New Provision & Support for Families – be heard & take part! 6th May 2016
Dear All Everything in this is local; local provision, local support groups, local meetings…
New provision – Conversation & Consultation Previously we have covered the news that Clarendon and Strathmore Schools have started the process of forming a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), called the Auriga Academy Trust. You can read the proposal documents here: www.strathmore.richmond.sch.uk/AcademyConversion-and-MAT The Auriga Academy Trust is proposing to create new, specialist free schools and respite provision. They want to be sure that the views of children, young people and their families are at the heart of the design of this proposed new provision. Having spoken to the people involved, we are reassured that there is no expectation that children or young people who are already in a specialist school will be expected to attend any new local provision – unless they want to. We’re also clear that new provision must meet local need. Very soon, families in Kingston & Richmond will receive a letter inviting them to attend one of several meetings on this subject. The dates are below – please reply to this e-mail if you are able to attend. We recommend it – this is a very real opportunity to inform new provision locally. Family’s experiences of specialist provision, what works and what doesn’t is vital in developing anything new. Monday 23rd May Wednesday 8th June Thursday 9th June Monday 13th June
10:30am – 12pm 7pm – 8:30pm 10:30am – 12pm 7pm – 8:30pm
Studio, York House, Twickenham, TW1 3AA Committee Room 1, Kingston, KT1 1EU Moor Lane, Chessington, KT9 2AA Terrace Room, York House, Twickenham, TW1 3AA
St.Francis Xavier SRP A while ago we announced the Richard Challoner School is opening a new Post-16 provision from September 2016 – based upon the Cheam PEP model (Post-Entry Programme) for those with moderate learning difficulties. The provision will be called the St. Francis Xavier SRP (= Specialist Resourced Provision). Why? This saint was an early co-founder of the Society of Jesus, or Jesuits as they are more commonly known. One of the key movements of the Jesuit order is the theme of ‘serving others’. In this way, Richard Challoner intend the name to demonstrate their vision for the provision; serving the needs of young people who have barriers to learning.
The school are keen to work directly with parents in developing this provision. We’re pleased to be able to publish this feedback from parents who recently met with Tom Brook (Assistant Headteacher, Inclusion & Creative Arts). For more information, please contact: lsdept@challoner.kingston.sch.uk “I thought Tom Brook seemed incredibly motivated to make the new PEP a success. He is keen not to just replicate the model at Cheam, but to incorporate the best elements whilst creating a unique sixth form learning experience for young people with SEND which will equip them with the skills to both access a college course or apprenticeship and live more independently. This should be a very positive addition to the Post 16 SEND options!” Prisca Tom was very honest about the new setup and said he would gather information from the young people as the school wanted to get it right, but realised it wouldn’t happen all at once. He asked what we expected from the PEP for our children and took everything we said on board. He came across as very passionate about the PEP and wants to find out from the students what they want; no point offering subjects no-one wants. The initial proposal is for academic subjects in the mornings with more life skills/vocational studies in the afternoons, including travel and work experience.” Angela
Support for Families…. SEND Family Voices are running six informal meetings across both Kingston and Richmond (three in each borough). We intend to cover: The Golden Binder: the definitive guide to support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities We will bring copies of the Golden Binder and plan to talk through its strengths and weaknesses. USBs/memory sticks will be available to take away on the day Parent Carer Needs Assessments; how these could help you We will ask ‘what’s important to you’ in terms of the Social Care and Family Support Services you receive; and we will be joined by Clive Seall, Strategic Head of Family Support (for Achieving for Children) to help guide you through the social care maze. The meetings will also give you the chance to talk to other parents in a relaxed atmosphere. Letters will be on their way to all parents soon – below is advance notice of the dates: Tuesday 7th June Thursday 16th June
Monday 20th June Wed. 22nd June
Friday 24th June
6.30pm to 8.30pm
Committee Room 1, Guildhall 1 Kingston, KT1 1EU
7pm to 9pm
Room 7, York House Twickenham, TW1 3AA
10.30am to 12.30pm
The Moor Lane Centre Moor Lane, Chessington, KY9 2AA
7pm to 9pm
Express CIC offices 452 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 7EL
10am to 12noon
MeToo&Co, Crossways, St. Stephen’s, Twickenham, TW1 2PD
Wed. 29th June
10-30am to 12.30
Barnes Sports Club, 261 Lonsdale Road, SW13 9QL
