CAMHS, the Law & and bit about Lego 20th February 2016 Dear All Please take advantage of our workshop with Steve Broach, if the timing is a bit tight due to the school run and you might be late – just let us know. Plus for those that use CAMHS in Richmond, take note of the audit focus group on 29th February.
Steve Broach talks with SEND Family Voices We’re delighted to welcome Steve Broach to speak with families and professionals in Kingston & Richmond. Steve is a barrister at Monckton Chambers specialising in cases involving disabled children and young people and children and young people with SEN. Steve is widely regarded as an expert in this field and it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn and ask questions. Monday 7th March – 10am to 2.30pm Harlequins, The Stoop, Langhorn Drive, Twickeham, TW2 7SX There is no charge to anyone attending this workshop & lunch is included. However, you must register using the link below, and if you have any additional or dietary needs, please email us. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/steve-broach-talks-with-send-family-voices-tickets21428062913 Steve is a very calm and pragmatic presenter and we’ve asked him to cover: SEND Reforms; an overview and related key legal points (including short breaks) Parent Carer Needs Assessments The links between the Care Act and CaF Act - especially the transition from children to adult social care Reasonable Adjustments. What one looks like & How does this work post-16? We’re clear that having both parents and professionals in the same room creates an illuminating and positive dialogue.
What can a school do to support your child? And what can’t they do? SEND Family Voices are hosting two meetings at Trafalgar Junior School for parents to discuss SEN Support and more. The workshop focusses on children and young people in mainstream where needs are often being identified for the first time (eg dyslexia, high functioning autism, adhd). There will be a focus on dyslexia and what both school and home can do. 23rd February – 10am-12noon & 7pm-9pm – Twickenham Please see the Events page on our website for more information and venue details. Or simply reply to this e-mail to register.
Training for CAMHS professionals - What can Richmond do better? This is an opportunity to directly affect training in Richmond… Has your family had any contact with children and adolescent’s mental health services (CAMHS) in Richmond? What are your experiences of using these services, whether that be a therapist, psychiatrist, maybe a teacher or other professional? And are there any areas where you would like to be supported to deliver or receive training? SEND Family Voices have been asked to support an audit into the training needs for professionals as well as parents and carers, and are working with Jenny Hacker (independent public health consultant) to bring together parents & carers voices. Your views, experiences and insights will directly inform the future training programme for mental health professionals in Richmond. There are two ways to contribute. Either attend a focus group or talk with Jenny over the telephone. Either way, please contact sendfamilyvoices@outlook.com with your preference and any questions. Focus group: Monday 29th February - 11.30am to 1.30pm Terrace Room, York House, Twickenham, TW1 3AA SEND Family Voices can cover the costs of your expenses and time to attend this focus group.
Annual Survey from ISCD Achieving for Children’s ‘Integrated Service for Children with Disabilities’ (ISCD) published their annual survey and are keen to hear from as many families as possible about their services. As the services are joined across both Kingston & Richmond – it’s important that both boroughs are represented in the feedback. Please take the time to complete the survey. Caroline Baxter (Head of ISCD) would like to assure parents that the survey is anonymous. Here is the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/S2XP3BZ
Newsletter & Research briefing This is quite long at eighteen pages – but if you want to get into the detail, get a cuppa and read the attachment. Highlights are… “Welcome to the February 2016 edition of the 0-25 SEND Newsletter, produced by the Department for Education. In this month’s Newsletter you will information on the latest resources and training opportunities, as well as updates on the following issues: Deadline for transfer reviews for statements to EHC plans, and transition from LDAs to EHC plans SEND Funding in 2016-17 Implementation – views from the frontline Accountability Interim arrangements for statutory assessment of pupils working below the standards of the national curriculum tests
Entry criteria for students awaiting GCSE results High needs funding available to young offenders in custody via the Youth Justice Board Applications for the special schools and alternative provision categories in the 2016 Pupil Premium Awards The Department will circulate this newsletter to all partners and, through them, to a wider range of organisations and individuals. Please feel free to cascade it within your own organisations, and to anyone else you think may find it helpful.”
And if you are interested in more background, here is the new House of Commons research briefing on the SEND Reforms. Dated 8th February 2016 http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN07020
YES – Careers Guidance “Every Monday during term time, the Youth Enquiry Service (YES) is running a Careers Guidance Clinic for young people aged 14-19 (up to 25 with Learning Difficulties or Disabilities) across Richmond. This will be to aid young people in the following areas: Writing a CV Searching and applying for education, employment or training Signposting/Referring to partners Preparing for an interview Preparation for work This will be conducted and monitored through the use of the ES9 Form. To ensure that young people are given the optimum chance of benefiting from attending the clinic, admission will be conducted through an appointment based system. If you are supporting a young person who you believe can benefit from this type of support and want to make an appointment, please get in touch with… Justin Johnson at justin.johnson@achievingforchildren.org.uk Tel: phone 020 8288 7503 or 020 8288 0950.”
School Trips guidelines New on the Local Offer… “Children and young people with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) can benefit enormously from participating in day trips and residential trips alongside their peers. However, it is necessary to plan carefully before the visit to ensure that access is good for all pupils and the experience gives the child/young person with SEND the greatest chance of success and equality. Under the Equality Act the school must make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled pupils are not placed at a substantial disadvantage to their peers. The following guidance will ensure that schools are maximising the inclusion of all children in school trips. The guidelines have been produced alongside consultations with children and young people. Direct quotes have been included where appropriate.” https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/education/the-duty-to-make-reasonableadjustments-for-pupils-with-additional-needs/school-trips-guidance/things-to-consider-andcase-studies
Parallel… a brand new large scale fully disability led event… “There is a widely held belief that when public perceptions shift in the right direction and barriers are removed, disabled people can be more independent, equal and enabled to positively engage in society; with the additional benefit of choice and control over their own lives. So, Parallel London was created to try and bring this belief to life, by creating the world’s first large-scale fully disability-led event. It will be a unique occasion, designed from the perspective of disability, impairment and restricted mobility. The environment will be fully inclusive and accessible, including mass participation, fitness, active lifestyle, family, art, culture, food, drink and technology. On Sunday 4 September 2016, London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will play host to the world’s first fully accessible and inclusive mass participation run for everyone of all abilities.” https://parallellondon.com/about/
And the cheery bits at the end… M&S… Retailer Marks and Spencer is launching a range of clothing for disabled children. The company has created the items in response to a customer’s request for bodysuits, sleep suits and vests with poppers to be made for older children. http://www.disabledgo.com/blog/2016/02/marks-and-spencer-launch-clothing-range-fordisabled-children/ Lego… A prosthetic arm that allows children to design their own Lego accessories has won an innovation award in Paris. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology35549905?utm_content=buffer60ab7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&ut m_campaign=buffer 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