Mental Health Awareness Week

by BeckiNo Comments
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week which is organised by the Mental Health Foundation, and the theme they have chosen this year is Kindness. We have chosen kindness because of its singular ability to unlock our shared humanity. Kindness strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity. It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health. Wisdom from every culture across history recognises that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practise to be fully alive.Mark Rowland, Chief Executive, Mental Health FoundationFor more, go to their article here. What can you do? Reflect on an act of kindness. Share your stories and pictures (with permission) of kindness during the week using #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeekUse the Mental Health Foundation resources in your family, school, workplace and community to join with thousands in practising acts of kindness to yourself and others during the week Share your ideas on how you think we could build a kinder society that would...
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SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN ENGLAND ‘RIDDLED WITH INEQUALITIES’

by BeckiNo Comments
Damning report by MPs finds many pupils miss out on support and end up being excluded from education. Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are being failed by a system “riddled with unexplained inequalities”, according to a damning parliamentary report. The report says many of the 1.3 million pupils in England with SEND are not getting the support they need and end up being excluded from school, damaging their education, wellbeing and future life chances. You can read more in the Guardian or TES. What do you think about these findings?...
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Council for Disabled Children: COVID 19 FAQs (Part 2)

by BeckiNo Comments
On the 18th April we shared the Council for Disabled Children's first FAQ document. They have now released Part Two, which you can access by following the link below. https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/sites/default/files/field/attachemnt/FAQs%202%20-%20Covid-19%20-%20Final_1.pdf Some of the questions/topics covered are: What to do if you are supporting an adult with specific needs - can you go outside together for things such as shopping?Changes to employer expectations on staff attending work - especially when you have a child with SENDChanges to benefits and how to apply during coronavirus lockdownDealing with residential settings - particularly considering the changes to the lawWhat expectations parents/carers should have on schools regarding differentiated tasks and activities for children with EHCPs (or with SEN support)The impact on social care (such as respite). The impact on health services for those with learning difficulties and disabilitiesMany questions about how to effectively shield whilst still dealing with personal care and social distancing.Issues around risk assessments and how these will be handled....
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Disabled Children: A Legal Handbook (Council for Disabled Children)

by BeckiNo Comments
Disabled Children: A Legal Handbook (3rd Edition) is available from the Council for Disabled Children for free. Disabled Children: a legal handbook is an authoritative yet accessible guide to the legal rights of disabled children and their families in England. The authors expertly navigate the many, often overlapping, sources of law, explaining the difference between what public bodies must do to support disabled children and that which they may do. Every chapter is available as a PDF download at the bottom of the page. This is a great resource that can back up your understanding of your rights (and your childs). You can get in touch with us if you have questions or require more information. We understand that the world of SEN/D and the legal frameworks can be very overwhelming, and it is our job to support you in a manageable fashion....
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IPSEA Update on COVID-19, school closures and SEN provision

IPSEA Update on COVID-19, school closures and SEN provision

by BeckiNo Comments
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...
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Government defines Key Workers (COVID-19)

by BeckiNo Comments
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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