In this issue:
New BSL videos on the Deaf and Hearing Support Service page
Last week was International Week of Deaf People - and to mark the occasion, we're excited to announce the addition of new British Sign Language (BSL) videos to the Deaf and Hearing Support Service page. These videos are designed to make our service more accessible to the Deaf community, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the support we offer.
The new BSL videos cover a range of topics, including an overview of the service, who the service supports, what to expect from the service and how to make a referral.
You will find the new BSL videos on the Deaf and Hearing Support Service page. Please share the page with anyone who you think might benefit.
We are always looking for ways to improve our services. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please get in touch with us. Your feedback helps us create a more inclusive and supportive community.
Rhyme and Sign sessions at St Albans and Hertford libraries (ages 0-5)
This ‘International week of Deaf people’ we celebrated a new scheme that has launched in our Libraries.
Kathy Goodwin, a qualified teacher for D/deaf children and young people working for the SEND Specialist Advice and Support Service at Hertfordshire County Council, delivered her first ‘Rhyme and Sign’ session at Hertford Library this month. The session was well attended and Kathy used BSL (British Sign Language) to translate the rhymes and songs for children with hearing loss and younger babies who haven’t yet learnt to speak. Old favourites such as ‘Alice the Camel’ and ‘Baby Shark’ were enjoyed by all the children.
The Rhyme and Sign sessions will be taking place once a month at both Hertford and St Albans libraries.
Read more about the Rhyme and Sign sessions
Plans for two more Specialist Resource Provisions are approved
Plans to create 2 more Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) for children with communication and autism needs were approved on Wednesday 18 September by Hertfordshire County Council's cabinet.
The new SRPs will be at Featherstone Wood Primary School in Stevenage and at Brockswood Primary School in Hemel Hempstead, and will be opening from September 2025 creating 24 new places.
Read more about how we are increasing school places for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
New 'Supporting your neurodivergent child' handbook (all ages)
The Neurodiversity Handbook (pdf 6.6MB) has been written by parents for parents to help them better understand their child or young person. You'll find advice and strategies, and information about organisations that can support you. (If you need an accessible version of this document, please email EHCommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk).
Celebrating National Inclusion Week (23 - 29 September)
National Inclusion Week (NIW) is dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces. This year it took place from 23 – 29 September and the theme was #Impact Matters - highlighting the importance of creating real, measurable change in our communities.
We know that starting early with inclusion is what leads to a more inclusive society. Throughout the week we were shining a spotlight on the important works and initiatives across Hertfordshire which are really bringing inclusive practices to life. You can read more about these in our SEND news area:
Sibs - For brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults (all ages)
Sibs is a charity that supports people who grow up with or have grown up with a disabled brother or sister. It is the only UK charity representing the needs of over half a million young siblings and over one and a half million adult siblings.
They're looking for people who can help to run group support for young siblings. Their sibling group leader training session will give you all the information you need to plan, run and evaluate your own local siblings group. It is taking place online via Zoom on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, 9.15am - 1.15pm.
More information and how to book the workshop
SENsational Active Tots sessions with Stevenage FC (ages 1-5)
Looking for somewhere for your little one to run off a bit of steam ? The Family Centre Service alongside Stevenage FC are running new SENsational Active Tots sessions for 1-5 years olds. These sessions are all about bringing physical activity to life through various sports and challenges!
Taking place at Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage and FREE for the first 8 weeks! (£3.50 thereafter)
Wednesdays 10 - 10.45am.
More information and booking
Events
View all courses and activities
Family Lives - Positive co-parenting of neurodiverse children - 8 week course
Starting Thursday 3 October at 9.30 - 11.30am, online
This programme is designed specifically for parents living together or apart, who are facing conflicts and struggling to find common ground in raising their neurodiverse child.
SPACE - Inclusive party experience with Captain Fantastic
Saturday 12 October 10.15am - 11.15am or 11.30am - 12.30pm, Pinehurst Community Centre
This pilot party is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and considerate of the unique needs of our children. Our aim is to create a fun and safe environment where every child can enjoy the magic of the show at their own pace and in their own way.
NESSie - My World and Me - Understanding my Autism/ADHD 12 week programme
Various dates and times for different age groups
This group is run by two Nessie Autism/LD specialists and aims to support your child/young person to have an opportunity to meet other young people of similar age and experiences. Focusing on celebrating your child’s strengths, this group aims to be fun whilst supporting confidence, independence and resilience.