s.e.n.d. in peterborough - open objects€¦ · send in peterborough newsletter: #7 first...
TRANSCRIPT
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
S.E.N.D. in PeterboroughSpring term 2019 newsletter
This is a termly newsletter published by the SEN and Inclusion Services of Peterborough City Council, the Peterborough SENCO Network, the Specialist Hub Network and Family Voice
Peterborough.
Click here to share your feedback on the newsletter
Click here to sign up to receive the SEND in
Peterborough Newsletter
Welcome to the Spring term 2019 edition of the SEND in Peterborough Newsletter. This newsletter is aimed at those involved with the support of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their families, across the education, health and social care services, and the voluntary / charity sector. The newsletter is produced in partnership between the Inclusion Services of Peterborough City Council, the Peterborough SENCO Network, the Specialist Hub Network and Family Voice Peterborough.
Nationally, young people and adults with learning disabilities have the lowest rate of employment of any group, with just 6% in paid work. We’ve dedicated a few features in this issue to highlighting some developments and resources that hope to tackle this matter.
If you like the newsletter, or have suggestions for future articles, let us know by contacting us using the button below or emailing [email protected]
Please feel to share this newsletter with colleagues who may find it of interest.
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 1
ContentsTraining Page 2Events Page 4News Page 8Updates from Events/ Project Page 13Features Page 18Resources Page 21Closing comments Page 23
Edition number:
TrainingSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 2
Safeguarding TrainingThe local Safeguarding Children and Adults Board have a lot of
free training opportunities coming up. Find out more at: http://www.safeguardingpeterborough.org.uk/availabletraining/
Where can you find training?1. Find training on the SEND
Resources page of the Peterborough Local Offer.
2. Check out the Hub pages on their school websites
SEND Training from Specialist HubsIn partnership with SEN and Inclusion Services, the Specialist Hubs offer a number
of training events or support for local schools.
Understanding and Managing sexualised behaviour in children and
adolescents20th June 2019, from 9:30am-3pm
Provided by the Educational Psychology Service£115 per person, Book places at
https://goo.gl/forms/Fl4IjelO98TzaR0s2
TrainingSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 3
Living Sport have been successful in receiving funding from the National Lottery Awards for All fund in order to run ‘Play With Pride’ a project aiming to tackle homophobic behaviour and supporting LGBTQIA+ young people within a sport and physical activity setting. Through consultation with the LGBTQIA+ society within a local college it was found that 94% of the group don’t participate in regular sport or physical activity.
Studies show that hosting LGBT specific sessions, and having members of staff LGBT trained are very strong motivators for participation in physical activity. The Play With Pride project aims to help more LGBT young people to experience the benefits that physical activity can bring to their physical, social and mental wellbeing that physical activity can offer. Play With Pride will achieve this by:
● Upskilling sport coaches and clubs through training workshops delivered by the Kite Trust
● Training young people to become ‘LGBT Leaders’.
● Work alongside LGBT Leaders to visit local clubs and award a ‘Rainbow Rating’ to help gauge how well they cater for the LGBT community.
● Delivery of 2 ‘Play With Pride Sport Festivals’, raising awareness of physical activity offers and offering access to other LGBT support organisations and community groups.
● Creation of two LGBT activity clubs, led by young people and inclusive, qualified coaches.
The project will run until November 2019 and we are currently in the development phase, before looking to engage potential LGBT Leaders. If you would like further information about the project or to get involved then please contact [email protected].
http://www.livingsport.co.uk/living-sport-launch-play-pride-project/
Conference: Miles to go - Improving transitional mental health care for young people across Europe
29th April 2019, London, 9am-3pm Transition through different mental health services is a major challenge in the UK and across Europe. This event is for anyone concerned about this issue. The conference will present the key findings from the MILESTONE project (https://www.milestone-transitionstudy.eu/), the first Europe-wide research project focused on transition fromchild and adolescent mental health services. The conference will:
● hear from young people and sector-leading UK and international speakers (including Norman Lamb MP and Dame Sue Bailey) about the importance of changing mental health practice and support in the UK and across Europe.
● Gain a better understanding of wider issues linked with transition, such as service structures, policies, training of healthcare professionals and ethics of transitioning
● Discuss the next steps in shaping policy, service provision and research regarding transition
Standard delegate fee: £50 delegate fee https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/research/hscience/mhwellbeing/mh/transition/milestone/conference
EventsSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 4
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/east-of-england-send-regional-peer-network-annual-conference-17th-june-2019-tickets-59765581463
EventsSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 5
Education, Health and Care Plans trainingThe Statutory Assessment and Monitoring Services (SAMS), who are responsible for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), has organised a series of training for Headteachers and SEN Co-Ordinators (SENCOs). This training will cover the requirements, process and discussions around common challenges around EHCPs. This training is free but sessions will be for a very limited number of attendees. Use the links included in the table below to book places.
