SEND news

Latest news and updates

Did you take part in the IAS consultation?

A big thank you to all who responded to and completed our SEND information, advice and support (IAS) consultation which ended this month.

The consultation, which ran from 23 March to 14 June 2020 outlined proposals on how we provide quality, accessible information, advice and support to children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and their families.

We had a very good response and are now analysing the feedback. We aim to share the outcome with you by the end of July.

Hertfordshire County Council ensures that children and young people have their say in the services they receive and as much as possible, we ensure parents/carers, young people and our partners, are at the heart of how we plan our services.

If you would like to read about the consultation, information documents are still available at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/iasconsultation.

Working together in the pandemic – HPCI (Herts Parent Carer Involvement) and HCC

Since the pandemic and lock down measures HPCI, as the parent carer forum for Hertfordshire,  has worked closely with HCC to raise issues that families are facing and work together on how to respond.

An HPCI representative attends the weekly online SEND Cluster meeting.  This is chaired by Jo Fisher who is Operations Director for Services for Young People and it is also attended by lead officers from across Children’s Services in Herts such as Integrated Services for Learning, 0-25 Together Service, Standards and Accountability, Virtual Schools, School Effectiveness and the Local Offer. The group is very focused on getting solutions and decisions on the topics discussed.  HPCI looks at anything about the current pandemic situation that affects children and young people with SEND in Herts such as the latest government guidance and the key issues that families and services are facing focusing on how to help address them. 

How does HPCI know what to raise?  HPCI’s team of parent reps have their 'ear to the ground' hearing directly from families in a number of ways about their experiences. The group keeps an eye on government communications and then thinks about how that will affect families with SEND.  HPCI links in with the National Network of Parent Carer Forums and picks up on the national picture feeding it back locally as well as passing Hertfordshire experiences back to the NNPCF for them to raise with government departments.

What has HPCI raised locally and what has been done?

Communications – suggesting and reviewing lots of communications that go out to parents using a number of different media.  These are either from services directly or on the local offer to make sure that they include everything, are clear and easily understood.

SEND Local Offer website: helping with the design and content of the Local Offer coronavirus updates page and the resources area to make the information as clear and easy to find as possible in a fast-changing situation.

Clarifying where parents should go for help if things are not working for them such as the ISL helpline, Herts Help or SENDIASS.

Risk assessments by schools – HPCI highlighted the lack of parental involvement by a number of schools in the risk assessments for children with EHC plans. This resulted in schools constantly being reminded about the need to involve parents and young people along with communicating to parents that they should be involved in these assessments.

Direct Payments – there was confusion about what families could do with direct payments (DP) with so many services closed.  This led to new guidance about what it can be spent on and some frequently asked questions published on the Local Offer and publicised to parents.

Therapy Services – asking for and getting a clear statement from the provider of children’s therapies about what they were providing.  Followed up by working with HCC on getting a clear plan on when and how therapy services will be restored by the provider.

Face masks – putting forward the issues for families around their compulsory use on public transport and the exemption cards that are available.  This has led to a dedicated page going live within 2 days on the Local Offer that has downloadable versions for use on smart phones or printing out.

HPCI and HCC have also continued to work on most of the projects and work streams that were happening before the pandemic so that there aren’t too many delays for when things get back to whatever normal will look like.  These meetings are being held online using Microsoft Teams. After getting used to using Teams the meetings are generally working well and mean that  the family voice is still there and parent reps don’t have to spend time travelling or finding somewhere to park.  We look forward to seeing how this way of working will develop in the future.

JOIN HPCI - All parents or carers of children and young people aged 0-25 years with SEND in Hertfordshire are able to join our free parent network - HERE

Returning to school and college (and other key changes)

This month some children may return to primary school classes and Years 10 and 12 in secondary schools will have some direct teaching input later this term.

The government also wants to see more vulnerable children – including those with EHC plans being able to return to education.  However, due to the effect of the coronavirus epidemic, they have made some temporary changes to the law around EHC plans which will be in force until 25th September 2020. This will be kept under review and may be extended.

Key changes:
Councils and health services must use ‘reasonable endeavours’ to deliver or arrange the provision in an EHCP.  Due to the coronavirus services may not be able to deliver as they would normally so they must look at what they can do.  Flexibility of approach will be needed to think differently about how things can be done and also there will be flexibility around the timescales for EHC assessments, issuing plans and carrying out annual reviews.

Below you can read government guidance for:

For CYP with SEND

Secondary schools  (from June 15th)

FE Colleges

In Hertfordshire –  All early years settings, schools and colleges have been asked to contact all families of a child/young person with an EHCP and discuss the provision in place and what can still be delivered. A record must be kept of what is agreed and the provision kept under review as things progress.  HCC is providing a leaflet for every family that explains about ‘reasonable endeavours’ and there will be more information on the SEND Local Offer All settings (including those outside Herts where Herts children attend) will receive a letter from HCC explaining what they are expecting them to do.

