100K, Events, Phyz & Dance 13th April 2016 Dear All A briefer newsletter than usual – but no less useful we hope! We usually like to include a video at the end of these, however as Caroline North (SFV Joint Chair) is out walking with her daughter, the video is up front…
The London Marathon This short film (2.30min) features Caroline and her youngest daughter Zoe; who is completing the London Marathon tomorrow… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z5ZOkMVwmw Or perhaps this newspaper article is of interest… http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/23/teen-who-was-told-she-would-never-walkdefies-the-odds-to-compet/ You can visit Zoe’s Justgiving page and read her blogs here: https://www.justgiving.com/zoesmarathon2016 Zoe is not far off her 100K target for Sparks (charity research into premature births). If you are watching the start of the London Marathon, look out for Zoe being interviewed by Gaby Logan.
SEND Family Voices Many of you will be aware that we are all volunteers, we are a registered charity and our steering group numbers nineteen. And, whilst our collective planning and decision making will continue to be made collectively, by the steering group, a part of being a charity and being accountable, is to have a set of Trustees. Our first Trustees meeting was Monday 18th April – and our first AGM will be held as part of the Learning Disabilities Week (see Events below). Our stated purpose is “to bring people together into a community to improve services, share support and strengthen the common voice”. Our approach is based on transparency, mutual respect and trust. We will always expect to work collaboratively and in equal partnership. Alphabetically, our Trustees are: Caroline Bern Sophie Camileri Rachel Derrick Penny Hoffmann-Becking Caroline North (Joint Chair – Kingston) Sam Rospigliosi Kevin Sears Lisa Train Romany Wood-Robinson (Joint Chair - Richmond)
And our full steering group can be found here: www.sendfamilyvoices.org/about-us If you would like to know more about us, or would like to get involved, please reply to this email and/or look at our website.
Summer term programme of events We are planning events on the following, for the summer term. In most cases, dates to follow:
The future of SEN Provision (AfC) Tuesday 26th April – 1.30pm to 4.30pm Lensbury Conference Centre, Teddington This is fully booked now – but just so’s you know; we will be launching the “Golden Binder” a co-produced project of which we are extremely proud. The cover artwork is below as an advance preview. Copies will be available on the Local Offer (chapter by chapter) after the event. Every SENCo and associated professional will also receive a hard copy.
Specialist Free Schools – Conversation & Consultation There will be two meetings in each borough (one evening and one daytime), so a total of four meetings. More details to follow.
Support for Families There will be three meetings in each borough, so a total of six meetings. These will be informal meetings where you can meet other parents and have your questions answered by us and others. We will be asking ‘what’s important to you’ in terms of the Social Care and Family Support Services you receive. Plus, we will be going through the Golden Binder, and SEND Family Voices will be joined by Clive Seall, Strategic Head of Family Support (for Achieving for Children).
SFV (first ever) AGM Friday 24th June – 4.30pm to 6.30pm Langdon Down Centre, Teddington. Teresa (CEO Richmond Mencap), Prisca & Lisa are planning lots of good things – more to follow nearer the time. There will be a disco and other workshops as well as the brief AGM business.
What can a school do to support your child (and what can’t they do)? We held a very successful first workshop on this subject in February 2015 and hope to do more in the autumn term of 2016. The focus is on children and young people in the mainstream schools where needs are often being identified for the first time (eg dyslexia, high functioning autism, adhd) - and/or where a child is able to manage in mainstream, but the environment is not automatically set up (as it should be in a specialist school).
Phyz From the parents who organised this… “The new physical disability support group had its first meeting on Friday 22nd April. 12 people showed up and there was lively conversation covering topics from EHCPs, choosing schools, issues with inclusion, a presentation from Caudwell children on grants and lots of chat at the end about a whole manner of things from swimming lessons to shared experiences of long hospital stays. The group now has a name: Phyz To get involved, join the mailing list, or find out more you can contact Penny, Stacey and Sylvie (the organisers) on info@phyz.org.uk The next meeting will be Friday June 17th at the Crossways Centre in East Twickenham and the main topic will be around leisure activities. The group is also planning to organise an evening event (pub night) during May. Details will follow. “
What’s new on the Local Offer Well, there’s there the PCNA of course! Printed copies of the PCNA are in production now. However, SFV are very happy to print and post a copy to any parent that asks – just reply to this e-mail with details. https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/assessment-and-education-health-and-careplanning/parent-carer-needs-assessment This looks to be a very helpful training programme for families where behaviour is challenging. https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/uploads/ckeditor/attachments/1049/Strengthening_familie s_and_communities_leafelt_18_March_16__1_.pdf We like the look of this. It’s a brand new page (using some of our February workshop materials with the Richmond Dyslexia Association). Be sure to keep checking back on this page for updates. https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/education/useful-educational-resources This group isn’t on the Local Offer (yet). But for those of children with rare chromosome disorders, there might be some help here… http://www.rarechromo.co.uk/html/home.asp
Young Amici’s Turtle keys are looking for young people to join a FREE inclusive dance group (Young Amici’s). Young Amici’s is for young people age 13-21, disabled or not, who are interested in dance and theatre. The classes are FREE, fun, fully inclusive and suitable for all levels of experience. T: 020 8964 5060 E: admin@turtlekeyarts.org.uk W: http://www.turtlekeyarts.org.uk/amici-dance-theatre-company
As ever, if you have any queries at all, please ask and we'll always do our best to find an answer. With best wishes, Romany (for Richmond) and Caroline North (for Kingston) Phone: 07469 746 145 www.sendfamilyvoices.org