Special Educational Needs
& Disabilities
We are looking for specialist provider(s) that could help in the development and delivery of a bespoke package of non-accredited training for parents in County Durham who have children/young people with SEND.
We are looking for fresh ideas with long term results that are meaningful.
The modules that need to be covered are …
Module 1
EHCP SEN Support- ** already in place
Module 2
Health and Well being
Module 3
Personal Development, Independence and Independent Living
Module 4
Friends, Relationships and Community Inclusion
Module 5
Education/Employment and Other Enrichment Activities
Module 6
Keeping Safe ( PREVENT, Safeguarding, Bullying & Harassment etc.)
The Local Offer . - Sign up to promote your activities **New**
It's easy to do and it's FREE! Register at www.countydurhamfamiles.info
Kind regards
Claire
Claire Alexander
Multimedia Officer - Campaigns and Publications
Durham County Council
Room 5/123, County hall, County Durham, DH1 5UG
Tel - 03000 268 929
SEND Information Advice and Support Service newsletter **Current**
Please find attached our latest newsletter.
SEND Strategy & Accountability Group Meeting Dates **Current**
1 August 2017 – 1.00 pm – Committee Room 1A, County Hall
1 September 2017 – 2.00 pm – Committee Room 1A, County Hall
2 October 2017 – 10.00 am – Committee Room 1B, County Hall
1 November 2017 – 1.00 pm – Committee Room 1A, County Hall
8 December 2017 – 1.00 pm – Committee Room 1A, County Hall
Many thanks
Alex
Alexandra Greenhalgh
PA to Caroline O’Neill, Head of Education
PA to Sheila Palmerley, Strategic Manager – School Places & Admissions
Durham County Council
CYPS – Operational Support
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UJ
SENDIASS - What’s going on? Summer 2017 **Current**
Please click for the newsletter from County Durham Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service
SEND E-Learning Courses - Update **Current**
Just an update on the SEND e-learning courses following the recent SEND Strategy and Accountability group.
The SEND e-learning courses are in the process of being launched. Both are now on the local offer at http://www.countydurhamfamilies.info/kb5/durham/fsd/site.page?id=4UoSfKsbOug
The LSCB and SAB have both agreed to share information about the courses on their websites and in upcoming communications
Communications across Children and Young People’s Services and Durham County Council will be going out over the coming weeks
SEND – County Durham Practice Guidance
· A short course for anyone working with children and families (further details of content can be found in the attached flyer)
· The course is available to employees of Durham County Council (including schools and academies) on the Durham County Council Learning Management System
· The course is also available to partners on a Learning Management System for partners. Licences on this system are limited to 3000 users per annum.
· If you are part of a larger partner organisation with a Learning Management System we can provide a file which can be uploaded onto it so the course can be easily accessed by your employees
If you have any ideas about how we can ensure the courses are well used, or any questions about them please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Preparing for Adulthood SEND College Agenda Day **Current**
If you know a young person with a SEND who attends school in Years 9-11 and would like to go to College/ Sixth form, or a young person who has a SEND and already attends College/ Sixth Form then please share the attached poster.
The Investing in Children eXtreme Group are running a session on behalf of the Preparing for Adulthood Group on Thursday 4th May at Finchale College in Durham, 5.30-7pm. The aim of the session is to get feedback about what support would help young people with SEND to prepare them for employment.
All young people that attend the session will get paid £5 and anyone using public transport can claim the cost of their transport after the session.
For more information or to confirm a place please contact Chris Affleck on 0191 3746113 or email chris.affleck@investinginchildren.net
Annual Review information now on the Local Offer **Current**
Information on the Annual Review information is now on the Local Offer.
It is a link from the front page, so easily accessible:
Just let me know if you have any comments on this.
Our report was presented to the SEND Strategy and Accountability Group yesterday, and the actions that were not completed within the review period will now be taken forward.
MAIN Service User and Carer Forum **Current**
We would like to invite adults with a diagnosis of Autism and parent/carers to our new forum aimed to offer an opportunity to discuss services in County Durham, to offer your concerns and feedback. MAIN commissioners from Durham County Council will be hosting this forum with MAIN. A member of Durham County Council and a member of the Autism Strategy and implementation group will be providing you with updates about work being done in County Durham. They will also be taking your concerns and opinions and feeding them back.
