In this issue:
Natural History Museum Tring - making museums fun for everyone (all ages)
The Natural History Museum in Tring is a treasure trove packed with fascinating specimens from all over the world - all from the private collection of Walter Rothschild. There are over 4,900 to see - including polar bears, zebras, and even the famous 'dressed fleas'!
In our latest guest blog, we hear from the museum about the ways they make the museum more accessible for children and adults with SEND, including their 'SENDsational mornings', explorer bags and tactile workshops for blind and partially sighted children.
Read the Natural History Museum guest blog
How Supported Employment helped Josh to kickstart his career (ages 18-25)
Did you know that Services for Young People supports young people with autism and/or learning disabilities aged 18-25 to identify and secure paid employment?
They deliver the 'Local Supported Employment' programme to young people in Hertfordshire and use nationally recognised supported employment techniques which enable them to thrive in the workplace.
They recently supported Josh to gain skills and confidence for his future and kickstart his career.
Read about how SfYP connected Josh to a local employer
Managing exam stress - tips from Just Talk (ages 15+)
As school resumes and exams get closer, it’s normal for young people to feel a little more stressed. But you can help them manage that stress in simple, supportive
ways. Encourage regular breaks from studying, spend time outdoors, or even suggest writing down their worries to clear their mind.
It’s important to remind them that it’s okay to step away from revision when things feel overwhelming – small moments of relaxation make a big difference to mental wellbeing.
Parent courses for the summer term (all ages)
There are many courses and workshops starting this summer term, to help with a variety of different needs. These are a great way to pick up some effective strategies and practical tips to support your child at home, and an opportunity to connect with other parents and share experiences.
Some of the new courses starting this term include:
View all courses and workshops for parents on the Local Offer
Help us improve the process for Stage 1 SEND complaints (all ages)
Colleagues from our SEND Resolution Service (the team that manages complaints and appeals about EHCPs) would like to hold a parent carer experience group.
If you are a parent carer who submitted a stage 1 complaint, which has since been closed in the last 3 months, the team would love to hear from you. A stage 1 complaint is the first stage of the formal complaint process.
What will the group be like?
The group will help the Resolution Service gain an understanding of your experience with the SEND service and how we can share this learning to the wider service to enable improvement and development, with a focus on seeking early resolutions for families. A member of the team will be there, and service managers from other teams may also attend, to hear feedback abut other parts of the SEND system, too.
If you are interested and would like to find out more, please email sendstrategy@hertfordshire.gov.uk. We are holding the first session on Thursday 8th May, 10-11am, online. If you cannot make this date and time but would be interested in taking part in the future, please get in touch and we can contact you ahead of the next session.
Events
View all SEND courses and activities
SPACE - Gaming club (ages 5+)
Saturday 3 May, 3pm - 5pm, St Albans
This event is perfect for young gaming enthusiasts eager to dive into the world of gameplay. No experience is necessary, everyone is welcome from age 5+ from complete novices to tech-geniuses!
Herts Disability Sports Foundation - Fitness sessions (18+)
Tuesday 6 May, 11am, Stanborough Park
Join Charlie for some fun and fitness outdoors
SEND Coffee morning for parents
Wednesday 7 May, 9.15am, Fleetville Junior School, St Albans
This is an informal and safe place for parents / carers to share information and chat. No need to book, just drop in.