Date / time Notes Booking link
23rd May 10am-12noon SENCOs https://forms.gle/7WAprYVNAZyMHeVz8
20th June - 2-4pm Headteachers https://forms.gle/5iJhXz5Mx4v3f5rC7
4th July - 2-4pm SENCOs https://forms.gle/7WAprYVNAZyMHeVz8
19th September - 10am-12noon SENCOs https://forms.gle/Jd9BPDMFufwnD1pYA
8th October, 10am-12noon Headteachers https://forms.gle/Lna3cbpU7xuCJZ4BA
10th October, 1:30-3:30pm SENCOs https://forms.gle/Jd9BPDMFufwnD1pYA
23rd January 2020, 10am-12noon Headteachers https://forms.gle/Lna3cbpU7xuCJZ4BA
28th January 2020, 10am-12noon SENCOs https://forms.gle/Jd9BPDMFufwnD1pYA
30th January 2020, 1:30-3:30pm SENCOs https://forms.gle/Jd9BPDMFufwnD1pYA
9th June 2020, 10am-12noon Headteacher https://forms.gle/Lna3cbpU7xuCJZ4BA
11th June 2020, 10am-12noon SENCOs https://forms.gle/Jd9BPDMFufwnD1pYA
16th June 2020, 1:30-3:30pm SENCOs https://forms.gle/Jd9BPDMFufwnD1pYA
Selective mutism training5th June 2019, 4-5:30pm (TBC)
Venue to be arranged
Following feedback from SENCOS, our local health services have agreed to deliver a training session on Selective Mutism.
Places are limited. To book your place, complete the form found at: https://forms.gle/mMh3S7So2ek4D6tH6
Living Sport Coaching BursariesLiving Sport are delighted to announce their latest round of Coach Bursaries are open! These awards are aimed at reducing physical inactivity in targeted areas of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. They present a fantastic opportunity to help coaches achieve a qualification that develops and improves their practice, enabling more people to get active and experience the many benefits of physical activity.
Bursaries could be for activator courses, level 1 and 2 qualifications (although there is a finite budget and we are unlikely to fund the full cost of a level 2). For more details and to apply visit the Living Sport website
Events - sportsSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 6
Inclusive Basketball clubs for under 18s
Sundays - non-competitive: 10-11amSundays - competitive play:
11am-12noon
£3 for one session or £5 for bothAt Focus Community Centre,
Dogsthorpe, PE2 4PE
Inclusive Archery (all ages)
Sundays 12:30-1:30pm, £3 per session
At Focus Community Centre, Dogsthorpe, PE2 4PE
For more information, please see https://vivacity.org/sport-healthy-living/inclusive-sports/Or contact Matt Taylor, Sports Development Officer01733 863783 or email [email protected]
New Inclusive Football Sessions in Peterborough
Hunts FA, Inspire Peterborough and ICA Sports Football Club have joined forces to offer inclusive football sessions for all in the area.
The sessions at Powerleague Peterborough are for ages 6 years old and above and are run by FA Qualified Community coaches. They will enable everyone to have the opportunity to play the game we love in an enjoyable environment.
Register your interest by contacting [email protected]
EventsSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 7
Got any achievements or events happening?
We’d like to share good news about events and resources. Share your news with
Orton litter pickupFamily Voice Peterborough are working with Neighbourhood Watch and Local Councillors to help the ‘Pride in the Ortons’ Campaign. A series of community litter pick and information sharing days have been organised with The Goldhay Centre acting as the hub for the sessions.
Free lunch is available for those who take part (to have lunch please email [email protected]. Each litter pick starts at The Goldhay Centre, 105 Paynels, Peterborough, PE2 5QP on the following dates/times:
● 20th April 2019- 11:30am● 4th May 2019- 10:30am● 1st June 2019- 10:30am● 15th June 2019- 11:30am● 6th July 2019- 10:30am● 20th July 2019- 11:30am
Although the days are set in Orton, anyone who wants to help take care of the environment, get out in the fresh air, have lunch and be sign posted to areas of support is welcome to join in. The whole family can get involved.
Seminar: Future of Schools in diverse
and changing communities: An EU Project
15th May 2019, University of Cambridge09:30am-1pm, 4:30-6pm
Two primary schools in Peterborough have participated in a 3 year EU project, together with schools from Croatia, Sweden and Greece, developing ‘grassroots’ solutions to conflict within their communities. At this seminar, we will explore the implementation of the project and the experiences of the schools, illustrating how seemingly small actions led to significant change. The seminar aims to inspire conversation between the delegates, with concrete examples and resources from the schools, to reduce conflict and improve cohesion.
