New Schools? New Short Breaks overnight stays? 18th May 2016 Dear All A little different to our usual bulletins, here is an update on a specific topic - more news on everything to follow over the weekend…
New schools – new short breaks? Previously we wrote: “very soon, families in Kingston & Richmond will receive a letter inviting them to attend one of several meetings on this subject.” Unfortunately, there has been a problem with the label run and so the letters are a week late – as the first meeting is next Monday 23rd May we thought we’d better give you details sooner, rather than later! The invitation letter is attached (as is our Open Meetings letter). In brief – this is a very real chance to influence new, local, specialist schools and other provision.
Highlights:
The Auriga Trust is a new Multi-Academy Trust – just a proposition at this stage Achieving for Children are very keen to be able to offer families more specialist local schools Achieving for Children (AfC) asked the Auriga Trust if they would consider applying to central government to include specialist Free Schools within their Multi-Academy Trust (AfC are not allowed to do this) Auriga Trust said yes We know that most parents would like their children/young people to be local
So… this is an honest proposal to increase local, specialist provision (we’ve asked a lot of questions! Some people might think we’re irritating). Development is at a very early stage – nothing is decided. The proposals include new overnight, short break, residential provision.
Come and hear more - make your voice heard! Family’s experiences of specialist provision, what works and what doesn’t is vital in developing anything new. SEND Family Voices will facilitate to ensure parents voices are heard. The plan is that Ashley Whittaker, Auriga Trustee representing AfC (if the MAT goes ahead) will give an overview of the proposals. Simon James or Anna Chiva from SEND at AfC will be at the meetings to answer questions. Also, John Kipps (Clarendon Headteacher) and/or Ivan Pryce (Strathmore Headteacher) will be at the meetings to answer questions and talk about practicalities. This provision is for children and young people in both Kingston AND Richmond.
Wherever your child or young person is educated (In, or Out, of borough. In mainstream or special) – please come and contribute. This is a rare opportunity. New special schools are not built every day… Please reply to this e-mail to let us know if you are coming, or not. Please also send this to your friends, networks and support groups. Dates are… 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
And, or course, 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