12th December Individuals with a diagnosis of Autism are welcome to attend at 1:30-2:30m Parents and carers are welcome to attend at 3:00-4:30pm
The event will be held at: Allington House,4 North Bailey,Durham,DH1 3ET
If you are not able to attend please email your feedback to kaustin@iammain.org.uk
Please note there is no parking outside this venue. The nearest carpark is Prince Bishops DH1 3UJ
Thousands are using the Local Offer – are you? **Current**
A recent review of County Durham’s Local Offer found it is going from strength to strength with thousands of people using it to find information to support families of children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities every month!
The Local Offer, http://www.countydurhamfamilies.info/localoffer has lots of information, groups, activities and services for families with a child with SEND. Feedback from families that use the site say that it is ‘easy to find what you are looking for’ and ‘you can postcode search and find what is closest to you’.
Our feedback is positive but we want to make the Local Offer even better with your help!
Do you know of a support group, activity or even business that may helpful to another family with a child with SEND? We want to know about it! They can register directly at http://www.countydurhamfamilies.info and add their service. Alternatively you can let us know by emailing fis@durham.gov.uk
Gateway North East Half term Activities **Current*
Please continue reading for more information on the upcoming out of this world half term holiday scheme.
SENDIASS Newsletter **Current**
Fulfilling Lives 5 and County Durham Adults Learning Disabilities Forum **Current**
On Tuesday 31st May 2016 the fifth Fulfilling Lives market stall event took place at new College, Durham. A record number 70 market stalls were present at the event, that covered a number of zoned areas covering health, social activities, training and employment, advice and support, and new carers zone.
Fullfilling lives continues to prove very popular with service users, carers and other visitors; participants attended from County Durham and its borders. People travelled from as far as South Tyneside and Hartlepool to the event. 330 people passed through the doors on the day.
Dementia Friendly Swimming now at Freeman’s Quay **Current**
If you are living with dementia or care for someone who does, come along and join us for a swim at Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre in Durham.
We offer a supported swimming session every Monday from 12pm-1pm
Sessions take place in the large pool during public swimming time. You will have the option of going for a swim or taking part in an Aqua aerobics class.
Our aim is to help you have an enjoyable and stress free visit to Freeman’s Quay. You’ll be welcomed on arrival by our specially trained staff who are there to support you if you need it at reception, in the changing area and on poolside
A diagnosis of dementia doesn’t mean you have to stop taking part in activities you enjoy, so if you like swimming, even if you haven’t been for years and are not sure if you can remember how, come along and give it a try. You can either turn up to the session or give us a call first if you would like to have a chat about anything beforehand.
Session details are:
Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre, Walkergate, Durham, DH1 1SW
Monday 12pm-1pm
£2.60 per session and free entry to carers supporting someone living with dementia
Free refreshments provided
Contact details
Deborah Breen – Specialist Intervention Officer (Dementia)
Tel: 03000 264572 Email: deborah.breen@durham.gov.uk
Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre
Tel: 03000 268489
Further Dementia Friendly Swimming Sessions are also available at Chester-Le-Street Leisure Centre and Teesdale Leisure Centre
For more information please visit http://www.swimming/dementiafriendly
If you are living with dementia or care for someone who does, come along and join us for a swim at Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre in Durham.
We offer a supported swimming session every Monday from 12pm-1pm
Sessions take place in the large pool during public swimming time. You will have the option of going for a swim or taking part in an Aqua aerobics class.
Our aim is to help you have an enjoyable and stress free visit to Freeman’s Quay. You’ll be welcomed on arrival by our specially trained staff who are there to support you if you need it at reception, in the changing area and on poolside
A diagnosis of dementia doesn’t mean you have to stop taking part in activities you enjoy, so if you like swimming, even if you haven’t been for years and are not sure if you can remember how, come along and give it a try. You can either turn up to the session or give us a call first if you would like to have a chat about anything beforehand.
Session details are:
Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre, Walkergate, Durham, DH1 1SW
Monday 12pm-1pm
£2.60 per session and free entry to carers supporting someone living with dementia
Free refreshments provided
Contact details
Deborah Breen – Specialist Intervention Officer (Dementia)
Tel: 03000 264572 Email: deborah.breen@durham.gov.uk
Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre
Tel: 03000 268489
Further Dementia Friendly Swimming Sessions are also available at Chester-Le-Street Leisure Centre and Teesdale Leisure Centre
For more information please visit http://www.swimming/dementiafriendly
Update: The Annual Review of the Local Offer 2016 **Current**
We have been making progress on actions from our Plan – please see attached the updated Action Plan with notes.
