15 minute read
What’s new?
Achieve together supporting transitions
Achieve together has over 25 years of experience in supporting young people and their families as they transition from children’s to adult services.
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New this year, Achieve together has created a dedicated team that’s on hand to take your calls if you need advice about transitions. You can also visit their website to read about their approach and how they can provide support for you every step of the way. The referrals hub can give you advice 7 days a week on 03301 755 332, or visit the website: achievetogether.
co.uk/adult-transition-with-special-educational-needs
Mental Health Support in Schools: Training for Professionals
The Centre for Therapeutic Storywriting provides two specific training courses to support mental health in schools. Both have an impressive evidence base. The first, Therapeutic Storywriting, works with groups of 6 pupils using story writing to process emotional difficulties. Research shows that the groups develop emotional resilience, improve social skills while also improving pupils’ attainment in writing. Story Links is a parent partnership intervention supporting vulnerable pupils with behaviours related to attachment anxiety. Research shows that the 10-week intervention reduces pupil anxiety, increases parental involvement in their child’s learning and improves reading skills. Find out more at TherapeuticStorywriting.co.uk
The Autism Show is returning this June!
The national event for autism, in association with the National Autistic Society, returns to London, Birmingham and Manchester in June, packed with informative talks, one to one clinics and hundreds of specialist products and services. Highlights include broadcasters Melanie Sykes (pictured) and Dr Carrie Grant speaking in the Autism Matters Theatre, and the Cubbie Sensory Hub and Rebound Therapy (in partnership with Playgrade Trampolines) interactive features. If you’re looking for information and direction pre or post diagnosis; facing daily challenges; or approaching significant transition points, then this event can help you. Book your tickets now and save 20%
www.autismshow.co.uk
BPS launches autism eLearning with psychological focus
The BPS has three new autism eLearning courses to help you master how you work with and support autistic adults. Designed by autistic consultants in collaboration with specialist psychologists, there’s a course to suit you – whether you work with autistic people on a regular basis or you want to brush up your knowledge. Start learning now and get a discount when you buy all three courses at learn.bps.org.uk or contact cpd@bps.org.uk.
Condover College’s Hydrotherapy Pool
Condover College Ltd (CCL) based in the heart of Shropshire, is an education and residential care provider for adults 18+ with learning disabilities. CCL is a charity exempt from registration and they re-invest all their money back into the people who they educate and care for.
After years of fundraising, CCL recently built an in-house Hydrotherapy Pool. Students access the Hydrotherapy Pool, allowing them to reap the benefits. Hydrotherapy is an important therapeutic intervention, particularly those who spend time in a wheelchair as this is their only experience of completely free movement.
01743 872250 condovercollege.co.uk admin@condovercl.org.uk
Since 2015, Dawsongroup | bus and coach has partnered with Birmingham City Council, providing the council with accessible vehicles for Mayfield School. The school caters for more than 300 students with Special Educational Needs across two sites in Birmingham. All vehicles were fitted with air-purifiers during the coronavirus pandemic, mitigating against the spread of COVID-19 and increasing the safety of the students. Dawsongroup | bus and coach’s priority service and full maintenance package, including safety inspections and breakdown recovery, is provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring Mayfield School’s students always have transport.
dawsongroupbusandcoach.co.uk
Dawsongroup | bus and coach
Television star inspires Derwen College students
Students at Derwen College, in Shropshire, received valuable acting tips from former Coronation Street actor Sam Retford when he visited last month.
Sam – who is a strong advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the acting industry – shared anecdotes, advice and lots of laughter with students at the specialist further education college for residential and day students. Derwen College provides life-changing opportunities to students on vocational pathways in Retail, Hospitality, Horticulture and Performing Arts. Students learn work skills at the College – which has its own café, restaurant, garden centre and charity shop – before progressing to meaningful work placements. Find out more, or book an Open Day at derwen.ac.uk
Students chosen as young athlete role models
Two Fairfield Farm College students have recently completed a Sports Leaders UK course and are now putting their newly obtained qualifications to good use. This year, Josh and Nathan have been chosen to be the Swindon & Wiltshire Young Athlete Role Models, which means they will attend this year’s Step into Sports days, offering support and encouragement to other participants. They will also get the chance to speak to the new cohort of trainee leaders about their experiences. Former Paralympian Kate Ager joined them at Fairfield Farm College to help plan their talks and offered her advice on leadership in sports.