Challenging Behaviour? “The Challenging Behaviour Foundation and the Council for Disabled Children, funded by the Department of Health from 2013-16, have launched a website called Paving the Way. The website aims to provide families, professionals, staff, and commissioners with information about how to reduce challenging behaviour and to improve the wellbeing of children with learning disabilities. These resources are free to download at http://pavingtheway.works/whats-new/where-dowe-go-for-help/ “
Support groups – social communications and/or autism We are often asked about support groups for families of children with an autistic spectrum disorder or social communications language disorder. Below are details for a couple of local active groups. * denote groups that are predominately parents & carers of relatively high functioning children and young people in mainstream education
expressCIC support groups “If you haven't yet been to one of our parent/carer support groups, please do come along. We are all very friendly and these groups are run by and for you. These groups are for whether you are currently going through diagnosis, have just received a diagnosis or have valuable experience to share. We run both daytime and evening groups.” A: The groups are all held at expressCIC offices - 452 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 7EL E: info@exresscic.org.uk W: www.expresscic.org.uk
Bi monthly (dates via newsletter) at the Rose Theatre * o NEXT: please refer to the website 1st Thursday of the month (term time) at the Express Offices 7:30-9:00pm o NEXT: June 5th 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Express Offices 9:00-11:00am * o NEXT: May 10th Teens & Young People - 3rd Monday of the month at the Express Offices 7:309:00pm * o NEXT: May 16th Last Tuesday of the month (term time) at Moor Lane Centre 1:00-2:30pm o NEXT: May 24th
NAS Richmond NAS Richmond Branch is a friendly, parent-led group whose aim is to support individuals and families living with an autism spectrum condition (including Asperger’s Syndrome). We welcome people not just from the Borough of Richmond upon Thames but from neighbouring boroughs as well; our core objectives being support, information and awareness. The Branch holds monthly coffee mornings during term time, liaises with other groups and provides regular updates via emails.
E: Richmond@nas.org.uk W: www.richmondnas.org Hot off the press… NAS Richmond – Gender Dysphoria presentation and AGM “We are delighted to invite you to a presentation on gender dysphoria and autistic spectrum disorders, preceded by our AGM. Dr James Barrett, who is an expert in this field and a leading clinician, will be talking to us about Gender Dysphoria: whereby people feel that they are a different gender from that assigned at birth. Dr Barrett will be talking to us about his experience at his clinic, and how he has found that gender dysphoria and autistic spectrum disorders are found together much more often that chance would allow. He will be discussing how this might have implications for how each affects the way the other is treated or managed.” When: Where:
Thursday 12th May, 6.30pm to 8.30pm (AGM: 6.30pm, Guest speaker: 7.00pm) Waldegrave School for Girls Learning Unit. Fifth Cross Rd, Twickenham. TW2 5LH
Please contact NAS Richmond at the e-mail address above to book your place.
What’s new on the Local Offer A measles outbreak… https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/blog_articles/523-measles-outbreak-alert Here are some useful links to resources and websites to provide ideas about making sports and sports days inclusive…. https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/education/the-duty-to-make-reasonableadjustments-for-pupils-with-additional-needs/inclusive-sports-in-schools And, please contact the Local Offer if there is anything you know of that is missing. And, at this time of year, inclusive holiday activities are of special interest… https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/enquiries/new
More Support for families… “Caudwell Children is a national charity that supports families with children with life limiting health conditions and physical disabilities. We support children aged 0-18yrs and have a free family and hospital support service running across the London and Cambridgeshire areas that professionals and families can refer themselves to. We don’t believe in waiting lists and will aim to make contact with families within 48 hours of receiving the referral. There are many ways we can support families which include: 1. Family Service – Family support services both within the community and in hospital, short breaks activities at times of crisis. 2. Equipment Services – Electric wheelchairs, buggies, trikes, car seats and sensory equipment. 3. Treatment Services – Access to life-saving surgeries and treatments 4. Steps Programme – Life changing therapy and support programme for children with acquired brain injuries and cerebral palsy and their families. 5. Act Programme – Holistic therapies and support programmes for autistic children and families.
6. Enable Sport – Sports equipment to enable talented athletes to participate in competitive sport 7. Destination Dreams – Fully supported family holiday for children fighting life threatening illnesses.” If you wish to know more or have any questions, please contact Ema Harker, Family Support Co-ordinator E: ema.harker@caudwellchildren.com W: www.caudwellchildren.com 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