| Transition control A new online guide gives advice on moving from school to adult life. Mencap has launched a new online guide to transition for parents and carers whose son or daughter is moving from school to adult life. The guide is full of top tips and advice, and covers everything from transition reviews at school to getting the right support, planning for future health needs and leaving home. Go to www.mencap.org.uk/transitionguide |
| Mad Science! A chance for children with SEN to enjoy some science. Mad Science is on a mission to spark the imagination of all children everywhere with exciting interactive programmes that instil a clear understanding of what science is and how it affects the world around us. They will be at Turnford School, Cheshunt from Sat 12th Sept to 17th Oct 1.30 -3.30pm. For more info click here. |
| Absolutely Potty! A chance for children with SEN to have fun clay working and pottery painting. From Sat 9th Nov to Sat 19th Dec 1.30 - 3.30pm at Turnford School Cheshunt. For more details click here. |
| *NEW* Green Paper on Amendments to DLA and AA. A government green paper has revealed proposals to stop paying 'disability benefits, for example, attendance allowance'' and hand the cash over to social services instead. Under the plan, current claimants would have their disability benefits converted to a 'personal budget' administered by local authorities and used to pay for services - not to spend as they wish.Once the green paper consultation period ends in 100 days time, if an almighty row has not been raised, it is likely that both major political parties will see the lack of outrage as a green light to end both DLA and AA.We're looking for a minimum of 1,000 claimants, carers and support workers to join our campaign to save these benefits from being abolished. To join the campaign click on the following website and follow directions: http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/disability-living-allowance-(dla)/dla-aa-cuts |
| Free Swimming Sessions at Grundy Park for Children with SEN. Grundy
Park offer free swimming sessions for all ages on a Sunday evening from 4
to 6 p.m. This is not a formal swimming lesson but a fun session for all the family to
enjoy together not just for the person with disabilities . However,
there are two swimming teachers on hand to give help and advice where
needed. People who want more info can contact Linda Crisp on
07973 873910 or contact Grundy Park Leisure Centre on 01992 623345. |
| Swimming Classes for Pre- School Children with SEN at Amwell View Amwell View School has recently become a Specialist Sports college and as such would like to forge links with the community using their facilities. They would like to set up swimming classes for pre school children with disabilities and offer a fabulous learner pool which is warmer than a public pool in attractive surroundings (poster). Classes would be held on Thursdays from 12.00- 12.30 at Amwell View School, Stanstead Abbotts but they would like to hear from anyone who is interested in lessons as it may be they need to change the day and time depending upon the response. They hope these sessions will enable children to have fun and gain water confidence and that through the classes parents may find they make friends and gain support of others. For more details contact Penny Warner on 01920 465276. |
| IPSEA: comments on SEN funding in Mainstrem Schools in Hertfordshire. For parents/carers who are having issues with Herts County Council re SEN Funding and how we can challenge them. Letter from Roger Inman, Cheif Exec of IPSEA to Herts CC: www.ipea.org.uk/delegation-complaint-herts. Mr Inman's Briefing Note for families: www.ipea.org.uk/PDFs/BriefingChallengingSEN |
| Free Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation for Families receiving DLA! I haven't checked this out myself, but apparently due to recent government initiatives on home
insulation, you are entitled to free cavity wall and loft insulation (subject to
requirement) if a member of your household receives Disability Living Allowance
(DLA). Just contact your energy provider and mention a member of your household
receives DLA. The whole process can take a short time . Its certainly worth investigating if your home is
not well insulated. The process is as follows:
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| University of Hertfordshire Courses. There is a series of one day/half day courses on subjects which may be of interest to parents or carers of children with SEN. Topics include Aspergers, ADHD, Dyscalculia, Autism in general and Dyspraxia. They are being run by the University of Hertfordshire's Department School of Education for parents, carers and teachers. For more info click on the following link: HertsUniSENCourses. |
| Changes to Children's Overnight A&E Services in East Herts. From 1st August 2008, the children's A& E department at the QEII hospital in Welwyn Garden City will be closed at night between 9 pm and 7.30 am. If your child (aged under 16), is sick or injured during that time you should take them to the new, specialist children's A&E unit at the Lister hospital in Stevenage, which is open 24/7. During the day, between 7.30am and 9pm both the children‛s A&E department at the QEII and the new unit at the Lister will be open as usual. |
| Concessions
for Library Card Holders If you are a parent/carer of a child/adult with SEN who finds it difficult getting their own items from the library (you do it for them) then you can apply for a "Carers Library Card". They also have concessions for people (children & adults) with disabilites and learning difficulties, and for people with dyslexia, basic skills needs, or need help to read English......All you have to do for any of these above cases is let them know and they will update their computer records! |
| HAND You can register your child on the Hertfordshire Additional Needs Database (HAND) online by clicking on HAND. This entitles you to a HANDS membership card which allows you &/or your child to qualify for concessions at certain leisure facilities (see HAND for list). The team at HAND are working at trying to expand the venues this card is accepted at. |