In this issue:
SEND Provision Plan - have your say (all ages)
📣 Have your say on our proposed SEND Provision Plan 📣
Developed with families, schools, health partners and over 400 children and young people, our SEND Provision Plan includes a stronger focus on early help, inclusion and ensuring every child gets the right support, in the right place.
You can view the full plan and find more information on the Local Offer
Now we want to hear from you so we can refine and improve the final plan.
We want to hear from young people too
Consultation closes 15 June.
Exciting Easter Holiday activities for young people (aged 13-19)
During the Easter 2026 holidays (31 March – 9 April) Hertfordshire County Council Services for Young People is offering exciting outdoor activities to young people aged 13-19 with SEND, including those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
The activities are designed to inspire and empower young people while developing their social, emotional and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment. They include archery, zip-lining, woodland survival skills, orienteering and many more!
The activities are funded by Short Breaks but there is a small fee of £7 per activity.
Hudnall Park is an outdoor education centre set in 85 acres of beautiful parkland, private woodland and meadows, five miles from Hemel Hempstead in the west of Hertfordshire.
Find out more about book your place
Changes to the Young Carers Offer (under 18s)
From 1 April 2026, we will be bringing support for young carers in‑house, when the young carer contract with Carers in Hertfordshire comes to an end.
The existing Carers in Hertfordshire contract for adult carers will remain in place.
Work has been ongoing with young carers, families and professionals to make sure the change is smooth, and the support will continue and stay very similar. This includes assessments, help with managing caring responsibilities, regular reviews, ensuring the voices of young carers inform the support they receive, and support in preparing for adulthood.
A new Young Carers webpage has been developed in collaboration with young carers and their families and includes information about the support available, team contact details, and ‘a Day in the Life of’ form to register a young carer online so that we can ensure they can get the support they need.
We will be contacting all registered young carers directly to welcome them, provide updated contact information, details on how to access support, and a link to the new webpage.
The Young Carers team can be contacted on 01992 658469, or youngcarers@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Herts Secure: a new system for sharing sensitive information and files (all ages)
Hertfordshire County Council is changing their system for sending and receiving sensitive information and documents.
In response to feedback from users about Herts FX, we are switching to a new system called Herts Secure which will be a simpler, more user-friendly experience.
This may affect you if you need to send or receive documents relating to your child or young person’s EHCP or SEND support.
What you need to know about Herts Secure:
- 🔑 You will not need an account to log in to Herts Secure. Access is provided through a secure link sent to your email.
- 📥️ You will receive an email notification telling you that a secure message or files have been sent to you from HCC. The email includes a link to open the secure message and view your files.
- 🕐 Files are not stored permanently. The message with the attachment is in the system for 60 days so if you need to keep a copy of the file, download it to your own device as soon as possible.
- 📤️ If you wish to send files, you will need to email the intended recipient at HCC, and they will then provide you with a message thread to attach the file to.
We have been transitioning to this new service over the last month, and as of today (31 March), Herts FX will no longer be used.
⚠️ If you have an existing Herts FX account, don’t worry, your files are not lost. But you will need to log in as soon as possible and download and save any documents to your own device.
Don't forget to share your views in the Supported Travel consultation (all ages)
We are consulting on our Post-16 home to school / college transport policy and would like your views on the proposed changes.
We are proposing that young people between the age of 16-18 in need of travel support to access education will usually be offered a Personal Travel Budget, rather than travelling in a vehicle provided by the council (i.e. taxi or small vehicle from home to school/college).
We are planning to implement this change from September 2026 and it will apply to everyone needing travel support from the age of 16. This will mostly affect young people with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs) as very few young people without an EHCP benefit from post 16 travel support. This change will not impact anyone currently using transport provided by us, unless they change their course or change their address.
Read more about the change and have your say
The consultation closes on Sunday 12 April (11.45pm)
Free inclusive cricket sessions - starting April 1st (ages 10-25)
The Super 1s programme is designed to provide young people with the opportunity to play cricket in a relaxed, enjoyable environment and help them to gain essential life skills.
The Cricket Hubs are free of charge and open to anyone who wants to attend. Why not go along and give Super 1’s a try!
- Harpenden, Mondays 5-6pm
- Watford, Saturdays 9-10am
- Hatfield, Fridays 6-7pm
- Hitchin, Saturdays 9-10am
For more details contact Luke Heskett: Email:luke.heskett@hertscricket.org or phone: 07894 318756 HCL Disability Development Officer
Events
View all activities and courses
View Easter holiday activities
SPACE: Pottery painting for teens
Tuesday 7 April, 11.30am - 1pm, Knebworth
This is a great opportunity to create a one of a kind personalised present, some decorations - or just make something for yourself.
Festival of Disability Inclusive Cycling
Sunday 12 April, 10am - 1pm, Welwyn Garden City
Come and join a fun-filled day celebrating inclusive cycling! Whether you're new to cycling or a seasoned rider, there's something for everyone!
Dacorum Dolphins Disability Swimming Club
Every Saturday, 5-6pm, Boxmoor
A fun hours play and swim at Everyone Active in Boxmoor Hemel Hempstead. Lots of floats fun inflatables and swim toys available to all in the sessions.