The seminar is FREE.Register your place at https://bit.ly/2I0rjJ2
NewsSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 8
National Special Educational Needs newsIf you want to keep up to date with SEND developments on a national level you may be interested in the Government Department for Education SEN Newsletter. You can register for the newsletter by emailing [email protected]
Parents, carers and familiesTo keep up to date with the work of our local Parent Carer Forum, Family
Voice Peterborough, you can sign up to their newsletter at: https://familyvoice.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ac383d3e7d
29e76fe679e9fce&id=5c14568e48&e=5558324971
Early Years PractitionersFind the latest Jigsaw magazine - the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough childcare and early years newsletter at https://www.cambslearntogether.co.uk/early-years/resources/jigsaw-magazine/
Disability SportsFind out the latest news on disability sports in
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough from the Living Sport newsletters You can subscribe by emailing
Minister for children and families recognises Family Voice Peterborough
At the ten year anniversary national conference of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF), Nadhim Zahawi, Minister for Children and Families and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the
Department for Education made a special mention of Family Voice Peterborough as part of examples of good practice in engaging with parents / carers of children with Special Educational Needs.
A summary of the conference can be found at http://www.nnpcf.org.uk/get-involved/annual-conference-and-agm-2018/annual-conference-and-
agm-2018-conference-overview/
Educational Psychology Service: Subscriptions service (2019-20) Following the success of the service EPS delivery this academic year we will continue to operate a cost recovery model into the next academic year. By the end of April 2019 we will have sent to SENCOs and Headteachers the updated subscription document for next academic year. Schools will have until the 28th June 2019 to submit their requests for a subscription and additional sessions. The EPS will confirm the subscriptions and additional sessions they will be able to deliver during July 2019. We look forward to working with as many schools as possible in the future.
NewsSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 9
DfE's 'SEN Futures' initiative
Following announcements made in December 2018, the Department for Education have begun procurement for SEN Futures - a flagship programme of research and analysis focussing on children and young people with SEN in England.
SEN Futures will aim to build the evidence base on a wide range of issues, including:● A variety of outcomes for children and young people with SEN – including outcomes in a wide sense
such as wellbeing, happiness and preparation for adulthood.● The experiences of children and young people with SEN on their journeys through education.● The value for money of different types of SEN provision in England.
The first stages of this work will be the Longitudinal Study Discovery Phase and the Value for Money Feasibility Study. The Longitudinal Study Discovery Phase will be a ground-breaking piece of work seeking to inform the design and feasibility of a potential future Longitudinal Study of Children and Young People with SEN currently being considered by the Department. The Value for Money Feasibility Study, meanwhile, will assess the viability of a potential future large-scale Value for Money Study of SEN provision in England.
The evidence collected by SEN Futures will be crucial in helping the Department to listen to CYP with SEN and their families, and to take an evidence-based approach to fulfilling our priority of supporting those with SEN to live happy and fulfilled lives. Procurement is currently underway for this work and details of the methodology and timings are subject to change. As work on this programme progresses, the Department will be in touch with further information and to explore various aspects of the programme with SEND stakeholders. Any queries about this email can be addressed to [email protected]
National SEND Leadership Board
Following recommendations from CDC Director Dame Christine Lenehan’s 2018 report “Good Intentions, Good Enough”, a Leadership Board for SEND is to be established to improve the commissioning and delivery of services, and outcomes for children. This new expert board will include representatives of local health, social care, and education services, and will work closely with charities, school and families.
Minister Zahawi’s letter to Dame Christine Lenehan, providing further detail on the SEND System Leadership Board, can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/Residential-special-schools-and-colleges-support-for-children
New research on the impact of SENCOs' workload on SchoolsBath Spa University, the National Education Union and the National Association of Special Educational Needs (NASEN) have published a research report on the impact of SENCOs' workload on the professional and schools. https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/media/bathspaacuk/education-/research/senco-workload/SENCOWorkloadReport-FINAL2018.pdfDr Adam Bosen, Chair of NASEN shared: 'If we are serious about making our education system work for learners with SEND, then we need to value our SENCOs and to give them the time and resources they need.' Peterborough's Area SENCO, Jessica Conway has highlighted that 'Appendix 1 provides guidance for SENCO time allocation by school size and cohort which might support when looking at time tabling and staff allocations for the new academic year'.
NewsSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 10
Online Safety Live SessionsAs part of The UK Safer Internet Centre, the South West Grid for Learning are delivering a number of Online Safety Live sessions across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough between the 15th and 17th May 2019.