We are now also ready to circulate information about the questionnaires on the Local Offer. I attach a pdf of a flyer – please use these documents as suits your systems for getting this information out – websites, leaflets, circulars etc.
Finally, I am planning a follow up meeting for the week beginning 11th July – I’ll get back to you with more detail as soon as I can.
Any queries, just get in touch.
Thanks
Ros
Ros Evans
SEND Engagement Worker
SEND and Inclusion Service
Durham County Council – Children and Adult Services
03000 267800 – Main Office
03000 262850 – Direct Line
Follow us on Twitter@durhamcouncil
Like us at facebook.com/durhamcouncil
SENDIASS Newsletter Summer 2016 **Current**
Please find attached our latest newsletter, What’s Going on?
SEND Framework and Handbook **Current**
Please see below the framework and handbook has finally been published – not had a chance to consider as yet but for information
County Durham Post Diagnostic Support Service **Current**
FREE TRAINING – Autism Spectrum
We are pleased to be able to confirm that the above contract has been extended for a further year. So the free training continues to be available.
This training is available to parents/carers of people who meet the above criteria and who reside in County Durham and professionals working in County Durham with this group of individuals such as social workers, people working in care and residential settings, colleges, youth offending service, prison service etc. Attendance at the Awareness training is required before progressing on to further training courses as this is the foundation on which to build further knowledge. Please contact me if you are unsure if you are eligible.
Below is our schedule for 2016-2017. All training will be held at Seaton Holme, Easington Village, County Durham SR8 3BS. Alternatively if you have a minimum number of six staff who require the training I can make arrangements to deliver at a venue convent to yourselves at a mutually agreeable time and date.
Thursday 5th May – 9.30 am – 1 pm Awareness
Tuesday 7th June – 9.30 am – 1 pm Identify Autistic Traits
Monday 18th July – 9.30 am – 1 pm Autism and older people
Friday 12th August – 9.30 am – 3 pm Behaviours that challenge
Tuesday 13th September - 9.30 am – 3 pm How to provide appropriate social information for people on the autism spectrum
Monday 17th October – 9.30 am – 3 pm How to write Care plans
Thursday 3rd November – 9.30 am – 3 pm Employability and the autism spectrum
Friday 16th December – 9.30 am – 1 pm Awareness
Monday 9th January – 9.30 am – 1 pm Identify Autistic Traits
Tuesday 21st February – 9.30 am Autism and Older people
Thursday 23rd March – 9.30 am – 1 pm Behaviours that challenge
To make a booking please email hjaques@iammain.org.uk
If you have any queries or want a copy of the course outcomes, please do not hesitate to email the above address and I will reply by return or alternatively if your query needs more detailed information you can telephone me on 01642 608012.
SEND Information Advice and Support Service Newsletter **Current**
Please find attached our latest Newsletter.
Click Here
Click Here
GOALS Newsletter **Current**
Please find attached GOALS Christmas Newsletter
Anne Knapton
Project Leader
Health and Young People Unit
Pelton Community Centre
Front Street
Pelton
Chester-Le-Street
Durham
DH2 1DE
www.mygoals.org.uk
07786156739
Anne Knapton
Project Leader
Health and Young People Unit
Pelton Community Centre
Front Street
Pelton
Chester-Le-Street
Durham
DH2 1DE
www.mygoals.org.uk
07786156739
Summary of news items: November 2015 **Current**
Since May 2015, I’ve produced a monthly summary of relevant news items about SEND, on behalf of the Regional Peer Network. The summary for November 2015 is attached. Please feel free to circulate this to colleagues in your service
Click for the Newsletter
Click for the Newsletter
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Short Break Services - MAIN **Current**
Do you know anybody aged 5-18 with any additional needs or disabilities?
MAIN are offering Short Break services in Peterlee and Newton Aycliffe for children and young people to help with socialisation and develop on skills in a safe and fun environment
We have plenty of activities for all interests from cooking to outdoor play to Minecraft!
Low costing and available on a weekly basis as well as during the school holidays, it’s a brilliant service for everyone
Find us on Facebook – MAIN Children and Young People’s Services in Durham or give us a call on 01642 608012 to book your place now!
