfordshire to access support for their emotional wellbeing.
At the cafes, young people will find a non-judgmental environment where they feel comfortable sharing their concerns and are supported by a compassionate team who are there to listen and support.
Find out more about Herts Haven Cafés
Applying for mainstream secondary and upper schools (for children in years 6 and 8 without an EHCP)
Children who have special educational needs but don't have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan should apply for a mainstream secondary or upper school place using the standard admissions process.
The closing date for applications is 31 October. and the easiest way to apply for a school place is to visit the Hertfordshire admissions page and complete the online application form. You can find advice and information about choosing the right school on the Local Offer website.
If your child or young person has an EHCP, the process is different. It is possible to state in their plan which school or setting you would like them to attend. This is done through the SEN service and you do not apply through the standard admissions process. You can find out more about this process on our EHCP review pages. All reviews, school consultations and amendments to an EHCP should be completed by 15 February for any year of change. This gives enough time to resolve any issues before the end of the summer term.
Find out more on our Requesting a special school place page
SRPs - Supporting SEND students in the heart of Hertfordshire’s schools (ages 4-16)
Hertfordshire’s schools are increasing their capacity to support pupils with SEND through 6 new Special Resource Provisions (SRPs) opening in mainstream schools across the county.
Read more about how the SRPs are making a difference to pupils with speech, language, communication and autism
Halloween themed activities for half term - from Potential Kids (ages 5+)
Looking for some spooky activities to keep the kids entertained at half term?
Potential Kids are running some Halloween themed bushcraft and arts and craft sessions where you'll find something for everyone!
There's also a Halloween party taking place on 31 October for ages 5+. Come along and get stuck into arts and crafts, pumpkin painting, fancy dress and pizza eating!
Find out more about these activities on the Potential Kids website.
Events
View all courses and activities
Families in Focus - courses for parents of children and young people with SEND
6 and 10 week courses starting in October and January
Evidence-based courses covering a variety of topics including handling anger, parenting children with SEND, and parenting neurodiverse children.
PACE Epilepsy Support Group - St Paul's Church, Blanford Road, St Albans
Friday 20 October, 12.30 - 2pm
Supporting parents and carers of children with epllepsy - offering a supportive, understanding and friendly space where people can come to chat, have a coffee and piece of cake.
Teens online art - Jack O'Cat (SPACE)
Friday 20 October - 7-9pm
Come and join us for an interactive art session of a spooky halloween themed painting.