SEND News and Update 18.02.21
Date Added: 18/02/2021
Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin. This week includes information on
• Carers Survey
• Local Offer Update
• SENDactive AT HOME
• Carers in Beds Events
• Children's Centres SEND Support Coffee mornings
Carers Survey
Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council are working together to recommission their carers’ service in 2021. We really want to focus on getting the right support for children, young people and families who care for others, so we want to hear from residents about what makes a good service and how it could help you.
There are two surveys. The first is for adults whose children are under the age of 18 and help care for them or another adult. The second is for parents and carers whose children help care for a sibling, or who are affected by a sibling’s disability or health condition. Please complete the survey that is most relevant to your family.
Children and young people who care for others, and parent carers with a disabled child, will have an opportunity to have their say separately.
The survey will close at midnight on Friday 26th February. Your feedback will help us design the right support services for children, young people and families in Bedfordshire.
Survey 1: Parents whose children care for an adult
Survey 2: Parents and carers whose children care for a sibling
Local Offer Updates
Thank you to all of the families and education practitioners who have been sharing their views on how we can improve our SEND services.
This is an update of some of the progress we have made in recent months based on what you have told us you need. We will continue to work to achieve positive change and improvements for families and will keep you updated on progress.
We have updated the
• You Said, We Did page, to show what you have said and what we have done or are doing
• Monthly SEND improvement activity timeline
• Events Calendar - sharing details on regular and one-off events.
SENDactive AT HOME
SENDactive is a Community Interest Company (CIC) providing inclusive sport, physical activity & leadership opportunities for special schools.
They have developed weekly activity cards and directory of online resources to help keep families active at home.
You can access the cards and directory of other activity providers via this link.
Carers in Beds Events
Parents Together
We are hosting the following free Zoom meetings for parent carers to give you an opportunity to get together online from any location
• 18 February Music Quiz; 7.30-8.30pm;
• 18 March General Knowledge Quiz; 7.30-8.30pm;
For a link to sign up, email [email protected]
A Talk by Dean Beadle
Saturday 20th February
20.00 pm – 21.30 pm
Zoom
Dean is an international speaker who talks about his experiences of living with Autism
In this talk, Dean will look at social and emotional needs from an autistic perspective to give an insight into how best to meet them. Dean will also address some longstanding myths about autistic people to promote a new understanding of autistic people and their experiences.
To register
Discussion for Parent Carers
Wednesday 24th February
11.00 am - 12.30 pm
Zoom
SNAP (Special Needs Action Panel) is a pro-active, independent forum of parent carers who all have children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Their purpose is to improve the services provided for SEND children (up to 25yrs old). SNAP PCF will talk about their role and how parents and carers can get involved.
To register
We have more events and groups that you might be interested in joining please visit their website for more information or call 0300 111 1919 and ask to speak to a support worker from the family's team
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]