SEND News and Update 04.02.21
Date Added: 04/02/2021
Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin. This week includes information on
• Consultation on proposed changes to school and college travel support
• Involving young people with SEND in interviews for new CAMHS staff
• SNAP Parent Carer Forum events
• Yvonne Newbold talk: the emotions of being the parent of a SEND child
• Children's Centres SEND Support Coffee mornings
Consultation on proposed changes to school and college travel support
Central Bedfordshire Council is asking parents and carers for their views on proposed changes to its home to school and college travel assistance policies, which outline who is eligible for free or discounted travel to school and college.
In certain circumstances, the Council provides support with home to school and college transport to school pupils aged 5-16, and students attending post-16 education. The Council is proposing changes after parents, carers and professionals fed back about the existing policies during engagement sessions to review the policies.
It has launched a twelve-week public consultation to secure feedback on the proposed changes from the wider public.
The Council is proposing to:
• Update its policy for children aged 5-16 to extend the eligibility criteria to cover more groups of children. This will include support for those in joint custody arrangements, and children with special educational needs.
• Update the policy for 16–19-year-olds so that it is clearer for parents to understand, with the eligibility criteria remaining the same
• Create a policy document outlining the clear eligibility criteria for parents and young people over the age of 19
The consultation runs until Thursday 22 April. Find out more and respond to the questionnaire here.
Involving young people with SEND in interviews for new CAMHS staff
All staff recruitment at CAMHS is supported by a young person on every interview panel, whether that be a clinical, admin or operational role.
Our young people with special educational needs (SEN) have been particularly busy in the past year supporting:
• the huge amount of recruitment to our Neuro-Development teams across CAMHS
• the development of the new NDD Pathway
We provide training to enable our service users to feel confident in participating alongside professionals on the interview panel. They're able to:
• write and choose their own questions to ask
• score the answers
• be part of the decision making process as to who is the most appropriate candidate, if any, to work at CAMHS
More information
SENDIASS 'Teach Me' Workshops
What are ‘Teach Me’ Workshops?
The SENDIASS ‘Teach Me’ workshops will build on the work that schools and colleges already do with young people. They are opportunities for young people to learn more about the SEND processes that they could be involved in, in an environment where they can ask questions, enhance their understanding, and feel more prepared for their educational / SEND journey, knowing what to expect. The ‘Teach Me’ workshops will give young people all of the information that they need in relation to SEND processes, so that they are able to make their own informed decisions about their futures – empowering them to use their voice!
How can they benefit young people?
The aim of these workshops is to empower young people by giving them the information and knowledge around the SEND processes that they need to be able to make informed decisions about their SEND and educational journey. Young people may wish to attend our workshops if:
• If they are looking to play a more active role in decision making and in relation to their SEND and require support, advice and guidance.
• They are going through different SEND processes, such as their annual reviews, or want to learn more about the SEND processes.
• They want to learn more about their SEND, rights and responsibilities.
• If they are looking to be more independent with their SEND.
• If they are preparing for or moving into adulthood.
Telephone: 0300 300 8088
Email: [email protected]
SNAP Parent Carer Forum events
Parent carer members can attend training sessions, coffee mornings, parent panels, receive a free Max Card as well as receiving a termly newsletter and information. Find out more about SNAP PCF and how to join.
Yvonne Newbold talk: the emotions of being the parent of a SEND child
Yvonne Newbold will explore the emotions around being the parent of a SEND child. What are the triggers and how we are left feeling following interaction with other people?
• Webinar 10th February, 8.00 - 10.00 pm
• Hosted by Yvonne Newbold & Carers in Bedfordshire
• This is for Parent Carers
This is free via Zoom. Sign up and receive the link to join.
Sign me up
Children's Centres SEND Support Coffee mornings
SEND Support virtual coffee afternoon every second and fourth Monday of the month,
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Dunstable Children’s Centre
If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8106/0300 300 8104
SEND Support virtual coffee morning every first and third Wednesday of the month,
9:30 – 10:30 am
Shefford and Stotfold Children’s Centre
If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8112
SEND Support virtual coffee afternoon every other Monday,
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Leighton Buzzard Children’s Centre
If you would like to book a space please call 01525 384368
SEND Support virtual coffee morning every first and third Thursday of the month,
10:00 – 11:00 am
Flitwick Children’s Centre
If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8111
SEND Support virtual coffee morning every first and third Friday of the month,
10:30 – 11:30 am
Houghton Regis Children’s Centre
If you would like to book a space please call 0300 300 8115
Super Kids Online – virtual support group for parents or carers with children who have SEND
Sandy Children's Centre - every other Thursday, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Fortnightly catch ups and support online. A chance to speak to professionals from the CDC, Early Years Support Team, Speech and Language plus more.
To book a free place contact Karen on 0300 300 6009 or email [email protected]
Please visit the Local Offer for more information on activities, services, advice and support across Central Bedfordshire for children and young people with SEND or follow us on Facebook
We hope you have found the information in the bulletin helpful. We would love to hear your feedback and what you would like to see in future editions. Please let us know by emailing [email protected]