5 things we want you to know about 11th July 2017 Dear All The first two are meetings this week, the rest are about social activities…
1. CAMHS Chat – does a diagnosis of autism matter? Locally, we have one more CAMHS Chat arranged, hosted by NAS Richmond and with Richmond’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) children’s commissioner: Thursday 13th July – 10am to 12noon with NAS Richmond, at York House, Richmond Road, TW1 3AA Additional guest: E Ruddy - Strategic Programme Manager (Transforming Care) - NHS England E: sendfamilyvoices@outlook.com T: 07469 746 145
2. Possible ABA school in Richmond (for all) ABA = Applied Behaviour Analysis is the use of repeated, positive techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change [in behaviour]. “A group of parents is trying to set up a free special school in Richmond for children on the autistic spectrum. This school will use the principles of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) therapy. This group of parents is currently in negotiations with Achieving for Children. They have over 100 parents saying they are likely to consider this provision for their child and already a waiting list of 40 children! They would like to meet some of these parents in order present to them in more detail the outline of the proposed school.” Friday 14th July - 10am to 12 noon at MeToo&Co, The CrossWay Centre, Twickenham, TW1 2PD If you are interested in this proposal, please book your place via MeToo&Co’s website here: https://www.metooandco.org.uk/activity/69/meeting-about-a-potential-aba-school-inrichmond-upon-thames/481#event-481
3. The Highs & Lows of School Trips! (and three £50 prizes) Please, please encourage your child or young person to complete this survey. We know that School Trips are one of the highs (and sometimes lows) for all our children (irrespective of need). Please take part in this survey – it will make a difference to how local schools and families are able to improve school trips. The main objective of our survey is to identify and understand what works for pupils with SEND on school trips, and what does not. The link to the Pupils’ survey is here: http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/schooltripspupils
There are is also a prize draw (x3) - of £50 vouchers of choice – for three lucky pupils who complete this survey. And… this same survey has gone to all schools in Kingston & Richmond with this message: “This is an important survey for all schools regarding the accessibility and success of their school trips this term. Please help the borough and families by filling out this short survey.” Sarah Herbert, Lead Education Advisor, SEND We are asking SENCo’s to circulate this to their pupils, and to complete a near identical survey themselves (a kind of self-assessment).
4. Travelling to clubs Does your child or young person have limited mobility? In a wheelchair, or not? We’ve heard from a number of families who are struggling to get their children to social activities (eg a wheelchair basketball or similar). Is that your experience? What would help? Would you be prepared to take part in some kind of travel rota to support children getting to these activities? We don’t know what the answer is, we just know there is a need. Please reply with your ideas…
5. Holly Lodge - Free activities for Kingston & Richmond “The summer holidays are approaching and the Holly Lodge Centre are providing some free Summer Fun activities in Richmond Park. See attached flyers for more details. Activities are suitable for young children and their families and for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Activities are themed around Invertebrates in the park and there will be crafts, sensory activities and storytelling.” http://www.thehollylodgecentre.org.uk/ 25th and 26th July - drop in between 11am – 2pm Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park 1st and 2nd August - drop in between 11am – 2pm Roehampton Gate Garden in Richmond Park 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, Caroline North (for Kingston) and Romany (for Richmond) Phone: 07469 746 145 www.sendfamilyvoices.org