In this issue:
Have your say on changes to the supported travel policy (ages 16-18)
We are consulting on our Post-16 home to school / college transport policy and would like your views on the proposed changes.
We are proposing that young people between the age of 16-18 in need of travel support to access education will usually be offered a Personal Travel Budget, rather than travelling in a vehicle provided by the council (i.e. taxi or small vehicle from home to school/college).
We are planning to implement this change from September 2026 and it will apply to everyone needing travel support from the age of 16. This will mostly affect young people with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs) as very few young people without an EHCP benefit from post 16 travel support. This change will not impact anyone currently using transport provided by us, unless they change their course or change their address.
Read more about the change and have your say
The consultation closes on Sunday 12 April (11.45pm)
The SEND white paper - the government's proposals to reform the SEND system (all ages)
Last Monday, 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.
It is important to bear in mind that these proposals are only in consultation phase. The SEND legal framework currently remains unchanged and all existing legal duties continue to apply in full, so there should be no immediate changes to the support your child is receiving.
Read the Hertfordshire SEND Local Area Partnership response to the Schools White Paper.
Make sure you have your say
You can take part in the consultation online. You can also respond to the consultation via email at SENDreform.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk, or by post to:SENDAP Reform, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT.
The consultation closes on Monday 18 May 2026.
Support for Families Raising Deaf Children (ages 0-11)
This new initiative offers grants for:
💬 British Sign Language (BSL) courses
🎧 Assistive technology and specialist equipment
💻 Computers and tablets to support communication and learning
The programme is designed to help deaf children communicate more confidently and take part fully in everyday life, education and play. Applications are open now — but funding is limited, so families are encouraged to apply soon!
Eating Disorders Awareness Week: 23 February - 1 March
Last week was Eating Disorders Awareness Week - all about raising awareness, challenging stigma and providing support to those who need it.
Have you seen changes in a child or young person's eating habits, mood, socialising or their attitude to their body or food? You can find information about common early warning signs and where to find the appropriate help and support for a young with their body image on the HertsHub.
First Steps ED (FSED) offer free advice and help for Hertfordshire’s 5-18-year-olds including guided self-help for young people, parents and carers, group workshops and one-to-one support – both online and face-to-face.
ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is an eating disorder where a person avoids certain foods or quantities of food, leading to a restricted intake. Those with ARFID might avoid foods due to sensory preferences (like taste, texture, or smell), fear of negative consequences (such as choking or vomiting) or simply a lack of interest in eating. It can lead to poor nutrition, and significant impacts on physical and mental health. Anyone of any age can have ARFID and it is more common in those who are autistic, or have ADHD. You can find information and support for ARFID on our resource area
Events
View all courses and activities
DSPL 8 SEND Information Fayre
Thursday 5 March, 9.30am - 12.30pm, Hemel Hempstead
DSPL8 will be hosting another Dacorum Families SEND information Fayre which will include info stands, activities for children & refreshments!
SEND Drop-in for parents and carers
Tuesday 17 March, 10am - 12pm - Moss Bury School, Stevenage
Come along to meet other parents, have a coffee and hear about support and advice available in the SEND world.
SPACE: Understanding my autism and ADHD - 5 week course (ages 11-14)
Starting Tuesday 3 March, 4.30pm - 5.30pm, online
A fun and informative 5 week programme focused on helping young people in school years 7-9 (ages 11-14) better understand their Autism and ADHD.