In this issue:
The new model for Provision Panels (all ages)
We have been on a long journey over the last few years to improve the way Placement and Provision panels work and to bring them in line with the improvements we're making in special provision.
Read about the new Provision Panel model and what it means for you
Have your say in the Hertfordshire Residents survey (ends 15 Sep)
Hertfordshire County Councils is responsible for over 500 services, from education provision (including supporting SEND children), and care for adults, to maintaining roads, managing waste and other community services.
We’d like to hear from you to help shape how we support every resident, business and community in our county. Make sure you have your say before 15 September.
An Easy Read Residents' Survey has been designed to make information more accessible to people with learning disabilities.
New Personal Travel Budgets explainer video
Want to know more about Personal Travel Budgets? If your child or young person is eligible for home to school transport, having a Personal Travel Budget gives your family the freedom to make decisions and arrangements about how your they get to and from school or college each day.
Find out more about Personal Travel Budgets on the Local Offer
Meet CJ, our Expert by Experience
CJ Ezeife has joined our SEND Improvement and Transformation team as an 'Expert by Experience' - he is a young person under the age of 25 with personal experience of SEND, having been diagnosed with Autism at a young age.
He is helping to make sure that the voice of the child and young person with SEND in Hertfordshire is heard within the council, and informs decision making and service design. We are pleased to be working with 4 Experts by Experience, and we will be introducing you to all of them in upcoming articles.
Read more about CJ in our news area
Early Adventurers - boosting the confidence of parents of young children with emerging needs (ages 0 - 5)
Early Adventurers is run by the Family Support Service SEND Champions and is all about helping SEND children aged 18 months to 4 years develop crucial skills for a successful start in their educational journey. Since its launch in early 2023, the Early Adventurers 9-week course has made a real difference in the lives of many young children.
Whether they’re just starting to show signs of needing extra support or have a diagnosed special educational need or disability, the course has given them the tools they need to thrive in an early years setting. It's also really helped to support parents and carers - who are picking up practical strategies and finding a supportive community, boosting their confidence in managing their child’s unique needs.
Read more about Early Adventurers and how the group supports families of young children with emerging needs
Mental Health Survey for young people and their families (ages 5-18)
We're looking for feedback from parents, carers & young people in a short survey which will help us understand more about people’s experiences of Children & Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS).
Complete the survey to be in with a chance of winning Wagamama and Hollywood Bowl vouchers. Tell us your views by 20 September.
Events
View all courses and activities
NESSie: Transition support - preparing for adulthood (ages 16+) webinar
Wednesday 4 September, 12pm, online
This webinar is designed to provide parents with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to guide their children through this significant transition, whether moving on to higher education, entering the workforce, or exploring other paths.
Autism Hertfordshire - Transitions 'Steps to better sleep' workshop
Thursday 5 September, 2pm, online
This webinar goes through ideas and strategies for getting better sleep. One of a series of workshops by Autism Hertfordshire for the 'Transitions' service for ages 16+.
Families in Focus - a complete guide to parenting children with Autism / ADHD
10 week course starting Wednesday 11 September, 6.30pm, online
This course aims to give parents a greater understanding of their child's needs and goes through a range of strategies and solutions to better manage behaviours that challenge and understand the sensory needs.