These free sessions are aimed at teachers, police officers, social workers, adoption and foster professionals, youth workers and many more professionals and practitioners working with children. These events will cover a range of online safety topics, including the latest legislation and research relating to online safety and safeguarding. The events are constantly adapted to reflect the current state of play and presented by two experienced consultants and will look at how the technology landscape has evolved and the potential future trends, potential risks and effects on behaviour, health, social and emotional wellbeing, privacy and data, gaming and virtual reality, pornography, sexting, extremism, radicalisation and child sexual exploitation. There will also be an overview to a European project called SELMA which aims to tackle the problem of online hate speech by promoting mutual awareness, tolerance, and respect. http://www.hackinghate.eu/These sessions will be held on:
At the end of the event all delegates attending will receive access to an exclusive online resource area containing links to all the materials mentioned, signposting to sources of help and support as well as a live copy of the presentation itself.Spaces are limited but if you would like to attend please click on the links for the relevant sessions to register a place. Please note: The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Board are not responsible for the booking arrangements for these events. For more information see
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/training-events/online-safety-live-free-online-safety-events
Wednesday 15th May 2019 9:30am – 12:00pm
Peterborough United Football Club, Peterborough PE2 8AL
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-safety-live-peterborough-ti
ckets-53132447581
Wednesday 15th May 2019 2:30pm – 5:00pm
Peterborough United Football Club, Peterborough PE2 8AL
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-safety-live-peterborough-ti
ckets-53132792613
Thursday 16th May 2019 9:30am – 12:00pm
Hunts FA, Huntingdon PE29 6XU
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-safety-live-huntingdon-tick
ets-53132838751
Thursday 16th May 2019 2:30pm – 5:00pm
Internet Watch Foundation, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9ZRhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-safety-live-cambridge-ticke
ts-53132936042
Friday 17th May 2019 9:30am – 12:00pm
Internet Watch Foundation, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9ZRhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-safety-live-cambridge-ticke
ts-53132996222
NewsSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 11
Camsight Partnership with Hoohaah RacesOur friends at Camsight have been chosen as one of the partners for the 2019 Hoohaah series of running races. The races are either 10km, 10 mile or half marathon. The dates and locations are:
● Childerley Estates, Cambridgeshire. April 28th 10km● Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire. May 19th 10km● Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire. October 6th 10 miles or Half Marathon
Camsight are looking for runners to take part and volunteers for all race dates. Volunteers get free entry to the race. For more information please see the Hoohaah leaflet which has all race dates and a link to registration www.hoohaah.co.uk any questions please contact Nick Burr at Camsight [email protected] 01223 420033
Special OlympicsWe caught up with Nikki Griffiths from Disability Peterborough to find out more about a project they run:
‘Disability Peterborough run the disability and inclusive sport project called Inspire Peterborough, which includes the Special Olympic programme (sport for people with intellectual disabilities and SEND). Last school year we worked with the charity Steel Bones and If No Me Inclusion Coaching to bring to Peterborough a free two-hour practical adapted and inclusive games event with qualified sports coaches and amputee para-athletes to challenge assumptions and help break down the barriers towards disability and sport. We ran three primary school based events last year. You can read about the events and comments https://www.inspirepeterborough.com/limb-it-less-games-and-inspire-peterborough-link-up/ Thanks to some new funding from the Police & Crime Commissioners Office I am pleased to report that we are able to do the same this year called “No Limit Games” run by specialist disabled and inclusive coaches and we are now looking for interested schools to work with. Having spoken with you at the SEND event I thought the events would be a great way to introduce ourselves to your school, teachers and parents. Dates to be negotiated directly with the coach, following a pre-visit. If you would like to take us up on this fabulous free offer for your school please do get back in touch soon as places will be taken up quickly.’
Support for employers - Hearing LossAction on Hearing Loss have recently launched a new phase of their ‘Working for Change’ campaign – and have created a one stop shop for employers on how to recruit, retain and support employees who are deaf or who have hearing loss www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/employers.
Signposting for organisations undertaking school learner work placements etc. AOHL tagline is... Over half of employees with hearing loss don’t feel comfortable disclosing their condition. See the new Employers’ Hub from @ActionOnHearing for tips on how to make your workplace Working for Change
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 12
News - SportsSuccess for Peterborough swimmers
Peterborough Special Olympic Swimming Group is a swimming club for people who have a learning disability and is part of 8 Special Olympics Sports flourishing in Peterborough. The group has four very important roles.● Firstly, it gives the swimmers a chance to be part of a team, to feel a sense of pride and achievement, to
enjoy the success of winning, to learn to support each other in times of disappointment and have aspirations to improve, develop and succeed.
● Secondly, it helps them to be fit and healthy. Obesity is more common in young people with learning difficulties, with all its associated health problems.
● Thirdly, it helps them foster friendships, improve their communication skills and develop social skills through not only the swimming sessions but the social events we put on.
● Fourthly, it is a support network for the parents and carers for sharing information and problem solving the many issues they have to face.
On Saturday 9th March 2019 the club took a group of swimmers to compete in the Special Olympics Region Swimming Gala in Hatfield. Aided by parent volunteers our swimmers’ swam amazingly. Out of 38 races between them they achieved 23 new personal bests with many coming away with gold silver and bronze medals. This is all achievable by commitment to training, twice weekly for some and dedicated paid and volunteer coaches and not forgetting an army of parent volunteers. For further information, contact Kay Greenaway (07712427558 / [email protected]).
City College Peterborough's Access Champions are climbing Mount Snowdon and they
need your support!
In May, the Access Champions are climbing Mount Snowdon to raise funds to hold regular accessible events for Peterborough’s disabled community!
They are extremely busy training weekly with our personal trainer, Sonia from WOW Fitness and are having great fun learning new training techniques and using our new exercise bands.
