In this issue:
ASK SALI: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities advice line for professionals (all ages)
'Ask SALI' is a new phoneline for SENCOs and professionals to call, for advice about meeting the needs of their children and young people with SEND. The new service will be staffed by 3 Ask SALI advisors, who bring with them a wealth of professional experience and knowledge of SEND.
The advisors come from a range of different professional backgrounds across health, education and social care, meaning that they are well equipped to support schools, settings and other professionals in making Hertfordshire a more inclusive place.
Learn more about Ask SALI.
The re-building of The Valley school (ages 11 - 16)
Work has begun this term on the £15.8m project to build a new state-of-the-art special school within the grounds of the existing Valley School in Stevenage – due to open in the autumn term in 2023.
On Monday 17 October, selected pupils from the Valley School joined county councillors to get up close to the construction of their new school.
“It’s really exciting for the children. And for me, as a head teacher, to be able to give them not just high-quality teaching but also an environment that they can really enjoy is really special. This is giving them the best of the best and they absolutely deserve it!” – David Pearce, Headteacher of The Valley School
SEND students get a sneak peek at their school of the future.
Herts Parent Carer Involvement annual survey
Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI) exists to represent the views of the parents and carers of children and young people with SEND in Hertfordshire. They work alongside Hertfordshire health, education and social care services, to help keep the needs of families at the heart of decision making.
HPCI are launching their first annual survey to find out more about what families in Hertfordshire are experiencing. They want to know what works and what doesn’t, so that they can make sure they are concentrating on the areas that matter most to you. You do not need to have an EHCP, a diagnosis, or be a member of HPCI to take part - they want to hear from everyone.
There is a chance to win 1 of 2 £25 gift cards for completing the survey, too.
You can complete the HPCI survey until 11 November 2022.
Family Lives parenting groups (ages 5-16)
Family Lives provide online parenting groups in Hertfordshire which cover a range of topics and are designed to provide support to parents and increase their confidence in parenting. Online courses are a great way to get advice in the comfort of your own home and at times to suit you.
Bringing Up Confident Children for Parents of Children with ADHD/ASD (for ages 5-13) – Online (6 weeks)
This programme provides support, information and resources to parents/carers and adult family members so they can help their child reach their full potential.
- Tuesday daytime 8 November to 13 December 9.30am - 11.30am
- Tuesday evening 8 November to 13 December 7.30pm - 9.30pm
- Wednesday daytime 9 November to 14 December 9.30am - 11.30am
Time to Talk about Pre Teens / Teens (6 weeks) (for ages 10-16) – Online (6 weeks)
- Thursday evening 3 November to 8 December 7pm - 9pm
This programme provides support, information and resources to parents/carers and adult family members whose Pre Teen / Teen may be feeling anxious or isolated in the wake of Covid-19? Are you concerned about their mental health and struggling to get help? Or do you have a FFA/CIN/CP? Join our free 6-week online group for valuable advice and help on how to support and manage their behaviour.
Please email services@familylives.org.uk or call Louise or Kate on 0204 522 8700 / 8699 for more information.
Events
View all courses and activities
Up on Downs - Choices Youth Group
Friday 4 November 6pm - 8pm
The Choices youth group is for young people with learning disabilities (aged 12 - young adult) who would like to do things with like-minded people and can come from anywhere within travelling distance of Hitchin.
Playskill - Managing Behaviour online workshop
Monday 14 November 8.15pm - 9.30pm
This training will focus on some common reasons for difficult behaviour in children and developing effective management techniques. The session will be useful to parents whose children are already at school as well as those under five, whether they have SEN or not.
Dacorum Families SEND Information Fayre
Wednesday 9 November 4pm - 6pm, Grovehill and Woodhall Farm, Hemel Hempstead
Our second Dacorum Families SEND Information Fayre will be focusing on: activities for children and young people with SEND and whole family support. Open to Dacorum SEND families. Includes local provider information stands, DSPL8 parent representatives, activities for children, refreshments and food.
Little Red Riding Hood - relaxed performance (Booster Cushion Theatre Company and SPACE)
Sunday 20 November 10.30am - 11.30am, Stevenage Library
Stevenage Libraries and SPACE Hertfordshire are excited to bring you a very special and exclusive performance for neurodiverse families of Little Red Riding Hood and Friends by the Booster Cushion Theatre Company.