UK school closures: Impact on SEND

by BeckiNo Comments
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

by BeckiNo Comments
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

by BeckiNo Comments
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

by BeckiNo Comments
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....
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Service update regarding COVID-19

Service update regarding COVID-19

by Becki1 Comment
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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How to share your views for Annual Review (Children and Young People)

by BeckiNo Comments
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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IASS Minimum Standards

by Martine CunninghamNo Comments
The Minimum Standards for Information Advice and Support Services (IASS, sometimes known as SENDIASS) were finalised in September 2018. These are part of the IAS Programme and will be the basis of future operational plans and linked funding in 2019/20. The standards were drawn up by a group of IASS managers, parents, LA reps and the chair of the IASP board, in consultation with the DfE. They are based on the law, the SEND Code and the IASS Quality Standards (which they now supercede). The consultation process recieved feedback from IAS Services, LA staff, third sector organisations, health services and parents.  We use the term ‘advocacy’ in these standards, and we are using a definition of advocacy which we think accurately describes the work and role of IASS. An easy read version of the standards is available here. Minimum StandardsDownload Easy Read Minimum StandardsDownload ...
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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Inquiry

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Inquiry

by Becki2 Comments
In 2014, the Government introduced changes to the SEND system, with the intention of offering simpler, improved and consistent help for children and young people with SEND. The Government claimed these changes would give families greater choice in decisions. The Committee’s inquiry has reviewed these reforms, how they have been implemented, and what impact they are having. Read the interactive report here. ...
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