In this issue:
Speak to a county councillor responsible for SEND - now with an online option (all ages)
Have a chat with a councillor and share your views on SEND. Refreshments available at in person events. These are informal events where you can talk about your experiences and thoughts about SEND in Hertfordshire.
The views that councillors hear will be used to inform what is discussed at a very important event - the SEND Summit. The Summit is happening in September and will shape the future of SEND in Hertfordshire.
No need to book, just drop in to one of these events: (A BSL interpreter will be available at all events)
- Friday 11 July: 9am - 10.30am, Hobbs Hills Wood School, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8ER
- Tuesday 15 July: 1.15pm - 2.45pm, Amwell View School, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8EH
- Wednesday 16 July: 9.30am – 11am, South Oxhey Young People's Centre, Watford, WD19 7AX
- Thursday 17 July: 9.30am – 11am, The Icknield Centre, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1EF
- Thursday 17 July: 1pm - 2.30pm, Breaks Manor Youth Centre, Hatfield, AL10 8TP
- Monday 21 July: 6pm - 6.45pm - Online session via MS Teams. Limited capacity. Book your place for the 6pm session.
- Monday 21 July: 8pm - 8.45pm - Online session via MS Teams. Limited capacity. Book your place for the 8pm session.
All venues are wheelchair accessible. Parking information and other details can be found on our listening events webpage.
Unable to attend?
You can fill in a survey in your own time if you'd like to share your views but cannot attend an event.
SEND summit survey for parents and carers (If you are short on time, you can complete our shorter survey - just 3 questions).
If you have a child or young person who would like to directly share their feelings too, we would love to hear from them. They can fill out this survey for children and young people.
SEND Summit survey for children and young people
Half-price summer library events for Herts Card holders (ages 5+)
This summer, to celebrate 100 years of Hertfordshire Libraries, we are delighted to offer Herts Card holders half-price tickets to these fun children's events over the summer.
Join the rangers from ZooLab for an interactive, meet and greet session with the animals. Suitable for children aged 5+. The Henry's Great Gardening Adventure events are taking place at:
- St Albans Library, 11 August, 11am to 12pm
- Watford Library, 11 August, 2 to 3pm
- Stevenage Library, 19 August, 2 to 3pm
- Bishops Stortford Library, 20 August, 11am to 12pm
- Ware Library, 20 August, 2 to 3pm
To book half-price tickets for the above events visit your local library and let them know what event you would like to purchase tickets for. Present your Herts Card and the library staff will help you purchase your ticket. *Please be aware there is a set amount of tickets set aside for each event for Herts Card holders. Once they have run out, you may be asked to pay full price.
Full price tickets cost £7.70
How do I get a Herts Card?
Herts Cards are free to families in Hertfordshire who have a child or young person with SEND. Your child does not need a diagnosis to get a Herts Card. You just need:
- Middle or higher rate Disability Living Allowance or any Personal Independence Payments
- Or a letter from your GP, School SENCO or other professional confirming your child’s need - evidence of a formal diagnosis is not needed, just evidence of their level of need.
Learn more or apply for the Herts Card
New neurodiversity webinars added to the Local Offer (all ages)
We have recently added more webinars to the Neurodiversity Support page of the Local Offer. These webinars from our partner organisations ADD-vance and SPACE are available free of charge and can be watched any time from the comfort of your home. They cover a range of topics such as sleep, puberty, demand avoidance and sensory differences.
In the video below, Sophia Christophi talks about her story of growing up as an autistic girl.
Support your child's speech and language with FOLLOW (ages 0-5)
FOLLOW is an easy-to-use set of simple ideas to help support your child's speech and language at home. You'll find fun ideas and top tips on using the key strategies through everyday activities such as going for a walk, getting ready to go out and feeding the ducks!
Parents and carers play such an important role in supporting children’s language skills and FOLLOW aims to give you the tools you need to get started!
Check out the FOLLOW ideas for supporting your child's speech and language
Find SEND services and organisations on the Hertfordshire Directory
If you're looking for support over the summer, the SEND community activities directory promotes a wide range of local services and support groups for families in Hertfordshire.
Make sure you look out for activities that also include discounts for families registered with a Herts Card (SEND).
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 on:
SENDcommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk Visit the Hertfordshire SEND Community Directory
Events
☀️🏖️View all summer activities and events
View all courses and activities
Potential Kids - Fun in the garden (ages 4+)
Tuesday 29 July, 5 August, 12 August, 19 August, 26 August 11am - 12.30pm, Hatfield
All the usual garden games and fun with a themed activity each week throughout the summer holidays.
Dacorum Dolphins - disability swimming club
Saturdays 5-6pm, Everyone Active, Hemel Hempstead
A swimming club for adults & children who have a disability. £17 pp to join, then £1.50 a session after that.
Inclusive United Football sessions, summer series (ages 18+)
Mondays 10.30am. Longdean Sports Centre
Designed for young adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities, neurodiversity, SEN (special educational needs) or additional needs, a fun session of football for all abilities outside on the astro with an indoor area for social time.