Special educational needs: an analysis and summary of data **Current**
The Department for Education has published their special educational needs (SEN) summary publication which gives an overview of the available data on SEN and a link to the external data sources.
This document provides a combination of analysis and links to the key data sources on children and young people with special educational needs (SEN). It includes attainment by age 19, post-16 participation and exclusions.
Click here to read more.
GOALs Latest Newsletter **Current**
Please find attached a copy of the latest GOALs newsletter
SEND News updates October **Current**
Since May 2015, I’ve produced a monthly summary of relevant news items about SEND, on behalf of the Regional Peer Network. The summary for October 2015 is attached. Please feel free to circulate this to colleagues in your service
Click for the Newsletter
Click for the Newsletter
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Special Educational Needs and Disability Local Area Inspection briefings **Current**
Good afternoon
We are holding a series of briefing sessions (1.5 hours approx.) about Special Educational Needs and Disability Local Area Inspection and would like to invite you to come along and find out more.
For more information, dates and times of the sessions please see the attached document.
We are holding a series of briefing sessions (1.5 hours approx.) about Special Educational Needs and Disability Local Area Inspection and would like to invite you to come along and find out more.
For more information, dates and times of the sessions please see the attached document.
Autism Friendly Community Networks **Current**
Would you like to participate in developing your network?
If so, please email pamjlawrence1@gmail.com or call 0776 042 0251
Ofsted and CQC announce consultation on SEND services inspections **Current**
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have just launched a consultation on their proposals for inspecting how local areas are meeting their responsibilities to disabled children and young people, and those with special educational needs (SEND).
Following the passage of the Children and Families Act 2014, Ofsted and CQC were invited by the Minister for Children Families, Edward Timpson, to formally inspect local areas on their effectiveness in fulfilling their new duties. The new inspection framework is expected to be in place by May 2016.
The consultation seeks views on a number of proposals for the new inspection arrangements, including how children and young people with SEN and disabilities and their parents can be involved and what information should be considered in the inspection process.
The consultation will run for 3 months and will close on 4th January 2016.
The consultation is online at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/local-area-send-consultation
If you would like to read the full story please click here.
Following the passage of the Children and Families Act 2014, Ofsted and CQC were invited by the Minister for Children Families, Edward Timpson, to formally inspect local areas on their effectiveness in fulfilling their new duties. The new inspection framework is expected to be in place by May 2016.
The consultation seeks views on a number of proposals for the new inspection arrangements, including how children and young people with SEN and disabilities and their parents can be involved and what information should be considered in the inspection process.
The consultation will run for 3 months and will close on 4th January 2016.
The consultation is online at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/local-area-send-consultation
If you would like to read the full story please click here.
Summary of September SEND News items **Current*
A summary of news items for September 2015 is attached. Please circulate across your service.
Click for the summary
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Main No: 03000 263333
Direct: 03000 265866
SEND Local Inspection Information **Current**
I’m attaching the following information about the Local Area Inspection framework, which is expected to be published this term:
· Local Area inspection factsheet:
- this provides an introduction about the inspection and refers to the presentation
· The second fact sheet is specifically for schools.
The factsheets are based on the key messages from a presentation by the lead HMI.
They will be published on the Local Offer and other websites. Please circulate to colleagues in your own agency / teams.
Further information will be circulated in the future. Many thanks.
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Main No: 03000 263333
Direct: 03000 265866
Follow us on Twitter @durhamcouncil
Like us at facebook.com/durhamcouncil
· Local Area inspection factsheet:
- this provides an introduction about the inspection and refers to the presentation
· The second fact sheet is specifically for schools.
The factsheets are based on the key messages from a presentation by the lead HMI.
They will be published on the Local Offer and other websites. Please circulate to colleagues in your own agency / teams.
Further information will be circulated in the future. Many thanks.
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Main No: 03000 263333
Direct: 03000 265866
Follow us on Twitter @durhamcouncil
Like us at facebook.com/durhamcouncil
Summary of SEND News items **Current**
A summary of news items for July and August 2015 is attached. Please circulate across your service.
Click for the summary
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Main No: 03000 263333
Direct: 03000 265866
DBOT Key Working Training **Current**
The Council for Disabled Children has organised a number of regional training events about Key Working. The details are shown in the e-mail below. Please promote these events by circulating the details to colleagues across education, health and care in your Authority.
