Leicester City Council: Statement Regarding the Special Education Service (SES)
The Leicester City Council have released a statement regarding school provision during this time. Please see below: (more…)...
IPSEA Update on COVID-19, school closures and SEN provision
Please follow the link here for the full briefing from IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice). We understand that this is a very challenging time, and the uncertainty is impacting on families. The briefing covers the following questions that may help:
What are children and young people with SEN’s entitlements when schools are closed? What if I don’t want to send my child to school, for example because they have a weakened immune system? If my child has an EHC plan, doesn’t the LA have a legal duty to deliver that provision? Will residential schools close? If my child was out of school before the school closures were ordered, do I still have an entitlement to alternative education? How long are schools likely be closed? What about home to school transport? Do the LA still need to carry out EHC needs assessments? Will SEND Tribunal appeals continue? Will annual reviews...
Government defines Key Workers (COVID-19)
The Department for Education published their list of 'key workers' last night whose children will be prioritised in schools.
Health and Social Care (doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, support and specialist staff in the Health and Social Care sector, distributors)Education and Childcare (nursery, teaching staff and social workers)Public Services (justice system, religious staff, those responsible for the deceased and journalists)Local and National GovernmentFood and other necessary goods (production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery)Public and National Safety and Sercurity (police, support staff, Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, Fire and Rescue, Border Security, prisons and probation)Transport (all air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport)Utilities, Communication and Financial Services (oil, gas, electricity, water and sewerage operations. Telecommunications, postal service and the financial services)
This applies when both parents are key workers (or in single parent households). If this applies to you, contact your childs school and/or the Local Authority.
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UK school closures: Impact on SEND
Contact have issued a short FAQ around the UK school closures and the impact on SEND children and those with EHCPs.
Key point:
"Further government guidance is expected... but we understand that the government will not be compelling parents to send their children to school if they don't want to and can safely be at home."
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Government sets out plans to support pupils eligible for Free School Meals
With the announcement that schools are to close in England from Monday 23rd March, the Government has been putting together their plans to ensure disadvantaged children and young people are not unfairly impacted. With that in mind, they have announced that families will still receive the financial support to feed children. The full article can be found here and the guidance document can be read here.
Key Information:
Schools will be able to provide meals or vouchers for supermarkets or local shops Schools can choose to support eligible children however they believe is most appropriate and headteachers can decide which of the available options will be best for families in their areaThis may include: food parcels and/or supermarket e-vouchers/gift vouchers
Speak with your childs school directly to find out what they will be doing going forwards.
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FAQs about COVID-19 for parents/carers of children with SEND
Brighton & Hove SENDIASS have created an excellent and comprehensive FAQ information page for parents/carers and young people about how COVID-19 may effect things.Topics covered include: Health, Mental Health, Education, Social Care, Appointments and Meetings, Money. Please be aware that this resource is specifically aimed at Brighton & Hove residents, so support groups/links may not be suited. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Keep an eye on our website and social media. We will be posting updates and links to appropriate support and guidance. Click here for a statement about the SENDIASS Leicester service.
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School Closures/Partial Closures
As COVID-19 (Corona Virus) has developed and government advice changed, several schools have announced full and partial closures. Please see below a list of these schools:
Moat Community College: "From Thu 19th March year’s 7, 8 & 9 will be educated at home & will not come into school. The closure for these year groups will be until Friday 27th March, in the first instance. Year 10 &11 should attend school as normal."The City of Leicester College: "The college has made the decision to suspend lessons in college for all students from 18 March 2020 until further notice. Babington Academy: "As a result of a partial school closure Year 9 will be working from home until Friday 3rd April. To support students with this they have all been provided with a home learning project booklet.Soar Valley College: "We will need to close the school to years 8 and 9, beginning on Thursday 19th March and until further notice....
Service update regarding COVID-19
SENDIASS Leicester is very aware that Covid-19 (Corona Virus) will be causing a lot of anxiety in these challenging times. We would like to reassure you that our service is still available. This means that you can access our services through phone, email, our website and social media for impartial information, advice and support. Don’t hesitate to contact us should you simply want to discuss your concerns.
Following Government advice, we’d like to make you aware of a key change as we will not be attending any face-to-face meetings or delivering workshops. We will continue to keep you updated.
Ways to contact us:
Facebook: @sendiassleicester Twitter: @SendiassL Email: info@sendiassleicester.org.uk Phone: 0116 482 0870 Website: https://sendiassleicester.org.uk/
Further Support:
SENDIASS Leicester FAQsExtra Resources and OrganisationsIPSEA: www.ipsea.org.uk Contact: www.contact.org.ukSpecial Needs Jungle: www.specialneedsjungle.com
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ADHD Solutions Winter Newsletter 2020
WINTER-NEWSLETTER-2019-ADHD-SolutionsDownload
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How to share your views for Annual Review (Children and Young People)
Amy, a member of Council for Disabled Children’s youth advisory group FLARE, has created an incredible resource to support children and young people who have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP). Follow the link here: https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/sites/default/files/field/attachemnt/CYP.4pp.HI-RES.pdf
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