If you would like more information or to support us, you can do so via the following links:Fundraising page: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thebigchampionclimb Email: [email protected] Facebook: TheBIGChampionClimb/ Twitter: @AccessChamps
UpdatesSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 13
S.E.N.D. Strategy for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Throughout this spring, we have been running a series of workshops across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for anyone involved in working with or caring for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to hear your thoughts about our new strategy. We are keen that as many people as possible are able to contribute their views so we have launched an online workshop which is open until 27 April. The survey features a series of videos setting out a pledge we would like everyone to sign up to that describes how we will work with each other to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities as well the actions required to deliver the three main priorities of the draft SEND Strategy for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
You can find the survey at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SENDactionplanworkshop/
Feedback from the Local Government Association SEND Peer ReviewPeterborough City Council approached the Local Government Association (LGA) to undertake a peer review of our special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services, in order to assist the system in its preparations for a Joint Ofsted / CQC inspection. The peer review was undertaken in October 2018. The Council received a robust report from this review including the following highlights:● The team saw strong leadership around the SEND agenda, which is clearly a priority for the senior
leadership team. It is equally apparent that there is also a commitment from council officers, councillors and school governors to progress the SEND reform agenda. The push from senior leaders has enabled partners to ‘come around the table’.
● Partners are engaged and committed to making SEND everyone’s business. The review team saw examples of good collaboration and a collective problem solving approach has been employed to resolve challenges and establish specific initiatives.
● There has also been an increase in pace over the last two years. There is a rigour and energy to drive progress and a collaborative approach is producing improvements.
● Staff are passionate and dedicated, with a strong team ethos, across the whole partnership. Staff work positively together to maximise the local offer.
● We prioritise the voice of parents, carers, children and young people and we saw how this is being weaved into strategic planning.
● We are increasing our collaboration and joint working with Cambridgeshire County Council. This is producing synergies and learning for both authorities. As yet the desired end point of this journey is yet to be defined.
● Demographic and other data suggests changing patterns of need and increasing demand at a time when financial pressures on all partners are increasing. It will be a challenge to meet these competing trajectories.
● Developing our approach to the use of data; we have good sources of data which could be used more effectively by including consideration of 'softer' intelligence.
● Co-production is an evident priority and was consistently referenced by a range of stakeholders but there are inconsistencies in understanding and application of the term.
These recommendations will be incorporated into the Joint Cambridgeshire and Peterborough SEND Strategy Action Plan for monitoring. The Joint SEND Executive Board will monitor progress.
Conference report: Effective transitions in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)Back in February, the Early Years service in Peterborough organised a conference looking at how best to support children moving from pre-school/nursery to primary schools. The conference was a combination of keynote talks from Kay Mathieson (Exploring the school readiness agenda, and Early identification and intervention of SEND in the EYFS) and three workshops. The conference was attended by a mixture of practitioners from early years settings and primary school which provided valuable discussions for us to understand some of the common experiences, achievements, challenges and solutions we encounter in our work with children and their families. Delegates were also given a free text book and access to many resources from local authority services/literacy trust.
Kay’s made a number of key points including considering the mental health / experiences of children and their families when they move educational phases, consider the key characteristics and experiences needed to prepare children for school life.
One of the key messages from Kay was the importance of practitioners understanding the developmental stages of children, in particular those of children before the age range we ‘normally’ work with. Some of the activities Kay facilitated were helpful reminders and professional ‘nudges’ to not forget fundamental academic theories that inform our work. Understanding these theories is also hugely helpful in identifying when ‘normal development goes awry’ such in instances of special educational needs.
The workshops were opportunities for local practitioners to share what they do to support children moving between settings. Several workshops opened with delegates sharing what they felt had worked well and what were some challenges when it came to transitions.
The day was a really valuable investment for practitioners in both pre-school, nursery and primary school settings. Big congratulations to the Early Years Service for organising a useful and inspiring event for local practitioners.
Guest Speaker profile: Dr Kay MathiesonKay has worked in early years and primary education for over 35 years, including primary schools, pupil referral units, local authority services, and currently an independent educational consultancy.
Kay's main areas of interest are, improving the quality of adult/child interactions, developing adult problem solving approaches to SEN and, especially behaviour issues.
She also worked part time with the National Strategies as an Early Years Regional Adviser. Kay has published books and articles in academic journals on understanding behaviour, inclusion, working with families and other topics. For more information about Kay, see her website at http://kaymathieson.co.uk/
Updates from eventsSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 14
Updates from eventsSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 15
‘S.E.N.D. is everybody’s business’ Conference28th February 2019
The Specialist Hub Network and the Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Services of Peterborough City Council. Around 140 practitioners attended the event, which consisted of:
➢ x3 keynote talks from guests (Lauren Steadman, Mary Rayner and Charlie Fogarty);
➢ x3 workshops delivered by Hubs;➢ x3 teachmeets/micro-workshops from Hubs.
The conference had several objectives:● Provide a training event aimed primarily at classroom teachers● Enable / empower teachers to have greater confidence in supporting children and young people
with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities● Improve the awareness and understanding about the Specialist Hub Network amongst
practitioners in Peterborough
Feedback from the conference has been hugely positive including:● 93% had improved confidence in working with learners with SEND;● 35% describing specific strategies or resources they learned;● 98% would be interested in future conferences;● 98% reported an improved understanding of the Hub network;● 40% of attendees reported an interest in becoming a SENCO;
A short video is published at https://youtu.be/gI0ESR-G66I A huge thank you to everyone involved!
