In this issue:
Hertfordshire's newest SEND school building in Stevenage opens its doors
Hertfordshire’s newest special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school building opened its doors to more than 180 students on Tuesday 9 January, as the new term began at the Valley School in Stevenage.
The new school building, custom-designed to better meet the needs of its students with learning disabilities, has been built on the site of the former school. The Valley School students had the unique experience of being able to watch their new school being built before their eyes during its 16-month build.
"We’re delighted to finally be teaching in our new school, giving our students the quality of provision they deserve. It is amazing to be able to complement our high-quality teaching with a learning environment that our young people can really enjoy" - David Pearce, Headteacher at The Valley School
Read more about the opening of the Valley school.
Courses for parents and carers from the RNIB (all ages)
Parent Pathways, from the Royal National Institute of the Blind, is a free and informal series of online sessions for parents and carers whose child has recently been diagnosed with vision impairment. Part of the Living Well with Sight Loss series, it's designed to give parents the space to learn about and discuss some of the important questions that they might have about raising a child who is blind or partially sighted.
It is open to parents or carers of children aged from birth to 25 years old.
Find out more about courses and events for parents on the RNIB website
Sign up to the Priority Support Register to get support in the event of a power cut (all ages)
If you have a child under 5, or someone in your household with a serious health issue or impairment, you might be eligible for free priority support from the UK Power Networks - which means, in the event of a power cut, you would get a 24 hour support telephone number and other personalised assistance, which could include support such as hot meals. If this applies to you, make sure you register your details on the Priority Services Register or call the free number on 0800 169 9970.
Head Up! mentoring scheme for young people with SEND (ages 14-18)
Head Up! is accepting mentee signups for their 2024 mentoring programme!
Head Up! is an organisation run by a group of university students who have a variety of disabilities, physical & mental health conditions, learning difficulties and neurodiversity.
They want to share their advice and experiences of dealing with these in school, university & in their social lives in the hope that other young people will feel supported, encouraged and able to keep going: to overcome extra challenges and to chase big ambitions.
Their free mentoring scheme supports
14-18 year-olds who self-identify as disabled (or anyone who has a physical /mental health condition, SpLD, or neurodivergence). Mentees are paired with a student or recent graduate with a similar condition or studying a particular subject. They meet online for an hour per month for at least 1 year.
Safeguarding policies are available on the website; mentors have DBS checks and safeguarding training.
Talking Therapies support for anxiety and depression (ages 16+)
The Talking Therapies service from the NHS offer a wide range of confidential talking therapy treatments and practical support for adults and young people over the age of 16 with common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. They can help you:
- boost wellbeing
- manage worry
- improve sleep
- overcome low mood
- learn coping techniques
To access the service, you can self-refer online for Talking Therapies, or phone the Single Point of Access on 0800 6444 101.
Events
** Please bear with us while we update our events pages on the Local Offer. We are working on a new events tool which will hopefully be ready in February. Thank you for your patience!**
Mencap: SEN soft play at Furzefield
Saturday 24 Feb 9am - 10am , Furzefield Leisure Centre, Potters Bar
For Learning Disabled children up to 11 years old. Pre-booking required - please email development@hertsmeremencap.org.uk before 21 Feb. £2.50
Angels - Emotionally Based School Avoidance workshop
Tuesday February 6 - 10am - 12pm, online
This session will be delivered by Angels’ Specialist Support Practitioners, and will explore what strategies and accommodations could help to make your child feel less stressed about going into school.
Space - Home Ed space to grow gardening experience
Tuesday February 6 - 10.30am - 12pm, Ware
Join us at our SPACE to Grow Allotment for Feeling Good Week 2024 and enjoy all of the benefits of communal gardening. This session is particularly suited for families who are choosing to home educate, who are not in a school placement, or are on a reduced timetable.
Herts Disability Sports Foundation - Boxercise for 18+
Friday 16 February 11am, St Albans
Join us for a fun Boxercise session at Cottonmill Community Centre in St Albans. This session is for adults aged 18+ with a disability