In this issue:
SEND Social Media Takeover 2025 - get involved!
For International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) this year, on Wednesday 3 December, children and young people from across Hertfordshire and the East of England will be taking part in the #SENDtakeover2025.
Our social media channels will be used to amplify the voices of young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Hertfordshire. On this day, between 9am - 5pm, we will be sharing content from schools, partners and youth councils. The theme for the day is 'Hidden Disabilities'. We want as many young people as possible to join in by sharing their experiences, ideas, and creativity. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to influence change and help shape SEND policy and practice.
Young people can get involved by sharing content and using #SENDtakeover2025.
There'll also be 2 live Q&A sessions (10-11am and 2-3pm) on the Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer facebook page with leaders from the council answering questions from young people about what's important to them.
Read our Expert by Experience Freddie's blog about Hidden Disabilities and details of how you can get involved on the day.
Free Adventure Days at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND (ages 11-25)
Services for Young People is offering free adventurous activity days at Hudnall Park, its fantastic outdoor activity centre five miles from Hemel Hempstead.
The Adventure Days enable young people to get outdoors and enjoy new experiences while developing their confidence and resilience. They will learn skills that will last a lifetime and improve their overall wellbeing.
Activities include archery, zip line, low ropes and orienteering. Young people can also explore nature and wildlife in the beautiful woodlands.
Running until March 2026, the Adventure Days are for groups of eligible young people aged 11–18. Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can take part up to the age of 25.
Find out more and book now: Free Adventure Days at Hudnall Park
The Health and Wellbeing Survey for young people with SEND is now live (ages 11-25)
The 2025 Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Survey for young people aged 11-25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is now live and will be open until 6 February 2026.
Services for Young People (SfYP) works with Public Health Hertfordshire to deliver the survey, which gives young people with SEND the chance to share their views on important health and wellbeing topics that affect their lives. The results help schools, commissioners, and a range of agencies and service providers better understand and support the needs of young people with SEND and their families.
To ensure as many young people as possible have their say, please encourage any young people with SEND you know or work with to complete the survey: Find out more and take part here: Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Survey for young people with SEND.
Booking now open for winter HAPpy Camps (ages 4-16)
HAPpy Camps are back once again for the school Christmas holiday.
Children and teens living in Hertfordshire who get benefits-related free school meals can attend this FREE holiday activity provision.
As ever, HAPpy Camps will offer a wide variety of activities with a nutritious meal included too!
Every HAPpy camp is SEND-inclusive, offering activities for children with lower SEND support needs alongside those without additional needs—whether a child is formally diagnosed or not (provided the right information is supplied with their booking). A limited number of SEND-specific camps are available for children with higher support needs.
Please reach out to providers to discuss any specific requirements prior to booking to avoid disappointment.
The HAPpy Camps winter programme runs from 22 – 31 December. Search and book a winter HAPpy Camp
Find SEND courses, activities and services on the SEND Directory (all ages)
Are you looking for local activities and SEND services for a child or young person with SEND?
The SEND community activities directory promotes a wide range of local activities and support groups. Some activities will also include discounts for families registered with a Herts Card (SEND).
We will be adding additional activities on a regular basis.
Hertfordshire's Plan for Children and Young People 2026-31
The Plan for Children & Young People 2026-31 was launched on 19 November and sets out Hertfordshire County Council's Ambitions for improving outcomes for children and young people and how those Ambitions will be achieved. The Vision is to support all children and young people to feel they belong and are happy, healthy, and safe so they can thrive with their families and community.
Events
View all courses and activities
SEND Chat and Play, Hertford
Thursday 4 December, 9.30am, Hertford Selections Family Centre
A relaxed, supportive environment for families of children with emerging or diagnosed SEND needs, offering both play opportunities and access to trusted local information.
Early Years Stay and Play at The Zone
Friday 5 December, 10.30am - 12pm
A welcoming space where families can connect with others in a safe and inclusive environment.
Jack and the Beanstalk - quiet relaxed performance
Saturday 6 December, 1pm, Watford Palace Theatre
A special relaxed performance of this favourite family-friendly panto.
Potential Kids - Tracks train club (ages 12+)
Saturday 13 December, 12pm - 2pm, Hatfield
Play with trains and connect with others. A calm, inclusive and welcoming space for all.