Resources from the conference
have been published on the SEND Resources page of the
Peterborough Local Offer, including a summary video and
eport on the feedbackhttps://fis.peterborough.gov.uk/k
b5/peterborough/directory/advice.page?id=SNpdtfS7gEo
(Left) The conference working group, the Mayor and Mayoress
Top right - Keynote speaker, Lauren Steadman
Right - Staff from two hubs co-delivering a workshop
Left - One of the student speakers, being presented with a thank-you gift from the Mayor and Mayoress
Updates from eventsSENCO NetworkAutumn Term 2018 event
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 16
This event was one of the highest attended events in the Network’s three years. The event covered a number of matters including:
● Draft guidance on the SEND aspects of School Census● A briefing on SEND funding for schools● Some feedback from Family Voice Peterborough on
SEN Information Reports
We also asked SENCOs for their views on what topics they wanted to have smaller targeted training on. The most requested topics included:
1. Pre-key stage standards (this was chosen as a key topic for the Spring term event)
2. Dyscalculia (this is being discussed with Specialist Hubs)3. Selective mutism (details to be confirmed)4. Mental Health Support (services were invited to the Spring
term event)5. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (this is being investigated)
“A very informative session - a very valuable opportunity we are very lucky to have! Thank you for all the hard work organising :)”
(SENCO, November 2018 event)
Spring Term 2019 eventWe had a packed event in March 2019 running an event that included a range of updates and two short workshops on Pre-key stage standards and the specialist courses available for post-16 students.
This was the first time we ran two workshops simultaneously and further workshops will be arranged in the summer term to enable all SENCOs have the opportunity to engage.
We will be sending out resources and contacts from the event soon, so check the SENCO Network page of the Peterborough Local Offer regularly: https://fis.peterborough.gov.uk/kb5/peterborough/directory/
advice.page?id=CLCtHZf_09Y
Updates from projectsPeterborough ‘SEND Audit’ Peer Review project
Since launching in the summer term of 2018, there have been over 50 education settings (early years settings, special, primary and secondary schools) taking part in the project, many using the innovative SEND online audit tool. Education settings taking part in the project are working together in pairs/ triads and groups sharing best practices every term and being those important 'critical friends' to support each other to review their SEND provision and identify areas of strength and development. Hub settings are also taking the lead in groups and supporting as 'centres of expertise'.
During the Spring term 2019, the SEN and Inclusion Services invited David Bartram, Director for SEND at the London Leadership Strategy, to run a short ‘quality assurance’ over the project. This consisted of a few days of conversations with sample groups from the project, and culminated in a short report which highlighted the benefits to schools, the factors critical to success and the current challenges facing the project. This report will inform the continuing support / development of the project. Area SENCO, Jess Conway, shared a highlight of the report at the SENCO Network event in March 2019.
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 17
The Impact of the Peer Review Project from the schools’ perspective:
1. Greater understanding of data management2. Developed use of pupil voice to inform classroom
practice3. Increased confidence amongst SENCOs in accurately
self-evaluating their provision4. Greater awareness of strengths and areas for
development resulting in improved development planning
5. Strengthened relationships between the SEN governor and SENCO
6. Greater opportunities for open, honest discussion and reflection
7. Improved approaches to transition8. Improved approaches to provision mapping9. Refined approaches and increased accuracy in
identifying SEND.10. Raising the profile of SEND amongst senior leaders.
Critical success factors for the project in schools● Involvement of Headteacher● Audit shared with or completed with SLT rather
than in isolation● School-to-school communication between project
meetings● Linkage with school development/action plans● Engagement with governors ● SENCO profile - member of SLT
Challenges facing the project● Time constraints to meet with colleagues on a
termly basis.● Willingness by some schools to release
SENCOs for meetings.● Absence of buy-in or engagement by some
SLT.
SENCOs interviewed as part of the quality assurance shared:
“The process has definitely raised the profile of SEND with my headteacher.”
“Data is now shared more readily with me. For example I now get a breakdown on attendance / behaviour data for pupils on a weekly basis, where before I had to continually ask for it.”
“I feel far more confident about articulating the picture of SEN progress to an external audience such as Ofsted.”
“I go away from our meetings feeling reassured with a clear sense of purpose”
Features - Spotlight interviewSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 18
Elizabeth Sullivan-AshDuring this academic year, we have had a few new members of staff join the Special Educational Need and Inclusion (SENI) Services. One of our colleagues is Elizabeth Sullivan-Ash, in a new post: ‘SEN Lead - Preparing for Adulthood & Post 16’.
How do you describe your job? Focus on post 16 provision and improving the outcomes of young people with SEND.
What’s the career path of someone in your role?I started off in working in a local authority and then moved into teaching when I married and had children. I then became a SENCo.
