12:12 pm, Friday, 14th May 2021

SEND weekly parent/carer update

This is the SEND weekly parent/carer update for 10-16 May.

Parent Perspective

Jayne is a local mum of a boy with SEND. She her self has autism that wasn’t diagnosed until she was an adult. She also has experience of teaching children in dance, some of whom have SEND.

She shared her experience as a mum, an individual with SEND, and a professional working with children.

“We have a good bond and I think the trust and security he has with me is one of the reasons his issues aren’t as severe as they could have been.

“I had a bad experience of pregnancy and labour but have loved being a mother. Being a mother has been one of the best experiences in my life.

“It made me realise that for all the struggles we’ve had we’re doing well and there’s lots to be happy about.”

– Jayne Price

Read Part 1 their story on the Celebrating SEND page of the SEND Local Offer.

Teen Life- Autism Programme

Teen Life Programme is a virtual delivery programme for parents/carers of young people aged 10 to 16 years on the autism spectrum.

Read more about the Teen Life- Autism programme.

Topics covered include understanding autism in teenagers, women and girls, self-esteem, spending time with other people, stress and anxiety, behaviour, puberty, independence skills, education strategies and planning for the future. A Teen Life Programme Book will be provided for each family to accompany the programme.

For further information access the National Autistic Society.

Parents / Carers wishing to express interest in participating in the Teen Life programme please email EPtraining@nelincs.gov.uk.

Parents said:

“It’s okay to read about autism but talking is much better.”

“Lockdown has been really hard for our family and I have worked hard to get [my child] support…but I realise I have done nothing for my own resilience.”

“Really good to hear from other parents as we can feel isolated. Helped us realise that other children are going through similar experiences which may reassure our son.”

“Really good session, I will try and explore feelings more with [my child].

“Thank you for the session today and for your kind and supportive words. The resource links are really appreciated.”

“Been a tough week with [my child], high anxiety…but implemented Happy journal and school being  huge support and setting aside time to talk to him everyday.”

– Local parents and carers

Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)

YPAG has recommenced.

Lots of fabulous ideas came from the children and young people about their hobbies and interests, they helped to brainstorm plans for the SEND Award Ceremony and smashed two quizzes and a game of bingo.

We learned that their interests varied from trumpet and ex majorettes to spending time with family and pets, playing video games and going for walks.

They thought we should have awards like, caring for the environment, being a good friend, being independent and being kind.

They deserve a big thank you for joining and sharing all their ideas.

You can look forward to more great ideas from our local children and young people.

If you or your child want to share their story, drawing, idea or inspiration please contact Lauren Thompson the Local Offer Engagement Coordinator and Communications Officer at lauren.thompson2@nelincs.gov.uk.

St Andrews Hospice – Children’s Services Update

St Andrews Hospice have announced some exciting new plans for their children’s services. A programme of work will be undertaken to redesign the model of care, renew the skills available within the team, refresh and redecorate the unit and to undertake care reviews of every child. These steps will enable the team to respond to the increasing and changing needs of the children and families in their care.

Read about their improvements to Children’s Services and what this may mean for you.

North East Lincolnshire Parents Participation (NELPPF)

NELPPF is a collective voice for parents and carers in North East Lincolnshire. They offer guidance and support from 0 to 25 years and make sure that parents’ views and experiences influence local services to make things better.

NELPPF are considering applying for grant funding after they have consulted with expert associates from Contact – for families with disabled children | Contact. This will focus on recruiting new parents, leadership skills, mentoring and training other parents.

The Local Area Inspection Revisit survey is still relevant and the parents’ voice will still be delivered to Her Majesty’s Inspectors.

Email: nelppf@gmail.com
Telephone: 07583 474892

School

Read the latest National COVID guidance and local guidance.

Attendance at school by children with an EHCP in North East Lincolnshire was 85%.

Follow the Department for Education on social media.

Contact Jennifer.steel@nelincs.gov.uk if you have a query about school exclusions.

Have your say! EHCP Annual Review Feedback

Let us know about your EHCP Annual Review. There is a feedback form on the Local Offer and it only takes a few minutes to share your valuable experience.

Give us your feedback on the EHCP Annual Review Feedback form.

You can also find this form where it says ‘EHCP Annual Review feedback’ on the Parent and carer page, as well as the Children and young people page.

When you share your experience with us we can improve what we can offer to you and others.

SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs Disability Information Advice Support Service).

SENDIASS provides free impartial information, advice and support to disabled children and young people aged 0-25, and those with SEN. Get in touch Monday-Thursday, 8.30am- 4.30pm. Friday 8:30am- 4pm. Leave a message and we’ll get back to you within three days.
Email: nelincs@barnardos.org.uk
Facebook: @NELSENDIASS

Health

If you need advice regarding access to health services or feel your child needs additional support in school due to their medical needs please email Sarah Harding, the Designated Clinical Officer for SEND at designatedclinicalofficer@nelincs.gov.uk.

Useful contacts

The Sector Support ‘Community Service Fact Sheet’ has an extensive list of community support available for money, food, wellbeing, welfare and more.
See the Voluntary Sector Alliance COVID-19 updates page for more on financial support, health and wellbeing, local updates, COVID updates, community safety, volunteering and more.
• Report a concern online or call 01472 326292 (opt. 2)
• Support for those isolating without anyone to support them for supplies and more call the Council (01472) 313131
• Health – if you are struggling to manage your symptoms, call 111. If you are in urgent need of medical assistance, call 999
• Domestic Abuse (women and men). NEL Women’s Aid (01472) 575757, and Men’s Helpline, 0808 8010327
• Wellbeing– if you are struggling with your mental health, call (01472) 256256
• Carers’ Support Service (support for informal carers). Go online or call (01472) 242277

Alcohol

Parents/carers are aware that at this anxious time some families have reported struggles with mental health and sought support for the overuse of alcohol.
Alcohol change UK offers COVID tips on alcohol and mental health.
We Are With You provides support for drugs and alcohol. You can also get in touch if you are worried about someone else’s drinking or drug use. Chat online or call- 01472 806890. Local charges apply. They also have information on their Facebook, @wearewithyoucharity.

What’s new on the Local Offer?

There’s lots changing to the Local Offer every week.

If you have questions about SEND we are always here to help. Please don’t hesitate to email sen@nelincs.gov.uk. We always try to make sure that children and parents/ carers voices are heard.

These Weekly SEND parent/carer newsletters are shared with teams within education, health and social care as well as parents/carers SENCOs, the DfE and local charities.

If parents/carers or young people over 16 do not have access to the internet or if they prefer to receive paper copies only please contact sen@nelincs.gov.uk.