Dates for your Diary, Inclusion & the Holidays 8th February 2016 Dear All Please note the workshop with Steve Broach below (a leading SEND barrister) as well as lots of other useful stuff… (including the World of Work)
Money for children’s activities… (deadline) A short while ago we advertised an ‘Easy Read’ guide on applying for Aiming High funding (activities for children & young people). This included the news that families can now apply for annual memberships or passes between now and end of March 2016. You can find a copy of the ‘Easy Read’ guide on the Useful Documents on our website. The full amount that can be applied for is £500 per tax year, per child. As the end of year is fast approaching, Caroline Jager will need to have all invoices in and parents reimbursed by the end of March. Please note that the closing date for applications is 26th February (to allow 4 weeks to process all payments). Parents can still apply for activities in March; it's just Caroline Jager need to ensure they are paid for before the end of the financial year.
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. All families within this ‘locality’ will be invited however it is open to all. 23rd February – 10am-12noon & 7pm-9pm – Twickenham Please see the attached letter with more information and venue details.
Steve Broach talks with SEND Family Voices We’re delighted to welcome Steve to speak with families and professionals in Kingston & Richmond…. Monday 7th March – 9.30am to 2.30pm Harlequins, The Stoop, Langhorn Drive, Twickeham, TW2 7SX There is no charge to anyone attending this workshop & lunch is included. However, please register using the link below, and if you have any additional needs, please e-mail us. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/steve-broach-talks-with-send-family-voices-tickets21428062913 Steve is a very calm and pragmatic presenter and will provide an overview of the SEND Reforms, including the legal aspects of related subjects such as Short Breaks, SEN Transport. There will be a focus on the link between the Care Act (April 2015) and the Children’s & Families Act (Sept 2015) – and the transition from children’s social care to adult social care services. We’re clear that having both parents and professionals in the same room creates an illuminating and positive dialogue. 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 also co-author of
“Disabled children: a legal handbook” “an authoritative yet accessible guide to the legal rights of disabled children and their families in England and Wales.” Free electronic copies can be found here: http://www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/11566
World of Work 2016 Harlequins Rugby Club, Twickenham - Wednesday 9 March 2016 There will be over 70 exhibitors available including employers and training providers who will talk to the young people about training, apprenticeships and future employment opportunities. The attendees will have a chance to hear what it is really like to work in the wide range of sectors represented. There will also be interactive stands providing the visitors with hands-on opportunities to get involved, as well as ongoing careers advice. There will be a quieter session at 11am to 12.30pm for those that want to be unhurried and avoid the crowds. From 12.30p,m the event will begin to become more crowded. This event is open to students from Key Stage 4 upwards and parents are also very welcome to attend. Please let Amanda Dowden at Achieving for Children know if you would like to attend: amanda.dowden@achievingforchildren.org.uk “
SFV & Inclusion We’ll be holding our first AGM on the last day of the Learning Disabilities Awareness week; the afternoon of Friday 24th June at the Langdon Down Centre in Teddington. Our AGM will be brief (happily), and we’ll be arranging a number of family friendly activities with the main organisers Richmond Mencap. We’re very happy to confirm there will be activities led by Richard Reiser from World of Inclusion. Richard is a leading consultant on Inclusive Education and Disability Equality.
Surveys… Must be the time of year… there are a lot of surveys. If anyone has any questions about any of these please e-mail us. Annual Survey from ISCD Achieving for Children’s ‘Integrated Service for Children with Disabilities’ (ISCD) have just published their annual survey and are keen to hear from as many families as possible about their services. The link is below, plus there is a letter attached which also includes details of Drop-In sessions for families who would like to speak direct to the Head of Service (Caroline Baxter). https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/S2XP3BZ Caroline Baxter would like to assure parents that the survey is anonymous. The closing date is 29th of February. The Rochdale Review “The review was asked to advise the Department for Education on statutory assessment arrangements for pupils working below the standard of national curriculum tests, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. As part of our work, the members of the Rochford Review are keen to hear the views of anybody with an interest in this area.”