What are some of the best aspects of your role? Meeting lots of different people and helping with developing best practice across the local authority for children and young people.Cycling around Peterborough
What are some of the challenges of your role? Remembering names!
Any hobbies or interests outside of work, you would like to share? > I like cycling and keeping fit. > I am a member of a choir. > I love baking, fashion and textiles. > I like history, art and classics.
So, what’s some of your accomplishments that might surprise your new colleagues?● I have completed a half marathon.● I have cycled around the Peloponnese in Greece, ● I have competed in a Strictly Come Dancing competition
for charity (and got the first 10!), ● I have performed at the Royal Albert Hall, ● I have four children.
If you could do anything, what would it be? Stay healthy and happy.
If you have any questions about this new, valuable role and the developments that Elizabeth will be involved in, you can contact her at [email protected]
What motivates you?
‘Doing the right thing’
What’s the one thing you are keen for colleagues to know?
‘Always be polite and courteous’
Features - EmploymentSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 19
Supported Internships at Peterborough Regional College
We asked McKenzie Snape from Peterborough Regional College to tell us about a recent success on their Supported Internship programme: ‘Peterborough Regional College have been running Supported Internships since September 2016. A supported internship is a 1 year full-time college course for 16-24 year olds with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) who are motivated towards employment. Students on supported internships will spend 1-2 days per week at college completing English and Maths alongside any other relevant qualifications. They will then spend 2-3 days per week based with an employer where they will be supported by a job coach.Grace (pictured right) was one of our interns on the programme last year. After struggling to cope with the workload of a mainstream course and feeling that an apprenticeship did not offer enough support; Grace decided to do a supported internship. She worked 2 days a week at Little Miracles and this allowed her to gain valuable working experience; developing her skills and growing in confidence. Unfortunately at the end of the programme there were no paid jobs available at Little Miracles, so Grace was supported in applying for jobs elsewhere. Grace successfully secured a part-time job as a Lunchtime Supervisor at a local primary school.’
If you know of a young person who may be interested in a Supported Internship, please
contact the team at [email protected]
or on 01733 762191.
Access to Work FundThe Access to Work fund is provided to support those with a disability or
long-term health or mental health condition that affects their job or getting one.
The government has produced a number of factsheets about how to make the most of the Access to Work funding. You can find the factsheets at
www.gov.uk/access-to-work
New books to support young people with learning disabilities to think about work and volunteering
Four new picture books have been published by charitable publisher Beyond Words to help young people to think about and explore ideas around work and volunteering. The books were initially developed to support people with learning disabilities but are helpful for any child, young person or adult who can’t or finds it hard to read words. The books all tell a story, but they also let the reader tell their own story – the one they see in the pictures.
The new books have a focus on thinking about getting a job and volunteering. By telling the whole story in pictures, each Books Beyond Words narrative gives people the chance to work together and explore different types of situations. You can find out more about Books Beyond Words and the new books by going to www.booksbeyondwords.co.uk where you can find lots of Youtube clips that help demonstrate how the books are being used.
Features - PEEPSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 20
Person-centred Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP) for pupils who have a disability.
As the name suggests, this is so individual that it is not really possible to give generic advice. PEEPs are often tailored to the individual in liaison with the pupil, staff and parent, as they may have a specific medical condition that should be considered.
Things to consider: ● Can the individual help themselves?● Do they have to remain in their wheelchair?● Is there more than one floor to the premises?● Will a member of staff remain with the individual should they have to wait in a refuge area?● Are staff trained in the use of evacuation chairs/ slides if there are any?
Use of lifts There are 2 types of lifts:
● The regular one who’s power fails when the premises power fails = do not use in the event of a fire
● An Evacuation lift – this has its own back-up power unit that enables it to be used in the event of a fire.
In order to know whether or not to use it you need to ascertain which type of lift it is. If it is just an ordinary lift then it should not be used. Refuge spaces It used to be that all types of premises could leave vulnerable individuals in a place of refuge and the fire service would rescue them. This is no longer the case. The business/school has to have in place procedures for getting their vulnerable persons out of the premises now. Refuge spaces can be used as a brief resting space as it would be considered to be a place of relative safety (part-way out of the building behind at least 1 fire door), but then people should be fully evacuated to the ultimate place of safety. Further adviceFor further information please contact:[email protected] for premises in the north of the county; or [email protected] for anywhere in the south of the county; Or telephone 01480444500 and ask to be put through to an appropriate fire safety officer.
Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Servicehttps://www.cambsfire.gov.uk/default.aspxGeneral enquiries 01480 444 500
Special thanks to Caroline Fallon, Teacher of Physical Disabilities for preparing this article
ResourcesSEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 21
Draft guidance on SEND in School Census (‘Decoding the SEN Register’)Guidance piloted during Spring term 2019: https://search3.openobjects.com/mediamanager/peterborough/fsd/files/pilot_-_decoding_the_school_census_-_send_dec2018.pdf If you used the guidance for your School Census, please share your feedback with the Area SENCO: [email protected]
Request for involvementEducation Settings can request support from Specialist Teaching Services (including advisory teachers for ADHD and Autism, teachers of the deaf, blind, and physical disabilities and Early Years specialists), through the form found at https://fis.peterborough.gov.uk/kb5/peterborough/directory/localoffer.page?familychannel=8-6&loboolean=1
UPDATED Safeguarding strategiesThe Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Children’s Board have updated a number of documents relating to (Criminal and Sexual) Exploitation of Children and Young People which can be found attached and on the safeguarding board website www.safeguardingpeterborough.org.uk.