30 Sept – Durham
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cdc-key-working-training-county-durham-jh-tickets-17919754468
30 Sept – Durham
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cdc-key-working-training-county-durham-jh-tickets-17919754468
20 Oct - Newcastle
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cdc-key-working-training-newcastle-jh-tickets-17921755453
More details on the training are available on the webpage here as well as links to sessions in other regions should these be more suitable for colleagues:
http://www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/keyworking
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Main No: 03000 263333
Direct: 03000 265866
SEND News Updates - June 2015 **Current**
A summary of news updates for June 2015 is attached. Please feel free to circulate across your organisation
News Update June
News Update June
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Main No: 03000 263333
Direct: 03000 265866
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Main No: 03000 263333
Direct: 03000 265866
Review of the Local Offer **Current**
The Local Offer is the place to find information for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It can be accessed at http://www.countydurhamfamilies.info/localoffer
The Local Offer is the place to find information for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It can be accessed at http://www.countydurhamfamilies.info/localoffer
You will find a range of useful information with details on services that may help you or your child as they progress into adulthood from birth to 25. We must review the Local Offer each year and welcome any feedback about the website and how it can be further developed.
The survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LocalOfferReview2015
IPSEA Project in the North East **Current**
I am writing to let you know about an exciting new project which IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Education Advice) have been asked to undertake by the Department for Education for 10 months until March 31st 2016. The DfE have asked us to work and engage with families in specific areas of the country, concerning the Special Educational Needs and Disability reforms.
My role is to contact any SEND parent groups/support groups/forums in your area to inform them about this project, to facilitate local training events and to recruit/support IPSEA volunteers.
If you would like more information about IPSEA, please visit our website at http://www.ipsea.org.uk/
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like more information about this project. I would also be grateful if you could let me know of any parent support groups in your area who may be interested in taking part.
Kind regards
Linda Fletcher
Project Development Officer - North East
IPSEA
SEND News Updates **Current**
A summary of news announcements around the SEND reforms and a couple of other interesting items that were published in May is attached.
Please feel free to circulate this across your organisation.
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Main No: 03000 263333
Direct: 03000 265866
Please feel free to circulate this across your organisation.
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Main No: 03000 263333
Direct: 03000 265866
SEND Reforms **Current**
As Durham is now the lead Authority for the peer network in the North East, I will be producing regular summaries of news items from the DfE and other national organisations.
The first news article is attached. Please feel free to circulate a copy to colleagues in your organisation.
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Durham County Council
Children and Adults Services
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Main No: 03000 263333
Direct: 03000 265866
SEND Gateway Newsletter **Current**
The SEND Gateway was originally designed to support the education workforce in their implementation of the SEND Code of Practice: 0 – 25 and includes resources that specifically fulfil that aim. Today, the SEND Gateway also provides access to a range of resources from SEN resource providers supporting a spectrum of needs.
For more information visit www.sendgateway.org.uk
MAIN Short Breaks **Current**
MAIN is a charity that supports individuals and families on the Autism Spectrum but have contracts in County Durham to provide short breaks for children and young people with additional needs.
The short breaks are social groups that have different fun activities such as arts and crafts, baking, outdoor play and games to encourage children and young people to interact and develop on important skills.
We are running groups in Peterlee and in Newton Aycliffe that are on different days of the week as well as being on during the school holidays for a chance for both parent/carer and child to have a bit of a break!
If anyone would like some more information, please do not hesitate to contact myself at mmallin@iammain.org.uk
Melissa Mallin
Outreach Facilitator
Durham Children's Services
MAIN - Taking Autism Personally
Office Number - Teesside: 01642 608012
MAIN Website: www.iammain.org.uk
MAIN on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WeAreMAIN
MAIN on Linkedin: http://goo.gl/ShDYn6
Melissa Mallin
Outreach Facilitator
Durham Children's Services
MAIN - Taking Autism Personally
Office Number - Teesside: 01642 608012
MAIN Website: www.iammain.org.uk
MAIN on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WeAreMAIN
MAIN on Linkedin: http://goo.gl/ShDYn6
The Goals Project Newsletter **Current**
Please find attached our current Newsletter for The Goals Project based at Pelton Community Centre. Feel free to distribute/circulate as required.
