In this issue:
Share your views for the SEND summit (all ages)
You may have already heard about Hertfordshire’s SEND Summit that is taking place this September. We want to ensure that the voices of families are at the heart of it and so would like to encourage you to share your views.
Watch Cllr Mark Watkin explain more about the Summit and ways to share your experiences (37 seconds):
You can find a survey that includes questions about your experiences with SEND services, what you think should be discussed at the Summit, and what changes would make the biggest difference to your family. You can also find out more information about the in-person listening events Elected Members will be holding across the county on the Local Offer:
We are listening - SEND Summit.
Your feedback will help us improve support for children and young people with SEND across the county. Thank you for being part of this important conversation.
Hertfordshire's HAPpy Camps are back for summer (ages 5-16)
HAPpy camps are back once again for the summer holiday.
Children and teens living in Hertfordshire who get benefits-related free school meals can attend this FREE holiday activity provision.
As ever, HAPpy camps will offer a wide variety of activities with a nutritious meal included too!
Every camp is inclusive and able to meet the needs of most children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), provided the right information is supplied with their booking. There are also a limited number of SEND-specific camps which may be better for children with higher support needs.
The HAPpy camps programme runs from 28 July – 29 August.
Find a HAPpy Camp near you
Free summer activities at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND (ages 13-19)
Services for Young People are offering a series of free exciting outdoor activities to young people (aged 13-19) with SEND, including those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH). The activities are funded by Hertfordshire County Council's Short Breaks service and young people are eligible up until the year they turn 19 if they are in full time education. You don't need to register for Short Breaks to attend.
All activities develop social, emotional and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Young people can:
- Learn archery and compete in fun games
- Tackle a woodland balance course
- Discover and explore nature in the beautiful woods
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 activities at Hudnall Park and book your free place.
Get September ready - support from Services for Young People for students in year 11
Services for Young People (SfYP) is offering ‘Get September Ready’ sessions throughout the summer to help Year 11 students feel more confident and prepared for their next steps after school.
The free sessions are open to all young people who are finishing Year 11 who would benefit from support with the transition to their next step. Whether they are going into sixth form, college or don’t currently have anything in place for September, they can get individualised support from the qualified SfYP Advisers.
The informal sessions are particularly beneficial for young people who have been out of education, are home-educated, or have special educational needs and disabilities, including those with social, emotional and mental health needs.
Get full details and book a place for September Ready with Services for Young People
New online groups to support wellbeing and transition (ages 5-18)
Help your child to enjoy the summer, whilst preparing for autumn changes by encouraging them to join an online emotional wellbeing group. With Youth is Hertfordshire Mind Network’s free Digital Wellbeing Service for 5-18-year-olds. They’re launching 4 new online groups this June/July.
Events
View all activities and courses
Saturday 19 July, 2.30-4pm at Hitchin Library, £5
We are excited to welcome Cathy Reay, author of Disabled and Proud to Hitchin Library to celebrate Hitchin Festival and 100 years of Hertfordshire Libraries. Drawing on the author’s experience of growing up disabled, Disabled and Proud helps disabled children embrace (or at least feel OK with) their identity.
SEND soft play session
Sunday 6 July, 3.30pm, DJ's Play Jungle, St Albans
Join DJ's play jungle SEND session for a quieter, calmer play session.
Angels - Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria - webinar
Tuesday 8 July, 10am - 12pm, online
RSD is commonly associated with ADHD, it is a condition that causes people to experience intense emotional pain when they feel rejected or fail. Join our online workshop to discuss RSD and ways to help someone who is experiencing this.