In this issue:
Watch recordings of the key speeches from the SEND Summit
On Monday 15 September, we hosted our first SEND Summit, part of our commitment to making sure everyone has the opportunity to be heard—and to influence what happens n
ext.
Lots of people were able to join us in person, and we had over 100 people watch the morning sessions online.
If you weren't able to join the livestream on the day, you can now catch up and watch recordings of the morning speeches, and the Q and A panel session.
The keynote speech was delivered by Dame Christine Lenehan, the Department for Education's strategic adviser for SEND.
Making football more accessible at Watford Football Club
Every football fan should be able to enjoy the thrill of watching their favourite team at a live football match. At Watford Football Club, they are working hard to try and make sure that children and young people with SEND don't miss out.
The Sensory Room has been designed for autistic children who may otherwise struggle to cope in the noisy environment of a football stadium. The main aim is to ensure autistic children feel comfortable attending football matches with their families in a quieter environment, with a view to transitioning into seating in the main stadium once they feel confident to do so. They are able to enter the stadium through a dedicated entrance, and can watch the match behind one-way glass where noise levels are reduced, and where there is a quiet sensory area with reduced lighting for those who need to take some time out.
(Places are subject to availability and a letter from a doctor/consultant or other healthcare professional may be required when booking. Parents will also have the option to visit the Sensory Room before matchday if they wish to check its suitability.)
The club also has 21 Soccer Sight headsets, so that visually impaired supporters can sit in any part of the ground and listen to the commentary provided by volunteers from the Watford Hospital Radio team. For blind or visually impaired people, assistance dogs are welcome at Vicarage Road.
Please visit the Watford FC website for more information on accessibility, including an accessibility tour, or email our supporter services team at disabled.supporters@watfordfc.com to find out more.
Taylor Trek
The Taylor Trek takes place on Sunday October 12, 2025. Every year, Watford FC invites the local community to lace up their walking shoes for a special charity walk around Watford and the surrounding areas. This year’s event features three walking routes which cater to all ages and abilities, including a Family Route (3.5 miles) which is an accessible, family-friendly route, perfect for all ages - and even four-legged friends. Participants will enjoy a pitch-side stadium finish, a commemorative medal, exclusive merchandise for fundraisers, complimentary refreshments and the opportunity to meet special guests. Find out more and sign up.
SfYP Youth Councils enabling young people with SEND to have their voices heard (ages 11-25)
The new Services for Young People SEND youth councils are enabling young people to have their voices heard.
As part of HCC’s commitment to ensuring that we are listening to the voices of young people with SEND and that they are involved in shaping and improving services to meet their needs, in summer 2024 Hertfordshire County Council Services for Young People set up new youth councils exclusively for young people with SEND. Ten SEND youth councils for young people aged 11-25 are now in place
across Hertfordshire, enabling young people with SEND to be at the heart of service design and delivery.
During the 2025 summer term, the youth council members were involved in many consultations, working with senior leaders and professionals to review and give their feedback on a wide range of services across education and healthcare. With the support of Services for Young People youth workers, they also discussed issues important to them, learned new skills and developed their knowledge, confidence and self-esteem.
Read the full story with details of each youth council’s summer term activities
Using data to inform improvements in SEND
As part of our work to make improvements for families with SEND, we are using data in a more meaningful way across our SEND partnership. This includes providing regular updates to our elected members to help them in driving change. Recently we have added this information onto our SEND Improvement Plan page on the Local Offer. Sharing this information helps everyone understand where we need to focus improvements.
We share this data on a quarterly basis to elected members through the Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel, as well as through reports that cover specific services or themes throughout the year. The cabinet meetings are streamed live and the recordings are available through the Council’s main website.
The latest performance data was presented at the meeting on 11 September.
Information on how we are progressing with our SEND improvement plan can be found on the Local Offer.
Events
View all activities and courses
Introduction to the Local Offer webinar
Thursday 9 October, 8pm, online
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.
ADD-vance: Preparing for adulthood 14+ workshop
Wednesday 8 October, 7pm - 8.30pm, online
An online workshop for parents/carers of children from 14 to 18 years with a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of ADHD and/or Autism.
Herts Inclusive Theatre - Sparkle Theatre Group (ages 5-12)
Mondays, 4.45pm - 6pm, Bushey (other venues, dates and age groups are also available)
In these workshops, children can explore music, arts, drama, games, movement, dance, script work and much more!