News, Access.Earth, Tag and more 21st May 2016 Dear All News and new groups for parents and young people (including Phyz in the pub!)
Reminder SEND Family Voices are running six informal meetings across both Kingston and Richmond (three in each borough). The letter giving dates and venues is attached. The meetings will also give you the chance to talk to other parents in a relaxed atmosphere.
News & links… In alphabetical order:
Academisation The government has reconsidered its decision to force all schools in England to become Academies by 2022, stating now that the best schools can choose whether or not they want to convert. In light of the recent Government climbdown over plans for forced academies in England, what are the implications of academisation for children and young people with SEND? http://www.nasen.org.uk/newsviews/nasen-blog.what-does-academisation-mean-forchildren-and-young-people-with-send.html
Access.Earth We like this… it’s a kind of TripAdvisor for accessibility. Subscribe to start using it now. The beta website is here http://access.earth/ , and introduction and full article is below. Thank you to the young person who sent this in! “Who knew stairs would lead to a positive step in accessibility? After booking a “wheelchair accessible” hotel that ended up having stairs, a software engineer and wheelchair user in Ireland is developing an app called Access Earth that allows people with mobility disabilities to rate restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions around the world based on how accessible they are. App users will answer “yes” or “no” questions about things like bathrooms, elevators, stairs and more with the option to leave a review based on their experience.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/access-earth-app-disabled-rate-businesses-placesaccessibility_us_572a46d1e4b096e9f0901521
Council Tax discounts With thanks to the SFV Information Ferrets for investigating this… Kingston offers council tax discounts to carers, and the relevant page is here: https://www.kingston.gov.uk/info/200297/council_tax/97/discounts_and_exemptions/2. Richmond details here, via Richmond Carers: http://www.richmondcarers.org/#!Council-Tax-carersdiscount/c16hp/5721ef630cf232b075d0cc7c
Outcomes – from Special Needs Jungle One of the changes within the SEND reforms is that the support in the statutory Education, Health, and Care Plan must contain outcomes instead of objectives. So what is an outcome? http://www.specialneedsjungle.com/what-makes-good-outcome-education-health-careplan/
Pirate Party Invite More detail attached… “SMILE at St John's Hampton Wick, is a group for children with additional needs and their parents/carers. This party and other SMILE events aim to create an environment where all children feel special and included, whatever their needs. If you are interested in attending this party or any future events, please email marika@stjohnshamptonwick.org or call us on 02089777733 and expect a return email with a few questions so that we can fully cater for your children’s needs. We really look forward to seeing you there! “
TAG Youth Club and Me too & Co This is a ‘good save’ from MeToo&Co which now brings this club into Richmond as well as continuing to allow young people from Kingston to attend. Full details are attached, and an introduction below… “What is TAG? TAG is open to young people aged 15 – 25 with any disability or additional needs, and is particularly suitable for those who would have difficulty accessing mainstream youth clubs for reasons of mobility and behavioural or communication difficulties. TAG aims to empower and optimise the potential of young people who have a disability, treating them fairly and equally as individuals. They are provided with a safe, caring, wellequipped environment which is accessible to all young people who wish to attend, giving them the opportunity to participate in personal and social development activities including arts, drama, music and sport. How does it work? The club runs from 7.30pm to 9.30pm every Friday all year round, including school holidays. Parents are expected to bring and fetch their young people but are not expected to stay with them. The club has a core staff and enough volunteers to run each session safely. If a young person needs a 1:1 supporter, they can bring their own carer and use their own funds to pay them through Direct Payments. The cost per session is only £5.00, although it may occasionally be more depending on the activity. When does it start? Our first joint session will be on Friday 17th June.” How can my young person join in? If your young person is interested in participating in the TAG Youth Club, please contact Fiona Morgan at MeToo&Co: T: 07946 646033 E: info@metooandco.org.uk W: www.metooandco.org.uk
Family Matters – support group The next Family Matters support group is this Tuesday in Teddington. SEND Family Voices will be attending the June meetings. Full details here: http://www.ruils.co.uk/1260 “Our Family Support Service provides practical support, advice and information to families with children with disabilities and/or additional needs who are feeling under pressure or who are experiencing difficulties. To find out more call Sian Austin on 07903 633 326 or email sianaustin@ruils.co.uk Where: The Meeting Room, Ruils 4 Waldegrave road Teddignton TW11 8HT (Buses 33, R68 & 281) small car park at the rear of the building When: We meet on the 4th Tuesday of every month. Tuesdays - 24th May, 28th June, 26th July (no session in August), 27th September, 25th October and 22nd November What's on: 24th May 10am Andrea Hosfeld of the Space to Be will be back to talk about dealing with anxiety as a carer using mindfulness and meditation. “
Phyz – in the pub The new physical disability support group had its first meeting in April and are now looking forward to a pub evening: Thursday 26th May – 8pm The Crown, 174 Richmond Road, St. Margarets Penny, Stacey & Stella from Phyz will be wearing name badges! The next morning meeting will be Friday June 17th at the Crossways Centre in East Twickenham and the main topic will be around leisure activities. To find out more you can contact Penny, Stacey and Sylvie on info@phyz.org.uk
What’s new on the Local Offer The Local Offer is ahead of the game… once a year, they must publish feedback. Here it is just 7 months since the last update: https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/find-out-more-about-the-local-offer/you-saidwe-did-april-2016 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 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