£8.1m scheme to create hundreds of new SEND school places

by BeckiNo Comments
Leicester City Council has announced that £8.1 million will be invested in scheme which will create hundreds of new school places and provisions for children with special educational needs. The proposals include: 3 of the Leicester Special Schools would provide extra facilitiesDesignated Specialist Provision (DSP) and Specialist Units would be created at 10 further schools across the city. Total of 228 permanent new school places would be provided for children with extra needs. Schools included are the Leicester Partnership School in Knighton (extra 40 places), Ellesmere College (extra 60-70 places) and Netherhall Special School (extra 30 places). They will all also receive various new or renovated facilities. Some of the proposed DSPs are: Sandfield Close Primary SchoolRushey Mead Primary SchoolKestrel Mead Primary SchoolWill Brook MeadFullhurst Community CollegeOrchard MeadMellor Primary SchoolBraunstone Primary School Read more at the Leicester Mercury....
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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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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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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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