In this issue:
Improving Statutory SEND in Hertfordshire
Over the last year, we’ve been carrying out a review of the EHCP service and have identified a number of changes we could make which will improve the communication with our families around EHCPs, and make the
processes more efficient and transparent. This week, we’re excited to be launching these changes to our statutory SEND service and we hope that, in time, families will start to see a real and positive improvement in the way the processes for statutory SEND work going forward. You can read all about what’s changing and how these changes might affect you, in our latest blogpost on the Local offer.
Read our blog on Improving Statutory SEND in Hertfordshire.
Ambitious about Autism
The Ambitious about Autism youth network is a fun and friendly space for autistic young people, between the ages of 16-25, to meet other autistic young people and be themselves. It offers them a safe and moderated online space to help them understand their autistic identify and reduce isolation and loneliness that many feel.
Young people will be able to take part in peer support sessions which are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 5:45-6:45 over Zoom. These sessions are a chance to meet new autistic young people across the country, share experiences and find volunteering, work experience and employment opportunities. Sessions are a safe environment where you can stay within your comfort zone, there is no pressure to turn on your camera or microphone. You can choose to participate or just observe.
The sessions are led by Ambitious staff trained in safeguarding, who you may contact at any point if you are uncomfortable or feel unsafe. Every session has a different theme, past sessions have included arts and crafts, comedy night, DJ sessions, language lessons, and a monthly general knowledge quiz. Youth network members over the age of 18 also have a chance to instant message each other on the platform.
To access the peer sessions, you will need to request to join the youth network.
Read more on the Ambitious about Autism website.
Exam and Revision Stress
Exam season is fast approaching and many of our young people will be starting to feel the pressure.
Just Talk has put together a list of helpful practical resources and support which will help both young people, and their parents, through this difficult time.
Exam and Revision Stress (justtalkherts.org)
SEND review green paper
This video from the Department of Education helps to explain the proposals set out in the SEND and alternative provision green paper.
You can read the SEND review green paper here: SEND Review - right support, right place, right time (publishing.service.gov.uk)
It's important that the voices of the parents of children and young people with SEND in Hertfordshire are heard. Make sure you respond to the green paper via the public consultation. You've got until 1 July 2022.
Events
Potential Kids - Learn to Ride sessions
May 6th, 20th, 27th, and June 10th, 17th, 24th at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm
Ages 6+ at Roe Hill Hall, Hatfield. Lessons taught be Chris, the bike-whisperer for neurodivergent children
Families in Focus - Self Care for parents of children with SEND
Thursday 19th May 10am - 12pm via zoom
Join the parent network and learn more about how you can better look after your health as a parent of a child or young person with SEND.
Bumble Club - for children ages 0 - 5 with learning disabilities
Friday 6th May 9.30am - 11.30am, 92a Langley Road Watford
You and your child would be very welcome to join us for:
- Parent support
- Specialist Advisors
- Stimulating environment
- Building support networks
Support Group for parents of neurodiverse children
Second Thursday of every month from 7 - 8.30pm, Berkhamsted
We aim to provide a relaxed, friendly, environment, for people to come and share their stories and experiences, without judgement, to listen, and offering any advice or suggestions, and signposting to other organisations if needed. It is run as a parent group, not as a professionally-led / directed group.