What do I do if my family isn’t happy with what is being offered for my child?  If you are unable to reach an agreement with your child’s school/setting then you need to contact your child’s SEN Officer.  They will then ask the HCC Integrated Services for Learning team in your area to help you and the setting reach an agreement.  If that doesn’t work then a review of your child’s plan will take place.

Therapies – at the moment the therapists such as Speech and Language, Physio and Occupational Therapists working for Herts Community Trust (HCT) are still supporting other health services with their response to coronavirus and offering a very limited urgent service to children.  The health commissioners are meeting with HCT to find out how they plan to get back to providing children’s therapy.  We will update you as soon as we can on this.

Attendance at school – not all children (with or without an EHCP) will be able to return to education due to the effect of coronavirus such as shielding.  The government has made it clear that for this term there will be no action taken or fines issued over non-attendance at school.

What about children and young people on SEND Support - they don’t have an EHC plan?
Parent representatives from the NNPCF keep pressing the Department for Education about arrangements for this group of children and young people and will continue to do so until enough progress is made.

Meet the new 0-25 SEND Commissioning Manager

We welcome Felix Gilding, the new senior send commissioning manager, leading on SEND commissioning in the Family & Health Services commissioning team.

Commissioning supports many of Hertfordshire’s services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND),  focusing on SEND children’s social care, health and education.

Read more here about the work of the team passionate about their service that supports some of the county’s most vulnerable people.

Preparing for Adulthood web information from National Charity – Contact

Contact have developed new online information and help to guide parent carers in England through the process of preparing their child for life as an adult. 

Their new  Preparing for Adult Life  pages have key information around the transition from child to adult support services for families with disabled children.  The topics covered are:
Making a plan, Making decisions, Benefits & Money, Wills & Trusts, Education, health and social care, Getting a job, Independent Living and housing, Growing up – sex and relationships. 

Take a look.

DfE extends tribunal trials

In April 2018, the Department for Education (DfE) began a national trial to extend the powers of the SEND Tribunal to hear appeals, and make non-binding decisions about, health and social care aspects of Education, Health and Care plans. The Trial was due to end on 31 August 2020 but due to pressures local areas and families are under as a result of coronavirus, the Department for Education is extending the Trial until 31 August 2021.

A copy of the letter from Vicky Ford, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, to the Directors of Children’s Services advising them of the extension can be downloaded here: https://www.sendpathfinder.co.uk/send-single-route-of-redress-national-trial

Things to do in Hertfordshire

Things to do

Summer Reading Challenge still on this year!

Join the Silly Squad, an adventurous team of animals and celebrate books that make us happy and laugh, featuring bespoke artwork from award-winning children’s author and illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson.

Due to the Coronavirus, The Reading Agency has redesigned this year’s Summer Reading Challenge into a virtual one. As libraries are closed children can read books they have at home or borrow e-books and e-audiobooks from the library on BorrowBox

To help keep children reading over the summer and to support parents and carers with children already at home, the challenge started earlier this year, on Friday 5 June. The digital challenge platform is free for children and their families to join and use, providing a safe and secure sign-up process. Children can set up their own personal reading goals and keep track of their progress, unlocking virtual rewards as they work through their challenge. As well as finding book suggestions from the Book Sorter, the Silly Squad website will include games, quizzes and downloadable activities. So head over to the website and join in the fun at www.sillysquad.org.uk

E-book stories to enjoy and teach

Reading and listening to stories is a great way for children to learn at home, keep busy or to relax and escape to other worlds.

Below, Hertfordshire Libraries have provided links and updates about some of the many ebooks available


Coming back to school in a bubble is a most informative You Tube story by Kezia Matthews

The story explains all about the new arrangements that children will find when they come back into nursery, like only being in a small group, having to wash their hands when they get to nursery, explaining 'the bubble and staying in the same space for dinner.

You can watch and listen to the story here.


Staying Home - Sally Nicholls and Viviane Schwarz

Staying Home’ explains lockdown to young children through a family of energetic raccoons are going through a day in lockdown, no school, nursery or work – and explaining to the youngest members of the family how they’re doing their part to save lives just by staying at home!

Talking is not my thing!

A follow on from ‘Me and my sister’, the autistic sister of this delightful sibling duo knows what she wants to say but can’t say it out loud. However, there is plenty of fun she and her brother can have together without verbal communication, and she is often one step ahead of him!

Copies have been ordered for Hertfordshire Libraries but until libraries are able to reopen you can watch author Rosie reading ‘Talking is not my thing’ on YouTube


Visit NHS Health Education England for a good selection of information and resources on Covid-19 for children and other books from the Nurse Dotty series.

Free downloadable books such as ‘Dave the Dog is worried about Corona virus’ which aims to give children  information without fear.

Coronavirus: A Book for Children – Axel Scheffler

Axel Scheffler has illustrated a digital book for primary school age children, free for anyone to read on screen or print out, about the coronavirus. Download the book for free here.