Click for the Newsletter
Kind Regards
Nicola Hamilton
Support Worker
t: 01325 731160 m: 07584 213 710
Pelton Community Centre, Front Street, Pelton, Chester-le–Street, DH2 1DE
Click for the Newsletter
Kind Regards
Nicola Hamilton
Support Worker
t: 01325 731160 m: 07584 213 710
Pelton Community Centre, Front Street, Pelton, Chester-le–Street, DH2 1DE
SEND Information Advice and Support Service **Current**
SEND Information Advice and Support Service (formerly Parent Partnership Service) have moved premises, we are now based at:-
Lee House
Lee Terrace
Easington Village
Peterlee
Co Durham
SR8 3AB
Helpline: 0191 5873541 Email: sendiass@durham.gov.uk Website: http://www.durhamsendiass.info
Lee Terrace
Easington Village
Peterlee
Co Durham
SR8 3AB
Helpline: 0191 5873541 Email: sendiass@durham.gov.uk Website: http://www.durhamsendiass.info
Young people with SEND to benefit from £5 million work scheme **Current**
Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will be helped to make the difficult transition from school to the professional world thanks to a new £5 million government initiative, announced today. Local authorities can use the money to create relationships with employers, establish employment services and help schools to offer high-quality preparation for employment.
New publications for Parents from MENCAP **Current**
The Department for Education and Mencap have published some easy to read guides for children and young people and parents / carers with learning disabilities about the changes to SEND support.
Murton Special Needs Group **Current**
We meet every Wednesday at the Glebe Centre Murton SR7 9JA at 10.00am
Local Offer website - Live! **Current**
The Local Offer website has gone “live” and can be accessed at http://www.countydurhamfamilies.info/localoffer.
If your organisation details are incorrect please contact us to ensure we have the most up to date information.
If your organisation details are incorrect please contact us to ensure we have the most up to date information.
Thank you for all your support over this last year. I hope you will continue to be involved as we further develop the Local Offer over the coming year.
Derek Sayer
SEN Development Officer
Spennymoor Education Development Centre
Enterprise Way
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6YP
Tel: 03000 265866
SEND Code of Practice **Current**
The SEND Code of Practice was approved by Parliament on 29 July 2014. It can be accessed at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25
SEN Reforms Important information for the Voluntary and Community sector**Current**
The new Children and Families Act will be implemented in September 2014. This is the most important piece of legislation affecting children and young people for decades.
The reforms are wide ranging. It will give greater protection to vulnerable children, better support for children whose parents are separating, a new system to help children with special educational needs and disabilities, and help for parents to balance work and family life.
In terms of children and young people with special educational needs, the law will:
replace the current statutory assessment and Learning Difficulty assessments with a co-ordinated Education, Health and Care Assessment for children with significant learning difficulties between the ages of 0 - 25;
require the Local Authority to publish a Local Offer across education, health and care. This will have implications for any service that provides information, advice and support to children, young people and their families.
improve the transition arrangements for young people into adulthood including education, training, apprenticeships, independent or supported living, leisure activities and involvement in the community.
What are the key messages for the Voluntary and Community sector?
The Local Offer
We recognise the valuable contribution the VCS make to local communities and are committed to supporting the voluntary and community sector in County Durham. Children, young people, young adults and their families need access to information about any provider that supports children and young people with special educational needs. The development of the Local Offer will ensure that this information is easily available.
The Local Offer will be published on the Families Information Service website and we encourage any organisation that provides information, advice and support to children and young people and their families to:
a) register their service on the Families Information Service website;
b) review any on-line or website information so that it provides sufficient detail about the service including general information, any eligibility criteria and costs for families.
Further details are included in the attached letter.
Education, Health and Care Plans
The Education, Health and Care assessment process has been agreed in Durham and we are piloting that process with a small number of families before the reforms are implemented in September.
Alongside that, we are also considering which parts of the budgets across Education, Health and Care can be included in a personal budget for families.
A specification for an independent mediation service has been produced and a contract will be awarded, through competitive tendering, by May 2014.
A lot of work has been undertaken and you will be kept informed as further work is completed.
Toddler Group Newton Aycliffe **Current**
A new service is opening in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham for children with autism aged 0 -5 years old.
Parent Carers rights issues addressed **Current**
Carers UK is celebrating securing historic new rights for parents of disabled children as Peers agree a last minute amendment to the Children and Families Bill to include them in new legislative rights for carers
The charity has been campaigning for parents caring for disabled children to be included in new rights which will make it easier for carers to be assessed and supported. As new care legislation completes its final stages in Parliament, the charity has secured Government support for a change which marks a real victory for parent carers.