Good stuff please, News, Events & Comedy 8th October 2016 Dear All Can’t believe we’ve included something about Christmas below. Some are clearly more organised that we two are!
Good stuff please Times are tough (financially for services) and yet we know we all have good stories and golden people or services that help keep us going… We hear a lot about what is not working… we’d also like to hear about IS working. Not just to cheer ourselves up – but so that we can demonstrate and extend best practice with the commissioners and service providers. Please send an e-mail to sendfamilyvoices@outlook.com and let us know what is working well now – what you would you would like more off – and any other thoughts or ideas
Post-16 - open afternoon The new post-16 provision (6th form) at Richard Challoner (St Francis Xavier) are having an open afternoon next Thursday 13th October at 2-3.30pm. All interested parents and prospective students are invited and very welcome to attend. More information and a prospectus can be found here: http://www.richardchalloner.com/send-2/
All Age Learning Disabilities Services (Kingston) This consultation workshop is for young people, living in Kingston… “We will talk about what good lives for all people with learning disabilities in Kingston should look like.” 20th October – 5pm to 8pm Moor Lane Centre, Chessington, KT9 2AA For more information, please contact Stephan Brusch (project manager): Stephan.brusch@kingston.gov.uk Grace Over (youth participation): grace.over@achievingforchildren.org.uk
In the News… Down’s Syndrome BBC Documentary (available to watch until 6th November) “Documentary about Down's syndrome and the ethics of pregnancy screening, fronted by Sally Phillips. This film explores the science and thinking around the proposed new screening test for Down's syndrome and its possible availability on the NHS. Driven by the experience of raising her son Olly, who has Down's syndrome, Sally explores some of the ethical implications of our national screening policy.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07ycbj5
The Moral Maze further discusses the ethics (Radio 4) “Do we want to live in a world without Down's syndrome? This isn't just a theoretical question. It could soon become a reality. A new technique called non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT),
detects Down's syndrome with 99% accuracy and it should soon be available on the NHS. It's already being used in Iceland where 100% of Down's syndrome pregnancies are terminated. The Danish health system declared the objective of being Down's-free and introduced the test in 2006. The termination rate there today is 98%. In Britain the termination rate for positive tests is 90 per cent and around 775 babies with Down's syndrome are born every year in England and Wales.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07wtd78
Local support, help and advice… “21 & Co is a parent run support group based around South West London and Surrey dedicated to giving support to families who have children and young people with Down's syndrome. Our members meet regularly to share their experiences and give each other advice, support and friendship. New members are always welcome. So whether you have just had a baby with Down's syndrome or are new to the area or have an older child, please come along to our next event or contact us. We are here to help.” http://www.21andco.org.uk/
Dyslexia talks & a job agency Mindfulness – a talk tonight ! 11th Oct 7.30pm Dr Florence Charles (Ed Psych for an LA) is giving a talk to patents and teachers on Mindfulness at Old Town Hall, Whittaker Ave, Richmond. All are welcome. £10 on the door. Contact 07495 648 025 for more details
More talks from Richmond Dyslexia Association (RDA) You can find the complete list of autumn talks on dyslexia here: http://richmonddyslexia.org.uk/index.php/category/events/
What can a school do to support your child? And what can't it do? These, and those from RDA, are open to all parents, carers and professionals irrespective of where you live and work, and age (primary, secondary or post-16) Wednesday 19th October - 10am to 12noon and Wednesday 19th October - 7pm to 9pm St.Paul's Cof E Junior School, Princes Road, Kingston, KT2 6AZ
Job agency specifically for those with Dyslexia This is new… spotted on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBCLondon/videos/1262039020504459/
MeToo&Co stuff….
Hydrotherapy course “We have booked exclusive use of Teddington Hydrotherapy Pool on Sunday afternoons for a 6 week course, mainly aimed at children with Cerebral Palsy and other physical and mobility difficulties. The first session will be on Sunday 16th October for 6 weeks (1.30pm to 2.30pm), with a break for half term and with the last session on Sunday 27th November.” Notes: i) a parent or carer is expected to go into the water with their child ii) there is a cost for this course
For more information, please email Fiona: info@metooandco.org.uk with your child’s name and age and more information about your child’s needs.
Christmas Singalong “With Christmas planning well underway we thought you might like to let your families know about Singing Hands annual Christmas Charity Singalong. Singing Hands is running 2 shows at 11.30am and 2.00pm on Sunday 27th November at the Hammond Theatre, Hampton School. The theatre is brand new and really accessible, has plenty wheelchair spaces and parking is free on site. Here is some blurb about the show and a link to the booking system. Please note that wheelchair users need to call the box office to make a reservation.” http://www.thehammondtheatre.co.uk/singing-hands-christmas-charity-singalong/
SEND Law for parents & carers - from IPSEA IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Education Advice) “Are you a parent or carer of a child with SEND? Do you want to learn more about the law relating to their education and training? Places are now open on our Parent/Carer Training Day in December which may be what you are looking for.” Wednesday 14th December 2016 – 9.30am to 2.30pm Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, London The cost of the day is £65 Register online here: http://ipsea-training.myshopify.com/…/ipsea-send-law-traini…
Learning Disability Today “Learning Disability Today London 29th November, brings together 1,000 visitors, a host of exhibitors, briefings and a multi-stream CPD certified seminar programme. This is the largest inclusive learning disability event of the year and we are back for the 16th year running! We have limited free places available to people with learning disabilities and their carers. Email info@pavpub.com to apply. (Please wait for email confirmation before booking travel.)” https://www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/ldt-event/london-2016/
Schools that work for everyone (Government consultation) A reminder of this national consultation. Please take part and ensure the voices of our children are included… Open 12th Sept to 12th Dec 2016 Consultation on expansion of selective education The Department for Education (DfE) has launched its consultation document: Schools that Work for Everyone. The documents consults on a set of proposals for creating more ‘good school places’, including proposals for the expansion of selection by ability. “We’re seeking views on proposals to create more good school places.” https://consult.education.gov.uk/school-frameworks/schools-that-work-for-everyone
What’s new on the Local Offer Parents and carers can keep up to date on all local events relating to our community via the Local Offer events page. https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/events
And a simultaneous reminder to all local organisations to update and input their events here (we all have to do this ourselves): https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/website_users/sign_up The same page allows parents and carers to set up a personalised Local Offer. The Adult Social Care pages have been “beefed up” (especially Richmond links) Kingston: https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/preparing-for-adulthood/adultsocial-care-in-kingston Richmond: https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/preparing-for-adulthood/adultsocial-care-in-richmond And whilst we’re thinking about adult services… “Way to Work operates as part of Achieving for Children. The aim of Way to Work is to provide jobs with training for young people aged 16+ with employers who value them and encourage them to achieve their potential.” https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/organisations/8446-way-to-work?term=way+to+work
Comedy, Theatre & Coffee More from Express CIC - their latest newsletter… http://us3.campaignarchive1.com/?u=f01719d4eb48d6a9956c5eea9&id=4ea588315c&e=4a6df307ec
My Son's Not Rainman - a show by John Williams. John is a comedian and single dad. His son is twelve years old and autistic. He isn't a genius. His only special power is making his dad laugh. A lot. This is their story. Friday 25th November – Surbiton – 7.30pm http://www.wegottickets.com/event/374554 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