In this issue:
Area SEND Inspection - make sure your voice is heard (all ages)
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are visiting Hertfordshire, as part of an inspection. They will be looking at arrangements for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
As part of their work, they are keen to hear directly from children and young people (aged 11-25), their parents and carers, and the practitioners who work with them.
There are three surveys which you can access with this link::Complete the survey for the Area SEND inspection for Hertfordshire County Council
- One for parents/carers of children and young people with SEND aged 0-25 (including an easy-read version of the survey which you can access through the survey link).
- One for children and young people aged 11-25
- One for practitioners who works with children and young people with SEND in Hertfordshire
Your views are important to us and will help inspectors understand your experience of the SEND arrangements within your area. The survey will close at 9am on Tuesday 9am on 04 July 2023.
Introduction to the Local Offer webinar (all ages)
Want to know more about the Local Offer website and how it can help you find support for your family?
Sometimes, it's just hard to know what support is out there, and where to begin. In this webinar, a friendly face from the Local Offer team will give you a brief tour of the support and services outlined on the website, so you get an idea of what exists and how to get it.
We
hope this means that every person will go away with at least one new piece of information that might help them.
Wednesday 5 July at 7.30pm - 8.15pm - online via Teams
You can use this link to join the Introduction to the Local Offer webinar online via Teams
Quiet hours at the Fire Station open days (all ages)
Did you know that many of the fire stations in Hertfordshire offer a quiet hour during their open days - where children and adults with sensory sensitivities can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Find out more about open days and quiet hours
Herts Haven cafes to support emotional wellbeing (ages 10 - 18)
Herts Haven Cafés are a free welcoming drop-in space for children and young people across Hertfordshire to access support for their emotional wellbeing.
If you are a young person seeking support, we’re here to help!
These cafés are safe spaces where young people can get the emotional wellbeing support they need. Our main goal is to create a non-judgmental environment where young people feel comfortable sharing their concerns. We believe it’s important for individuals to have a space where they can freely express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. That’s why our compassionate team are here to listen and support.
Our team of trained workers can provide practical help and emotional support to anyone who visits, with no referral required.
Practical help may include guidance on coping strategies, stress management techniques, and problem-solving skills. Our workers have the knowledge and resources to provide relevant information and tools to help young people navigate their mental health challenges. The cafés will also provide a safe space to access digital support including The Sandbox, and Lumi Nova, as well as talk through alternative services.
Emotional support is also a key focus of our cafés. Our team are trained to provide empathy, acknowledgment, and a safe space for young people to express their emotions. Through open and caring conversations, we aim to create a sense of belonging and connection.
No referral needed.
Find out more about Herts Haven cafes including times and locations
Events
View all activities and courses
Introduction to the Local Offer Webinar
Wednesday 5 July, 7.30 pm
A friendly face from the Local Offer team will take you through what’s on the website and how you can use it to find the right services and support.
Summer Club for children aged 5-12 with additional needs
31 July - 4 August, Warren Dell School, Watford
2 3-hour sessions per day with different themes (pirate, sports, beach and free play)