In this issue:
Webinar: Improving the way we manage our EHCP duties - "Making SEND Everybody's Business"
Thursday 23 May, 7pm - 8pm - Online (Teams)
There is a lot of change happening to positively impact the experiences of families of children and young people with an EHCP. You may have already heard about the £7 million of ongoing annual investment into improvements to all our SEND services, and our ‘Making SEND Everyone’s Business’ transformation programme.
Our Director of Inclusion and Skills will discuss how the money is being used and what this means for you if your child has, or is in the process of getting, an EHCP. Change takes time, and we hope families start to feel the positive impacts as soon as possible. 
If there are any questions you would like to have answered during this session, please email them to SENDstrategy@hertfordshire.gov.uk. We will theme up the questions we get and answer as many as we are able during the session. We can’t respond to questions about individual children or their EHCPs, but we will address the general challenges that we know lots of families are facing.
Save this joining link, which you can use to join the meeting at 7pm on Thursday 23 May: Webinar joining link
You can share your attendance on our webinar Facebook event too, where you can also find the link.
Webinar: Improving the way we manage our EHCP duties (online) | Hertfordshire County Council
"Parenting SEND children when separated" free online programme
A 6-session programme, specifically tailored to help separated parents navigate the complexities of co-parenting and provide the best possible support for their SEND child. This is a valuable opportunity to enhance co-parenting skills, support children’s development and build a strong foundation for the future.
This course is for:
- Separated parents raising children with SEND.
- Parents seeking guidance, support, and strategies for co-parenting SEND children more consistently.
- Parents wanting to create a positive and supportive environment for their child’s development
Dates: Tuesday daytimes starting 4 June (9.30am - 11.30am) or Wednesday evenings starting 5 June (7pm - 9pm)
To book a place please complete our online referral form or for further information please call 0204 522 8700 / 0204 522 8699 or email services@familylives.org.uk
Coping with school when you're autistic - a practical guide from Hana
In our latest guest blog, 19 year old Hana Kinney shares her experience of being in a mainstream secondary school as an autistic young person, and offers advice and strategies to help other children and young people get the most out of school. 
"Navigating a neuro-typical school environment felt like walking blindfolded through a minefield of potential meltdowns."
Read Hana's tips and practical strategies in our latest guest blog: Coping with school when you're autistic
Managing exam stress (for ages 15+)
Exam season is under way and many of our young people will be feeling the pressure.
Just Talk has put together a list of practical resources and support which will help both young people, and their parents, through this stressful time. View the Just Talk exam and revision stress guide.
Courses for young people on 'Understanding my autism and/or ADHD' (ages 7-16)
We now have a range of webinars, courses and workshops to support children and young people aged 7-16 with Autism, ADHD or both.
These are available both online and in-person and are designed to help young people understand their Autism and/or ADHD in a fun and engaging way. They are led by experienced professionals and will provide tailored strategies and an opportunity to connect with other neurodivergent young people.
Visit The Toolbox website to find out more
This is me: including the voice of the child in an EHCP - online briefings (for children with an EHCP)
Do you have a child or young person with an education health care plan (or are currently considering a education, health care plan request)?
‘This is Me’ is the new form to support children and young people in telling their story. What they write, draw or present will be included in their Educational and Health Care needs request and annual review. 'This is me' and the guidance notes have been coproduced with children and young people. They have tested it and are now ready to share for others to use. The aim is simple, to tell the child's story, in whatever way they can. SENDIASS, Educational health care coordinators, SENDCOs, Schools and others will receive training soon. But first we would like parents and carers to learn more. Please join us at one of these online events.
Friday the 17th May 10am to 11am Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 347 120 146 180 Passcode: TmxrqW
Wednesday 22nd May 6pm to 7pm Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 397 771 075 256 Passcode: G7Rjsb
Thursday 23rd May 1pm to 2pm Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 361 293 340 695 Passcode: qu9U32
If you can not join any of these meetings but would like to receive a recording please email sarah.stevens2@hertfordshire.gov.uk . These will be sent on 30 May 2024.
(Please note this email is for these meetings only and I can not advise or support with individual EHCP requests)
HPCI's annual survey results - how the Hertfordshire area partnership is responding and improving
Every year Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI) run a survey to find out what families in Hertfordshire think of SEND services. The results show we have a lot of work to do, and the survey has become a valuable benchmark for us to know how to improve. Partnership leaders from NHS services and the Director for Inclusion and Skills at Hertfordshire County Council have responded to the survey.
HPCI's annual survey results - how the Hertfordshire area partnership is responding and improving as a result
Events
View all courses and activities
NHS Talking Therapies: Care for parent carers webinar
Wednesday 5 June, 7pm, online
This webinar takes a look at the vital service unpaid carers provide, including some of the rewards and challenges they face. It will explore ways in which carers can enhance their own wellbeing, and manage the many challenges they encounter.
Inclusive United - Futsal for young adults with learning disabilities (ages 18+)
Thursdays 1pm Hertfordshire Sports Village, Hatfield
Come along and learn about futsal and play in a safe, inclusive and fun environment. Suitable for both beginners and those who have played before. Meet new friends and stay healthy and fit.
Paddlesports at Herts Young Mariners Base Outdoor Centre (SPACE) (ages 8+)
Sunday 19 May, 9.30am - 3pm, Cheshunt
Children taking part will learn the basics of paddling, controlling the boats and receive a Level 1 Certificate on completion!
Arise and Shine SEND playgroup (ages 0-5)
Tuesdays 10am, Letchworth Garden City Church
A SEND pre-school toddler playgroup and parent/adult support group. Light refreshments available. Free to attend, donations welcome.