Nosy Crow also have other great resources on their website like a daily picture book story reading and free activity sheets to download. https://nosycrow.com/free-resources/

Everybody Worries - by Jon Burgerman

Everybody Worries’ offers your child the reassuring message that this crisis will pass, we are there for them, and we will get through this together.   Read the eBook


 

While we can’t hug – Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar (Faber & Faber)

Hedgehog and Tortoise want to give each other a great big hug, but they're not allowed to touch. Instead they find other ways to show their friendship for each other.

You can find the story here.


Something bad happened – A kid’s guide to coping with events in the news - Dawn Huebner

Something Bad Happened guides children ages 6 to 12 and the adults who care about them through tough conversations about national and international tragedies. The non-specific term "bad thing" is used throughout, keeping this a flexible tool and therefore it is perfect to use during this Coronavirus pandemic.

You can watch and listen here.

This book will also available to borrow from Hertfordshire Libraries once they reopen.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extra help on the Local Offer

With children and young people out of education settings at the moment, families may be needing a bit of extra help to keep their child’s education progressing, or just to keep them entertained. The Local Offer, Hertfordshire’s website for families of young people aged 0 -25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), has a resources area where parents and families can find materials and resources they can use to help their child learn key skills. The resources area specifically looks to support those families whose child has an additional need, but it can be used by any family, and may have certain educational activities that can help any pupil to develop a skill they may be struggling with.

The resources area includes:

  • Activity sheets and ideas provided by the Specific Learning Difficulties team, which can help progress in key areas including writing, memory, numbers and spelling
  • Practical help for children who are struggling with their mental health, either as a result of COVID-19 or more generally
  • Help with explaining COVID-19 to younger children and young people with autism, including social stories and easy read documents
  • Materials which help young people to develop their independence, including cooking activities
  • Lots of fun ideas for your children to do independently or as a family at home to encourage them to explore and use their imagination

 Find it all at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SENDresources

During times of extreme measures and social distancing, the Local Offer are also sharing good news stories from families, services and providers that have gone the extra mile to support others at this time: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/goodnewsstories

Support and Advice

Hypermobility and more - join Playskill Paediatric Physiotherapists on 7 July

Join Sarah Masters and Sue Upcott, (Playskill Paediatric Physiotherapists) for live talks on Hypermobility and Physical Activity & Local Options

Date: Tuesday 7 July 2020

Time: 8:00pm via Zoom

Sarah will be talking on the hyper mobile child – how hyper mobility can affect children and management strategies to help overcome some of the challenges children might face. Sue will talk about the benefits of various sports and physical activities and where you might access these for your children in the local area. We also welcome your own recommendations.

Please click here to book

Win an Amazon voucher worth £100 with Get Yourself Active

happy young boy with a walking frameGet Yourself Active (GYA) is working with Sense to find out how disabled people have been staying active during the coronavirus outbreak, what is helping to keep active, and if there is anything more that could support people to keep active during this time.

We have created a survey to help us to understand more about the experiences of disabled people, and people with long term health conditions, around staying active during the coronavirus outbreak. We will then be creating resources that reflect the views and experiences that have been shared through this survey, which will be useful for helping people to get and stay active during crises.

Get Yourself Active is giving out two amazon vouchers of £100 and £60, which will be given to two randomly selected participants.

Here is the link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ZBD3TDD

If you prefer to complete an 'easy read' version, you can find that here. You will then need to email this back to : lydia.bone@disabilityrightsuk.org

Royal College of Paediatrics advice on shielding during COVID

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has produced guidance for paediatricians and other health professionals. Children and young people should be advised to 'shield' during the COVID-19 outbreak,  in order to protect those at very high risk of severe illness from coming into contact with the virus. It also provides frequently asked questions on how 'shielding' applies to children and families.  The advice is there to help clinicians in their discussions with families around shielding in the UK.


https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/covid-19-shielding-guidance-children-young-people

Free parent workshops - book your place today!

Contact, the charity organisation for families with disabled children are now running their programme of popular, free parent workshops virtually!

Topics include: Money matters, Encouraging Positive Behaviour, Wellbeing for you, and Managing your child's sleep. Booking is easy - find out how to sign up today! 

Your services

Meet Courtney East - support worker at Peartree Jubilee House

Courtney East is a support worker at Peartree Jubilee house. After finishing her degree in Philosophy and Religion, Courtney did a stint in a residential home for a while but wanted to work with children/young people, so applied to Jubilee House where she has now been for eight months.

Providing physical and emotional support for young people that stay at Jubilee, getting involved with physical activities, cooking, cleaning, helping with medical needs and simply anything that helps the young people to smile, sing and achieve their goals are some of the things Courtney enjoys most.

“It is so rewarding to see and to know that this has given them the encouragement to continue growing in different ways” said Courtney.

Read here for her full story and how Jubilee House is coping through COVID restrictions.

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