CYP Plan, Goodbye Simon & Relaxed performances 17th December 2016 Dear All We’re looking forward to getting our phone up and running again on Monday 19 th December - just in time for Christmas…
Children’s & Young People’s Plan (CYP Plan) SEND Family Voices would like to thank everyone who contributed to the consultation on Kingston & Richmond Council’s development of this plan. Through our group and open meetings, we received qualitative feedback from 87 families, representing 97 children/young people across Kingston & Richmond. The key themes were clear and we were very pleased to present them to the Councils last week. There will be definite actions from the Councils and we expect to provide news of these next year. The final CYP Plans will be published by end May 2017. The overall theme is the principle “the right to an ordinary life” for our children, young people and families as whole. Just because one or more of our children have additional needs, does not mean that we do not have the same needs, rights and expectations as any family. We’re also pleased to say the findings from our consultations is so rich and informative that we will be able to use it in our development work with the statutory services. The Council officers are happy that we do this and, equally, are grateful to all the families that contributed.
SEND Funding Following our last newsletter on the SEND Funding Challenges, here are some national updates on the proposed SEND Funding formula for 2018
Four reasons why SEND funding is in crisis “The new schools national funding formula has serious implications for SEND, explains the head of a special school” https://www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-views/four-reasons-why-send-funding-crisis
Writing to MPs and signing Petitions Links are within this website, belonging to the National Union of Teachers campaigns team: “The Government’s proposed ‘Fair Funding’ reforms will not make matters any better. Without additional funding, a new funding formula will simply spread an already inadequate amount of money around more thinly. …The NUT and the ATL are calling on the Government to take immediate action to inject much needed money into an already beleaguered system and protect schools from rising costs. It is the only sensible solution to a crisis with which schools are already dealing and which is set to get worse. Enter your postcode here to see how school cuts & new funding formula will affect you.” http://www.schoolcuts.org.uk/#/
What’s new on the Local Offer? Remember, you can find information on events happening over the holidays, and in the lead to Christmas by searching #Christmas on the Local Offer. Spring parenting programmes for families of children/young people with additional needs (mostly autism or adhd). Parents can attend courses irrespective of which borough they live in. https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/information-and-advice/achieving-forchildren-parenting-support/parenting-programme A website that matches neurodiverse talent with inclusive employers. https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/organisations/24542-incluzy?term=incluzy+ Links to resources about puberty and the Richmond ASD handbook have just been added here: https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/health/useful-links-or-resources A relationships and sexual advice service for people of all ages with learning difficulties, autism and aspergers. https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/organisations/14397-connect-at-the-wolverton-centrekingston?term=connect
Report from Disability Matters “Our new report ‘Disability Matters in Britain 2016: Enablers and challenges to inclusion for disabled children, young people and their families’ is launched. The interactive pdf is available to download from the ‘About’ page of Disability Matters: Launched on 30th November 2016, this report offers practical, inspiring and down to earth examples of inclusion and a range of suggestions on how to ensure that disabled children and young people are meaningfully included in the health and education services, leisure opportunities, sport and everyday activities that we all take for granted.” https://www.disabilitymatters.org.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=4
What did you do today? From Special Needs Jungle – ideas for talking: “I always like to try and talk to my son about what he has done at school that day. His normal response is ‘things and stuff’ “ http://www.specialneedsjungle.com/tips-talking-children-language-difficulties-school-day/
Goodbye Simon “Some of you may be aware that Simon James, Associate Director for SEND at Achieving for Children (AfC) is moving on to another job with the Cambridge Education Trust (part of Mott Macdonald) at the end of this year. We (Caroline and Romany) have worked with Simon for just over 3 and 4 years respectively. In that time, the government published their proposals for an overhaul to the SEND system (for the first time in 30 years). This became law in September 2014 and is usually referred to as the SEND Reforms.
At the heart of the SEND Reforms is the notion that professionals and parents must focus on a child or young person’s strengths (what they can do, rather than what they can’t) and place them and their family at the heart of all decisions. This approach is the spirit behind Education, Health and Care Plans. Statements of SEN ‘did’ to the child and family, and ‘told’ you what provision would be made. From the positive intention behind the SEND Reforms, SEND Family Voices (SFV) came into being. SFV are officially just over 2.5 years old and, as a collective, we approach challenges as ‘critical friends’ and aim to work in co-production with the statutory services - whilst remaining independent. Simon embraced the opportunity arising from the SEND Reforms; genuinely seeking out and wanting to hear the voice of the community. We welcomed the openness and availability he consistently offered. We wish Simon well in his new role. Caroline N & Romany W-R”
Relaxing Theatre… Relax #1 Video clip on the BBC News website where someone who has Tourette’s syndrome talks about relaxed theatre performances Performer Jess Thom's view on why theatres should relax about noise. Enjoyable video to watch - just 2.33 minutes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-38267678
Relax #2 Relaxed Performances are for families with one or more children with special needs. They are designed to provide an opportunity for people with autism, learning difficulties or other sensory and communication needs who require a more relaxed environment. Mousetrap Theatre Projects' Relaxed Performances are very popular, sell out quickly and involve: Adjustments to sound and lighting in the production Free support resources to help families prepare for the theatre visit Trained volunteers and staff to help at the event ‘Time-out’ areas with a screen streaming the onstage action A relaxed and supportive atmosphere that allows young people to access West End shows without the usual restraints of 'theatre rules' https://www.mousetrap.org.uk/index.php/special-educational-needs/relaxedperformances.html 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