In this issue:
Last chance to have your say - SEND Strategy consultation, Children and Young People's wellbeing survey, Learning Disability Big Plan
There are a few ways that different services are collecting feedback at the moment - now is a great time to share your thoughts across a range of topics, to help shape how services and support are provided in the future.
SEND Strategy 2026 - 29 consultation: closing 6 February 2026
Our proposed SEND Strategy 2026 - 29 sets out how we will support families in Hertfordshire across education, health and social care, for the next 3 years, and we want your feedback. We want to know if we have our ambitions and priorities right. There is a survey for parent carers and professionals, and there is also a survey for children and young people to feedback.
If you'd prefer to share your thoughts in person, the next online consultation event is 4 February at 6pm - 7.30pm. A BSL interpreter will be available.
All the details and ways of feeding back can be found on our SEND Strategy 2026 - 2029 Consultation webpage
Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Survey for young people aged 11-25 with SEND: closing 6 February 2026
The survey gives young people with SEND the chance to share their views on important health and wellbeing topics that affect their lives. The results help schools, commissioners, and a range of agencies and service providers better understand and support the needs of young people with SEND and their families. It is run by Services for Young People and Public Health Hertfordshire.
Please encourage any young people with SEND you know to complete the survey before it closes on 6 February: Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Survey for young people with SEND.
Hertfordshire Learning Disability Big Plan: closing 6 February 2026
Hertfordshire County Council is creating a new Learning Disability Big Plan. It is for children, young people, and adults with learning disabilities. This plan will help improve education, social care, health, and community services. It will help people get the support they need.
We want to hear from you.
- Families and unpaid carers can do the Families and Unpaid Carers survey.
- People with learning disabilities can do the Easyread survey. You can ask someone you trust to help you.
Find more information and the surveys on our Learning Disability Big Plan webpage
Co-parenting with Care for parents with children with SEN
This 6-week online programme from Family Lives offers a structured approach to help parents navigate their unique challenges, improve their relationship, and create a more supportive environment for their SEN child/ren. This group is aimed at parents who have a child with SEND and who are separated or divorced or going through the process of separation or divorce.
The programme covers themes including:
- Understanding SEN and its impact on children and family dynamics
- Effective Communication Skills
- Managing Emotions & Stress
- Collaborative Problem Solving
- Building a Supportive Network
- Creating a Unified Parenting Approach
Online courses running in February:
- Wednesday 4, 11, 25 February & 4, 11, 18 March 2026 - 9.30am to 11.30am
- Thursday 5, 12, 26 February & 5, 12, 19 March 2026 - 7pm to 9pm
We accept referrals from professionals as well as self-referrals. Please complete our online Co-parenting with care referral form
You can also email services@familylives.org.uk or call us on 0204 522 8700 or 0204 522 8701 for more information.
Free February half term activities for young people with SEND (ages 13-19)
During the February 2026 half term holidays (16-18 February) Hertfordshire County Council Services for Young People (SfYP) is offering free 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. Young people can:
- Learn archery and compete in fun games
- Zip across the valley on the high-level zip line
- Navigate the challenge course as part of a team
- Discover and explore nature in the beautiful woodlands
- Enjoy balancing and climbing on the low ropes course
The activities are funded by Short Breaks and young people are eligible up to the year they turn 19 if they are in full time education. Families do not need to register for Short Breaks to attend.
Hudnall Park is SfYP’s 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 and book your free place: Free February half term activities at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND
New monthly SPACE parent carer Support Group in Cheshunt
SPACE are excited to be launching a new monthly parent carer support group in Cheshunt.
This free group is for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people and no diagnosis needed. It’s a safe, welcoming space to meet others who understand, share experiences, ask questions, or simply enjoy a cuppa and a friendly chat.
Facilitated by Hayley Clyne, our Lead SEND Family Support Worker, the group is open to anyone navigating the SEND journey - whether you’re at the very beginning or further along.
📅 Tuesday 24 February
⏰ 10am–12pm
📍 Rose Lodge, Oakview Primary School, Cheshunt
Book Cheshunt SPACE parent carer support group
Please note: these groups are for parents/carers only and we’re unable to accommodate children.
Hertfordshire My Healthcare Passport (ages 11 - 17)
The new Hertfordshire My Healthcare Passport is a simple booklet that families and carers can fill in to share important details about an 11 - 17 year old's health, likes, dislikes, and the best ways to support them.
How can it help you?
👍 It makes sure your child gets care that really fits their needs.
👍 It will help you to feel reassured that staff understand your child.
👍 It helps different services work together more smoothly.
👍 Information can be easily transferred over to the Purple Folder (for ages 18+) to support with transferring from children's services to adult services
My Hertfordshire Healthcare Passport (PDF 718kb)
Events
View all courses and activities
Creative Spark Project - ages 11-17 with SEND, Harpenden
Tuesday evenings, 6 - 8pm, Harpenden Young People's Centre, free
The Creative Spark project is designed for young people with SEND and focuses on developing independent life skills and support for emotional wellbeing, staying healthy and managing money.
Angels - Emotionally Based School Absence webinar
Tuesday 3 February, 10am - 12pm, online, free
An online workshop to explore strategies that might work for your child, followed by an open discussion on the topic.
SEND and disability children's football, Borehamwood (ages 5 - 11)
Wednesdays 5.30pm, Borehamwood, £5 per session
Recreational pan-disability football programme that focusses on playfulness and friendships.