Transforming SEND services continued- "Enabling parents and families . . ."

2) Enabling Parents and Families through the use of digital technology

We’re working hard with families to co-produce a brilliant new Local Offer website and improve our digital SEND Services. This website needs to be as friendly and welcoming as possible for parents who are often stressed, time-poor and looking for a sense of community – along with getting the right information. In other words, we’re not just focussed on making a website that looks pretty – we’re focussing on a design that’s really usable too. We’re now starting to plan for the launch of our new website in January 2020.

You can follow regular updates on this work by reading our blog on the Local Offer.

We’ve also been working closely with Hertfordshire’s SEND IASS service which is a free service that provides confidential and impartial information, advice and support on issues related to SEND for parents of children and young people up to the age of 25. They’re currently developing some new ways of working including developing a new website, introducing a triage service to ensure your queries get answered quickly and appropriately. Alongside this, the SENDIASS team are strengthening their partnerships with local voluntary organisations such as Families in Focus, who have agreed to work with with SENDIASS in trialling some 1:1 advice sessions at different venues across Hertfordshire. We will be seeking your views too so please look out for their survey in the near future.

If you would like to meet with members of the SENDIASS team to discuss your individual concerns you can come along to the following sessions.Times and venues are:

Hatfield

7th November (7pm- 9pm)
Oxlease House, Travellers Lane, Hatfield, AL10 8TJ

Harpenden

9th January (7pm- 9pm)
The Harpenden Trust Centre, 90 Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PS

Watford

3rd February (7pm- 9pm)
Stanborough Centre, Armstrong Room, 609 St Albans Road, Watford, WD25 9JL

Stevenage

5th March (9:30am- 11:30am)
Stevenage Phoenix Centre, The Hyde, Stevenage SG2 9SE

Booking for these 1:1 sessions is essential, and you can do this by emailing francine@familiesinfocus.co.uk