fff.ac.uk
Access 70%+ subsidised tuition with Fleet Tutors
Established for over 40 years, Fleet Tutors have extensive expertise in helping schools and local authorities access tuition options for students who require alternative provision, whilst also providing access to Department for Education’s initiatives, the National Tutoring Programme and School Led Tutoring Grant. With subsidies of up to 75% available through these programmes, schools can only access this funding through an approved partner such as Fleet Tutors. Fleet Tutors offer a complete service, from sourcing a tutor through to full management of the tuition including individual learning plans and regular progress reports. Call 0333 9202660 to discuss your requirements or email clientservices@fleet-tutors.co.uk.
Support for children with sight loss
The day a child is diagnosed with a vision impairment is not an easy one. But it’s also the day Guide Dogs support starts. And it never stops. The team of experts at Guide Dogs have many years of experience working with children and their families. From family support and advice on access technology to suit the child’s vision impairment, to education support and mobility and life skills courses to build independence. Guide Dogs helps people with sight loss from the day they’re born. Find out more at guidedogs.org.uk/children or by calling them on 0800 781 1444
Build your Dream Playground with HAGS
If you are looking for innovative themed playground design or want to design a custom playground, HAGS can help. From prehistoric adventures to musically inspired fun, from castles to mountains to ships and fire engines, their custom and themed playgrounds provide the perfect setting for imaginative play. Their friendly team of experts will guide and support you at every stage of the process, whether you have a specific idea or just a general sense of what you are looking for. With decades of experience in the industry, HAGS can take your vision of a play space and ensure it becomes a reality, with safe, high quality playground equipment designed to last for years.
hags.co.uk/theme-your-dream
NRS Healthcare, the UK’s leading provider of independent living aids and associated services, and an official supplier to the NHS and local authorities, has announced the launch of its new online store, Healthcare Pro.
Part of the NRS Healthcare family, Healthcare Pro demonstrates the company’s commitment to serve healthcare and SEN professionals and the general public online, underlining its unrivalled in-house occupational therapy capabilities and professional expertise. The new online shop, healthcarepro.co.uk offers over 4,500 independent living aids, from personal care, to bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and mobility, chosen and trusted by professionals. Visit healthcarepro.co.uk
Assessing the needs of your child
At Mary Hare they continually assess deaf children throughout the academic year. It is not too late to assess children who are currently in year 6 for a place in year 7 from September 2022. This is an important transition year for your child and if you feel that your son or daughter needs specialist support, please get in touch. “We will be eternally grateful for enabling our two profoundly deaf grandsons to have a future. They have thrived at Mary Hare, made friends for life and experienced an exceptional education.
maryhare.org.uk/admissions
Play & education materials to help children connect with the outdoors
From den building to mud kitchens, clothing to hand washing, and a huge range of UK-grown wood products, we have everything you need - whether you are seasoned practitioners or introducing outside provision for the first time. The Outdoor Hub is a massive FREE resource filled with activities, information and events to support you to get outdoors and into nature. And don’t miss their monthly giveaways and Outdoor Practitioner e-magazine. They are nationally recognised for their innovative content and products and excellent customer service and are passionate about the outdoors!
muddyfaces.co.uk
Don’t miss the Autism and mental health conference!
10 March 2022 | Online conference
Would you like to know more about the issues impacting autistic people’s mental health? Buy your ticket to this one-day online conference and learn about the crucial issues impacting the mental health of autistic people, and explore strategies for effective support. Sessions include: Masking - impact on mental health and identity; Self-harm and suicidal behaviour - signs and strategies; Autistic people with learning disabilities: ensuring the right support; Autistic fatigue and burnout; Autism trauma and PTSD; Autism and loneliness.
autism.org.uk/training
Petra’s Place early-intervention SEN nursery and therapy centre
Petra’s Place is an OFSTED registered nursery open 48 weeks a year Monday to Friday. Children have direct access to Speech and Language therapy, Sensory Integration Occupational therapy, Music and Art therapy sessions for those where a multi-disciplinary approach will achieve the best outcome.