Please complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/rochfordreviewsurvey. The survey will close at 23:59 on Monday 22nd February, 2016. “The review group brings together expertise in assessment, special educational needs and working with disadvantaged pupils. The purpose is to advise the Minister of State for Schools on solutions for assessing the abilities of pupils who don’t meet the standards required to take the national curriculum tests.” More information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/the-rochford-review Disability Matters Call For Evidence “Disability Matters have partnered with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) to promote the importance of inclusion and access for all disabled children and young people aged 0 - 25 years. They are collecting evidence and case studies to highlight the positive ways that people are working pro-actively, enabling inclusion and making services accessible.” Survey closes on Friday 11th March They are happy to post a paper copy, or take a phone call, if survey monkey doesn’t suit. Details here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Disabilitymatters
Message from the Royal Borough of Kingston Adult Social Care “Kingston Centre for Independent Living has administered a Holiday Grants Scheme on behalf of Kingston Council’s Adult Social Care Department for over 16 years. The Council has reviewed the scheme in light of our duties under the new Care Act and has regrettably decided that from the 1 April 2016, we will no longer be able to fund the Holiday Grants Scheme. Under the Care Act we are focusing the support we provide to people in the community through firstly assisting them to maximise the support they receive from the community and voluntary sector and then identifying what additional assistance they require from Adult Social Care. This decision has been made very reluctantly as the Council knows many people have benefited from the Holiday Grants Scheme over the years. Individuals may still be able to receive some funding from the Council towards a short break or respite if they have care and support needs, or care for a family member or friend. The Council would need to speak to you about this and undertake an assessment of needs with yourself. If you feel you may qualify please contact us on 020 8547 5005 or email: adults@kingston.gov.uk. You can still apply for a Holiday Grant from KCIL up to the end of March. This will be subject to funds still being available. Finally, you may find it helpful to know that there are some organisations who will accept applications for funding towards short breaks or holidays under certain circumstances. The full list can be viewed on KCIL's website or by calling KCIL on 020 8546 9603.”
Grants With thanks to Heather at Richmond CVS for her digest; here are a couple of grants that may be useful for families… “Independence at Home is a charity that provides grants to people of all ages who have a physical or learning disability or long term illness £200 - £600. Individuals must be referred by a social worker or voluntary organisation. www.independenceathome.org.uk Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children. As a parent carer you can apply direct, or through a professional supporting the family. www.familyfund.org.uk “
And what to spend them on… “Phab creates opportunities for children and adults of all abilities to enjoy life together by: Supporting a network of around 180 clubs throughout England and Wales for all ageranges, offering activities and holidays which members can share and enjoy together. Promoting and encouraging self-confidence and independence in young people of all abilities through a range of diverse projects. Funding special residential breaks – inclusive experiences for disabled and nondisabled children and young people to share in a full range of adventurous outdoor We found their Frequently Asked Questions particularly helpful: http://phab.org.uk/faq/
True Access True Access are a new organisation focusing on moderate learning difficulties, as they sense there is a gap in attending 'real life' activities with discreet support. When we spoke to the organiser at the Transition Fair, they offered an example of Down's syndrome children who attend mainstream schools and have 'friends' but do not build a social/safe peer group once they become teenagers. This year they are taking a group of 10 teenagers to Ibiza for 'real' teenagers holiday! They attend festivals, concerts and run workshops etc. More info follows… “True access is a non-profit organisation our aim is to increase the life quality of young people and adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and other health conditions living in London and surroundings. Our company offers exciting fun party events, workshops, activities day trips, weekenders and group holidays. www.trueaccess.co.uk
And a film for half-term… The Activity Station’s flyer for their next sensory screening is attached. Details are: 'Turbo', Cert U (and has a great music/soundtrack apparently!) Olympic Cinema in Barnes SW13 9HL on Monday 15th February at 9.45am. “The screening is suitable for all ages and learning disabilities, and ticket holders must be accompanied by a parent/carer/keyworker. Further details and booking via www.activitystation.org.uk “
A spot of humour & Autism Awareness There are two events coming up, one is in New Malden (see Local Offer link below) and the other is in Sutton (flyer attached); having checked we can confirm it is open to all. Dean Beadle is the star attraction, and is very, very funny! https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/events/17659-dean-beadle-talk-on-living-with-aspergerssyndrome?date=2016-03-15 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