SEND
- Vicky Ford MP Open Letter - 5th March 2021
- Joint DHSC and Department for Education Ministerial
- Contact Families has a great COVID-19 page - take a look if you need additional support, information and advice.
- DFE Home Schooling - SEND - Some wonderful resources and games - take a look
- DWP have created British Sign Language (BSL) Viedos. The videos have been produced on cornoavirus and benefit changes. The include new content for Universal Credit and Statutory Sick Pay.
** SEND NEWSFLASH ** Supporting Children and Young People with SEND as Schools and Colleges prepare for wider opening - for more information about the re-opening of Schools and Colleges and links as well as Government Guidelines for Education
The Government has announced £37 million to support Children with Complex Needs, read the article for more information. The Family Fund provides grants to low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people, and aims to improve their quality of life by paying for a wide range of items that can ease the daily pressure.
Transition to School - The Area Inclusion Co-Ordinators have produced an interim guidance to support Private Voluntary and Independent Childcare settings to support the transition to school for children with additional needs and SEND. Take a look at the document here
New Guidance for Direct Payments
The Department of Health and Social Care published detailed guidance for people who received direct payment support and personal health budgets. The guidance includes a details question and answer section.
A letter will be sent to all those who receive direct payments to inform them of the new guidance and to provide an update on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
NHS & Health
NHS Hospital Passport - Your passport can include lists of what you like or dislike. This might be about the amount of physical contact you are ok with, to your favourite type of drink, as well as your interests. The passport helps all the hospital staff know how to make you feel comfortable. So download yours now and complete
Health Spot has landed! Spotlight is thrilled to announce that Health Sport: the new in-house GP surgery for young people, aged 11-19 (or up to 25 with SEND), has started digital provision, click on the link to find out more information
Parents guide to the NHS during COVID-19
Autism: 11 Year Old Elliot shares his tips for life in lockdown.
Elliot is an 11 year old who has Autism, he says that this means that he 'sees the world a little differently from others'. He says that he 'doesn't like loud noises', 'change' and 'might understand things other people might'. He shared his top lockdown tips on BBC Newsround.
Some of the things Elliot likes to do is:
- Follow a Timetable - stick this somewhere where you can easily see it
- Schedule in quiet time - add this to your timetable
- Create a space in your home to complete your school work
- Find things to do to occupy your mind like wordsearches
- Do fun things that you wouldn't normally do - like going for walks, which really sets you up for the day
- Complete school work on the same day it was set - this will help you to stay in control and avoid you getting confused or frustrated
- Improvise and be creative - host a family game night and have fun with your family
- National Autistic Society
- Tips for autistic people and families
- Sensory Circuit workouts for SEN Children and families to try at home. Watch the video below
British Sign Language Bake with RAD - Watch the Video below and learn how to make your own chocolate bar.
Ingredients you will need to get started:
- Chocolate Bars (White, Milk or Dark whichever you prefer)
- Toppings e.g. Chocolate Peanuts, Sprinkles, Chocolate Buttons (I am sure there are many more you can think of, so just bring what you like)
Inspirational Video from Ryan Bogues, Ryans Cookie Box
Other information
- Sensory Rooms are a great place for children to feel calm and relaxed, however, they can be expensive so here are a few ideas to help you create that sensory experience in your home
- We can access has put together a list of inclusive books for all children or all ages and all abilities, making World Book Day Inclusive, why not take a look
- Special Needs Jungle has created a survey for you to tell them about your childs education during Coronavirus
- Place 2 Be
- Contact for families - Important information about Covid-19 coronavirus for families with disabled children
- Council for Disabled Children - COVID -19 Support and Guidance
- East London NHS supporting Neurodiverse children in self isolation
- Widgit an online resource for parents and carers who use symbols to support their children - FREE FOR 30 days, Use code WIDGIT30
- Young Minds - Talking to your child about COVID-19
- OCD & COVID-19 Hints and Tips on how to Cope
- BSL Health Access information
Supporting Neurodiverse Children in Challenging Times