A guide to the Peterborough Specialist HubsIn order to help raise awareness of the range of support provided by the Specialist Hubs, a new guide has been published. The guide provides a brief introduction to the background and role of hubs, before compiling all the leaflets describing individual hubs. You can download the guide from the Specialist Hubs section of the Education Page of The Peterborough Local Offer: https://bit.ly/2Z0Dx9G
Dyslexia Style Guide 2018: Creating Dyslexia Friendly ContentThe British Dyslexia Association has published some helpful guidance on dyslexia-friendly formatting / designs of documents.You can find the guidance at https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/employer/dyslexia-style-guide-2018-creating-dyslexia-friendly-content
Factsheet guides on children / youth participation See the full range of factsheets at: https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/help-resources/resources/making-participation-work-factsheets including:
Methods and Levels of participation, Work experience, Participation Process, Barriers to participation,
Involving children and young people in formal meetings, Developing
a supportive environment child-centred EHC plans
ResourcesEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
‘The SEND Governor’ bookletGoverning Bodies carry a great deal of responsibility for our education settings (schools, colleges, etc.), primarily the education of their pupils, including groups of pupils such as those with special educational needs and disabilities. As part of a new suite of resources to support governors in understanding and fulfilling their duties, the Governor Services and SEN and Inclusion Services of Peterborough City Council have worked together to create the SEND Governor booklet. Download the guide from the SEND Resources page of the Peterborough Local Offer.
Whole School SEND ConsortiumThe Whole School SEND Consortium brings together schools, organisations and individuals who are committed to ensuring that every child and young person with SEND can achieve their potential at school. The Whole School SEND Consortium is delivering the Department for Education Strategic Support to the Workforce in Mainstream and Special Schools Contract 2018-2020.See more about the support available from the East of England region at https://www.sendgateway.org.uk/whole-school-send/regions/north-east-london-and-east-of-england/
The consortium runs a community of practice and would welcome membership from practitioners in Peterborough. You can register at:https://www.sendgateway.org.uk/whole-school-send/join-our-community-of-practice.html
SEND Governance Review GuideWhole School SEND have published a guide for governing bodies or equivalent to self-audit the effectiveness of governance over SEND matters. Find the resource at: https://sendgov.co.uk/
Resources from Contact Annual ConferenceContact held their annual conference for parent carers forums. A selection of resources can be found at: https://contact.org.uk/get-involved/parent-carer-participation/resources-from-the-national-event-2017/
“There’s an app for that…”Continuing our series of apps recommended by practitioners...
Adobe Spark VideoAdobe Spark is a free suite of apps for designing posters, videos and webpages. Adobe Spark Video is a easy to use, professional-style free video creation app. The app can easily include narration, images and can easily publish finished videos to social media accounts.
Got an app that’s really helpful for children, young people, sharing best practice or communicating with other practitioners? Why not spread the word by emailing the newsletter team. Email:
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 22
Resources SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 First published: April 2019
SEND IN PETERBOROUGH NEWSLETTER: #7 Page 23
Update: Pilot guidance: Decoding the School Census - SEND Provision & Type
Last term following a number of co-production opportunities, SEN and Inclusion Services are piloting guidance on the SEN Type and Provision categories for the School Census.
One SENCO reported: “The document is excellent and really made me think carefully about each child. The descriptions are clear and concise with numerical data enabling me to make decisions about which categories to choose. Thank you to the people who put this together.”
This guidance was sent to Headteachers and SENCOs to trial when completing the school census in the first half of Spring term 2019. In order to make sure this guidance is effective, we really need feedback from schools that used it. Please send your feedback via the online form found at https://goo.gl/forms/5L0HFuMWWePXOOIp2.
New guide to HubsIn order to help raise awareness of the range of support provided by the Specialist Hubs, a new guide has been published. The guide provides a brief introduction to the background and role of hubs, before compiling all the leaflets describing individual hubs.
You can download the guide from the Specialist Hubs section of the Education Page of The Peterborough Local Offer: https://bit.ly/2Z0Dx9G
Closing commentsAs you can see, the Spring term was a very busy season for our local area. There are a number of ongoing developments including the S.E.N.D. Strategy, Action plan and the likely Local Area Inspection from OFSTED and CQC. If you have any resources, developments or best practice that we can share to inspire and support more practitioners in Peterborough, we would really like to hear from you.
Thanks for reading.Have a great Summer Term.
Click here to sign up to receive the SEND in
Peterborough Newsletter
Click here to share ideas for the next edition