A joint ministerial letter to children and young people with SEND regarding the full return to educational settings in September 2020

Children & Families Minister Vicky Ford and Care Minister Helen Whately have written an open letter to children and young people with SEND, their parents, families and others who support them. The letter explains the actions that need to be taken to ensure, where possible, all pupils return to their educational settings from September, and responds to some of the concerns and questions that have been raised. Department for Education and Department of Health & Social Care Joint Ministerial LetterDownload Key messages include: The importance for those with special educational needs and disabilities to return to educational settings safely in September so that they can receive face-to-face education and supportReassures that the risk of contracting the virus in educational settings is low and outlines protective measures in place to reduce the risk even further, including the NHS Test and Trace systemMinisters expect a small number of absences from children and young people who remain under the specialist care of a health professional however, the...
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Leicester City Council: Young People Participation Survey

Leicester City Council has produced Social Care and Education Participation Approach, a draft strategy which looks at how they can provide young people with unique opportunities to participate in decision making and service development processes. They would like to hear views on the draft strategy and how it can be improved or amended to further increase participation opportunies for young people. To take part, please follow the link here. ...
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“Third of young people left without mental health support during lockdown” survey finds

Nina Jacobs at Children & Young People Now has reported on survey findings of the impact on children & young people access to mental health support during Covid-19. Key findings include: 31% of young people were no longer able to access support despite still needing help from specialist services (a rise of 5% since the start of the lockdown)Many young people felt unable to access help at home due to concerns around privacy and confidentiality or a lack of access to technology80% said that pandemic had made their mental health worse - of which, 41% said it made things "much worse"Nearly 90% said they had felt lonely or isolated71% had been able to stay in touch with friends11% felt that their mental health had improved since the lockdown Young Minds Statistics ...
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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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