Petra’s Place has developed its own unique programme which draws on the ever developing evidence-based interventions combining early development, creativity, therapy and learning in one package that specifically targets the areas that children with autism struggle with: social communication, joint attention, motor skills and sensory issues. Find out more at reception@petrasplace.co.uk
Would you like to create an outdoor sensory space, but have no funding?
The outdoor sensory space in any setting should be fully inclusive and provide the same opportunity for everyone to explore regardless of their ability or special need. It should be a place where diversity is respected and valued, enabling children of all abilities to explore their surroundings in a safe child-centred inclusive environment. Timotay Playscapes have a free funding guide and free inspiration guide to outdoor sensory play spaces and outdoor sensory play equipment. For a free copy, email enquiries@timotayplayscapes.co.uk or call 01933 665151.
Bread & Beyond Bakery win industry awards
Ground-breaking bakery Bread & Beyond, based at Berkshire autism charity Prior’s Court, has won two industry awards. The bakery, created to provide learning and employment opportunities for young people with complex autism, won the South East regional ‘Bread Heroes’ prize, and the Brook Food Dream Team award at the Tiptree World Bread Awards Heroes with Brook Food 2021.
One judge’s comment read: “The concept is derived from seeking the best in individuals and bringing these together as a group to achieve something that’s progressive, wholesome and most importantly sustainable in terms of the bakery and the team members.”
priorscourt.org.uk
New, innovative inclusive seesaw
Proludic’s new, innovative inclusive seesaw, allows children of all abilities to play together. Up to 6 children including two wheelchair users aged 3 upwards can all enjoy the rocking sensation thanks to the user-friendly ramped access. The wheelchair-accessible seesaw is the result of marketleading research, pioneering design, and rigorous product testing. A unique anti-shock absorbing system ensures a gentle movement for all onboard including those on the central standing platform. The easy wheelchair access is supported with a wheel locking system and accessible rails for maximum safety and comfort.
proludic.co.uk
Safespaces Launch Free CPD Webinar Series for Education Professionals
The Safespace is a multipurpose room that promotes inclusion and prepares pupils with a range of complex needs for learning. It can be used to deliver a sensory diet, support behaviour self-management and reduce restrictive interventions.
This free webinar series explores how the Safespace supports these challenges and includes research, best practice, case studies and interactive Q&A sessions. Education teams can also request a bespoke webinar or virtual product demonstration. For more info and to register:
safespaces.co.uk info@safespaces.co.uk 01706 816274
Perfect postural support seating solution
Through the result of extensive research and development, the Buddy Classroom Chair is the perfect seating solution for users who require mild levels of postural support while at school, nursery, or at home. The Buddy has been designed to be extremely durable, meaning it can take the harshest punishment without sustaining any lasting damage. With a varied range of adjustments and a wide selection of accessories, the Buddy can be easily and simply configured in a multitude of ways. The Buddy is made from easy-clean black polypropylene and comes with interchangeable cushions - perfect if being used with multiple users. For more information visit rms-rehab.co.uk
Grace Garden School now open
Ruskin Mill Trust is delighted to announce the opening of Grace Garden School. Offering an education to young people aged 9 – 16 with complex social, emotional and behavioural difficulties including autism spectrum conditions. Grace Garden School is set in 18 acres of cultivated landscape on the outskirts of Bristol. At Grace Garden School, children and young people are supported to learn as much as possible outside, participating in crafts, gardening and the exploration of nature. From these experiences their young people will come to understand the larger world and their place in it, along with the connections between themselves and their community. To find out more contact 0330 055 2653 or admissions@rmt.org
Sovereign SEN sensory paths
Sensory play equipment is one of the great ways children learn, helping them discover and master their senses of touch, sight and hearing. As education sector professionals, Sovereign recognises the important role sensory paths and educational playground equipment can play, particularly in SEN applications, and has developed an outstanding range for nurseries and schools to create experiences that stimulate the senses. Perfect for school playgrounds, our wonderful sensory paths can be fitted in any outdoor play area and encourage children to follow them to explore different textures through an interactive and hands-on approach. Get in touch and together we can make a difference.
