In this issue:
Hundreds join SEND summit to help shape Hertfordshire’s SEND services
Our SEND Summit, which took place on Monday in Hatfield, united people with a passion for improving the experiences of children and young people with SEND in Hertfordshire. The one-day event brought together over 100 parent carer representatives, school professionals - including SENCos and headteachers, young people, voluntary sector organisations, and professionals from the local authority and the NHS.
In the live-streamed morning session, which was viewed online by more than 100 people, we heard speeches from council leaders, along with a keynote address from Dame Christine Lenehan, the Government’s strategic advisor on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Talks were followed by a Q&A session which discussed questions submitted by parents, carers, educators, health professionals and young people. During the morning session, a visual artist and strategist, Julia Bakay, captured the essence of discussions and key ideas through illustration. The resulting artwork was shared at the end of morning session.
For those who were not able to join the livestream, a recording will be made available - look out for it on our social media channels and in the next edition of SEND news.
In the afternoon, attendees were invited to join a number of workshops to share their views and discuss in detail the themes raised from the summer listening events.
What comes next?
At the end of the day, leader of the Council Steve Jarvis, closed the summit with some final remarks and talked about what comes next. "The ideas shared in our workshops, the feedback gathered, and the connections made will shape our plans and our strategy. And that strategy will not be written in isolation—it will be co-produced, co-owned, and co-delivered. Today has been about listening to what people have to say so we can make real changes that reflect what you have told us".
Find out more about the SEND Summit on the local offer’s website.
Stocktake letter from the Department of Education
If you're interested in hearing more about the SEND improvements already taking place in Hertfordshire, you'll find details in our most recent 'stocktake letter'. Earlier this year we were visited by the Department of Education and NHS England to review the SEND improvement progress we are making. This is referred to as a ‘stocktake’ and provides us with a snapshot of the progress in the last six months. You can read the full stocktake letter on our Hertfordshire SEND local offer website, along with a summary of the key highlights
Introduction to SEND services and support in Hertfordshire - join the Local Offer webinar (all ages)
Want to know more about the SEND Local Offer website and how it can help you find support for your family? 
Sometimes, it's hard to know what support is out there, and where to begin. In this webinar, a friendly face from the SEND 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 access it.
Thursday 9 October at 8pm - 8.45pm - online via Teams
Wall art competition for NHS charity (all ages)
Calling All Creatives in the community! Help Design the New Contactless Payment Wall Art for HCT NHS Charity!
HCT NHS Charity are excited to announce their new project, and need your creativity to make it happen!
They’re installing an innovative contactless payment wall that will make donating easier, quicker, and more interactive. It’s not just a donation point it will also be a beautiful piece of community art, designed with your ideas. This is a chance for everyone to come together and make something meaningful. Staff members, family and friends or local schools and community groups. Get creative, get involved, and help us create wall art that brings colour, community, and compassion together!
How to Enter
- Submit your artwork or concept (digital file, scanned sketch, or photo of your piece) to: hct.charity@nhs.net
- Entries can be groupwork or individual and must be able to print in large format.
- Closing date is Friday 3 October
- Remember to include your name, age and contact details.
Prizes - winners will:
- Have their artwork featured on one of our new wall installations.
- Receive a special prize as a thank you for their creativity and support.
- Be celebrated at our unveiling event, with their name proudly recognised in the community.
Winners will be announced in the last week of October and an unveiling event will take place in Autumn/Winter 2025. Please send any questions to hct.charity@nhs.net
Hertfordshire Music Service Inclusive Choir (for ages 9-25)
Do you know a young person who loves to sing?
The Inclusive Choir (run by Hertfordshire Music Service in association with the Soundabout charity) is a contemporary-style choir open to children of all abilities from years 5 all the way through to age 25.
They meet three times each half-term (twice online and one in-person at Mid Herts Centre for Music and Arts in Hatfield).
Come along! The next meeting is Friday 19 September at 5pm. Cost: £38 per term.
For queries and to sign up, email: hmsinclusion@hertfordshire.gov.uk or phone 01438 844 851.
'Co-parenting with Care' courses for parents of neurodiverse children
The 'Co-parenting with Care' course from Family Lives is a free 6-week online programme for parents and carers of children with neurodiversity who are facing conflicts and struggling to find common ground in raising their child. The course offers a structured approach to help you navigate your unique challenges, improve your relationship, and create a more supportive environment for your SEN child/ren.
The programme covers: 
- Understanding SEN and its impact on children and family dynamics
- Effective communication skills
- Managing emotions and stress
- Collaborative problem solving
- Building a supportive network
- Creating a unified parenting approach
Taking place online, there are 2 courses running:
Wednesday 15 Oct - 26 Nov (not 29 Oct) for 6 weeks, 9.30am - 11.30am
Thursday 16 Oct - 27 Nov (no 30 Oct) for 6 weeks, 7pm - 9pm
For information, email services@familylives.org.uk or call 0204 522 8700.
Events
View all activities and courses
Wednesday 1 October, 2pm - 6.30pm, Welwyn Garden City Central Library
Join journalist and author Cathy Reay as she discusses her book ‘How to Be Disabled and Proud’, sharing practical advice for parents and carers on supporting and advocating for disabled children. This event will be supported by a drop-in fair with representatives from services in Hertfordshire County Council and partner organisations including: SPACE and the Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer team.
Yoga and wellbeing for neurodiverse teens/ pre-teens
Wednesday 17 September, 5pm, Letchworth
Whether your child has a formal diagnosis or not, if they struggle with the fast pace of life or feel anxious, unsettled, or different — this class offers them space to feel safe, seen, and supported.
Forest School sessions for home educated children
Primary school age: Tuesday afternoons 1.30pm - 3.30pm, Hudnall Park
Secondary school age: Thursday afternoons 1.30pm - 3.30pm, Hudnall Park
Tailored to the age, personal interests, and natural curiosity of those attending, these sessions help develop physical, emotional, and social skills while connecting with nature.