“I just want to be like everyone else” 12th October 2015 Dear All An extra update on the Chocolate Cake Consultations; next one is tomorrow evening. Highlights below…
“I just want to be like everyone else” Can’t argue with that! This sentiment is coming across very clearly – and is presenting itself as a key principle for the Accessibility Strategy. We had our first consultation last week, and what struck a chord was the parent that said “I dread school trips”. We had a good honest discussion about this and will be preparing a Model School Trip Policy as part of this work. This policy will include sensible ideas like ‘visit the site in advance and identify an accessible route’. And… always discuss the practical implication of any school trip with the parents and/or young person. (How many parents reading this are thinking “about time too” ?) We also talked about getting in & out of school getting around a school the implications of seating & special chairs what is a ‘reasonable adjustment’ and how do you know if you’re asking for one? * the importance of socially appropriate interventions and support (does a 15 year old really want a mother figure accompanying them around school?) What does Accessibility mean to you and your family? In particular, accessibility within schools… so, is that about ramps for a wheelchair, classrooms on the ground floor, brightly coloured warnings on steps & stairs, a quiet route to a classroom? So… please come to one of our ‘Chocolate Cake Consultations’ on this subject - rsvp to this e-mail or telephone 07469 746 145. Thursday 8th October
10am to 12noon
Room F, Guildhall 2, Kingston
Tuesday 13th October
6pm to 8pm
Room 7, York House, Twickenham
Thursday 5th November
10.30am to 12.30pm
Bedelsford School, Kingston
Tuesday 24th November (especially for young people, no parents expected) Wednesday 2nd December
6pm to 8pm
Langdon Down Centre, Teddington
6pm to 8pm
Room 7, York House, Twickenham
* Putting in a lift is often not considered a reasonable adjustment given the costs, whereas rearranging a timetable to place all lessons on the ground floor could be considered reasonable.
Guide to the SEND Reforms for Parents & Carers The October 2015 update is now on the Local Offer and is currently with the printers. Any organisation that would like a quantity sent to them, please reply to this e-mail and we’ll sort this out when they arrive. http://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/assessment-and-education-health-and-careplanning/education-health-and-care-plan-ehcp-guidance http://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/find-out-more-about-the-local-offer
A few links… #1 - The Care Act “Ambitious about Autism is running a subsided seminar on the CARE ACT with the law firm Irwin Mitchell for parents, carers and professionals, on the Care Act 2014 and the law on social care, which will be on Thursday October 15th in central London. Register today (12th October please) The seminar will cover the new law, and how to write effective care plans and support carers. The seminar is heavily subsidised for parents and carers (only £10 including lunch).” The flier is here: http://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/sites/default/files/Care%20Act%20seminar%20v2.p df Event registration is here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-support-seminar-the-care-act-2014-and-the-law-onsocial-care-tickets-18134791650
#2 – CDC Digest “The Autumn edition of the Council for Disabled Children (CDC) Digest is now available to download. It's aquarterly update on all the latest resources, events, practice and policy developments relating to disabled children and young people and those with special educational needs. Articles include: Case Studies highlighting innovative practice and delivery in the sector Short Breaks Partnership case studies that showcase effective delivery Top Resources from our networks, members and across the voluntary sector Events and training for professionals working in the SEND sector One year retrospective on the SEND reforms from a policy, health and parent perspective” http://www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/news/july-december-2015/autumn-edition-ofthe-cdc-digest-now-published
#3 – SNJ articles “What did you miss on Special Needs Jungle (SNJ) in October so far? A catch up with the posts we've run on Special Needs Jungle during the first part of October” https://storify.com/SpcialNdsJungle/catch-up-with-snj-from-october-so-far?utm_source=
Ed Timpson, One year on… One year on from the SEND Reforms, Edward Timpson, Minister of State for Children and Families, speaks to the National Network of Parent Carer Forums. https://www.facebook.com/educationgovuk/videos/927741483928303/?fref=nf As ever, if you have any queries at all, please ask and we'll 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