sovereignplayequipment.co.uk
SEND Group has a variety of online courses
The SENCO Innovation Course plus Level 3 and 5 Dyscalculia courses are tutored by Professor Steve Chinn and Judy Hornigold. Each course includes; understanding dyscalculia, maths difficulties and maths anxiety and how to identify them. Understanding typical maths development and barriers to learning as well as practical solutions to support all learners at their core.
The range of courses they offer are expanding to include a variety of short maths courses and further SEND eg Executive Functioning and associated issues. Other courses will also be made available soon.
Contact us at hello@sendgroup.co.uk
Tough Furniture Ltd has made several additions to its range of classroom furniture, designed in partnership with the staff of leading SEN schools. The company has many years’ experience supplying the most challenging areas of the care sector, combined with staff experience and knowledge of needs. The result is furniture that helps to optimise the SEN learning environment, deliver durability, safety and good value. Tough Furniture designs and manufactures to order, offering individual solutions for the flexibility needed as circumstances change. Tel: 01588 674 340 | Email: sales@toughfurniture.com
toughfurniture.com/room/classroom
Leading the way to online safety
Buckinghamshire Council has led the way in developing an innovative, interactive resource to teach children with SEN about online safety. Aware of a significant gap in the market, with EU funding, the council worked with a local school and colleagues in France and Sweden to develop the free educational game. Players must guide Bao the panda through the jungle, facing challenges and making decisions on what he should do to stay safe. The game has achieved international acclaim having been chosen by the French government as one of the best education projects of 2021.
schoolsweb.buckscc.gov.uk/equalities/erasmusplusprojects/stay-safe-internet-safety-for-sen/
The Mental Health & Wellbeing Show
A professional allday show in Cardiff City Hall, 10th May 2022 aiming to promote positive mental health through open conversation, promoting awareness and sharing real-life experiences. Frank Bruno MBE is a keynote speaker at the show and the event will also include a selection of seminars focused on topics such as coping with mental illness, ways to promote positive mental health, and how to support people around you who are suffering with ill mental health. Alongside this is an exhibition with over 60 charities, organisations and companies promoting their helpful resources, services and initiatives designed to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Tickets can be booked via this link
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-healthwellbeing-show-2022-tickets-15104544198
Sunken Trampolines
Sunken Trampolines are delighted to announce that they have been chosen to be the UK distributor of Global Playgrounds products, which include Bird’s nest swings and playground trampolines. Global Playgrounds are innovators in trampoline design and have produced wonderful shapes enabling schools to have exciting patterns and trails. For more information please visit their website:
sunkentrampolines.co.uk
The Schools and Academies Show London
The UK’s #1 education policy event for senior leaders returns to the ExCeL, London in April. Every year, the Schools and Academies Show London attracts over 3,000 attendees from Academies, MATs, Schools, Local Authorities, Central Government and the wider education sector.
By attending our show you can benefit from expert advice on ways to solve everyday challenges. Your free ticket will give you access to 30+ hours of CPD accredited content, spanning across our themed theatres. You will also have 8 hours of per to peer networking and access to meet with over 140 leading education suppliers showcasing revolutionary products & services for the sector. Register for a free ticket today:
https://hubs.la/Q013Zxg30
Net-zero eco-buildings tailored to your needs
TG Escapes bespoke design process means that every eco-building is tailored to your precise needs and can be compliant with frameworks laid out in the government building bulletins for special needs. Designed for low environmental impact, these focused learning centres encourage students at all skill levels to interact socially and work together. Designs can include sensory learning spaces, treatment rooms and breakout areas.
“It’s such a calming environment and I have noticed that the students are much calmer and more engaged. They like the structure of the room: low stimulus really works for autistic learners.” Teacher, Cambian Pengwern. Visit tgescapes.co.uk for information and video case studies
