SEND bulletin June 2023

    Message from Madhu

    It was lovely to see so many of you at the conference, we have already started thinking about next years!

    I just wanted to say a big thank you for a lovely relaxing but very informative day that you all organised for us SENCOs. It made me feel a little less stressed at this time of year and it was heart-warming to see Impact performing their songs. The balance was just right between information and enjoyment!

    View the Ealing SENCO celebration conference presentations from the day

    ERSA submission – June and July

    Consider holding onto any ERSAs you have prepared for submission and send them at the start of the autumn term. To have a quality assessment that will help the pupil access the best possible provision, they need to be assessed in their educational setting. This is not possible while schools are closed.

    From now until September, the evidence gathering weeks will fall primarily in the school holidays – to be avoided in the best interests of the pupil. Your consideration will be much appreciated by your professional colleagues in the EP and therapies services.

    Ealing headteacher receives the King's Birthday honour for their contribution to education

    Congratulations to Gillian Carver, headteacher at St Ann's School for over 22 years.

    Service level agreement with the educational psychology service

    Have you reviewed the service level agreement with the EPS? This tells you what you can expect from your EP and what they expect from you. For example, EPs can't advise about a pupil without written parental consent, so make sure you have this ready for your SEN Plan meetings. Here is a blank service level agreement for your info. The one for your school will have the appropriate costings attached.

    SEN and inclusion videos – Now in 4 community Languages

    Videos for parents of children with additional needs are now available in 4 community languages to make them even more accessible to parents and carers.

    The aim of the videos is to:

    • Offer reassurance to parents and reduce stigma around SEND
    • Offer clear information and advice to parents on a range of topics relating to SEND assessment, diagnosis, and processes
    • To signpost parents to additional support for their child and their family

    You can view, link, or download the videos via EGFL (public link so can be shared with parents) as below:

    How to use the videos

    Schools can use the SEN and inclusion videos with parents in several ways:

    • Upload to the SEND pages on your school website
    • Show at SEND coffee mornings or meetings
    • Use with individual parents to support conversations around SEND
    • Share through social media such as Twitter or Facebook
    • Use them at specific times during the school year for example key transition points
    • Share them with staff so that they can signpost parents to them

    If you have any feedback to offer, contact Libby Giarraputo at the School Partnerships and Enrichment Team: lgiarraputo@ealing.gov.uk

    Emotional health & wellbeing training for school staff book now for Autumn 2023

    Training to deliver small group interventions as well offering universal and targeted support to children and young people. Schools Counselling Partnership (SCP) offers a range of training to support school staff to improve their practice around pupils’ emotional wellbeing.

    All training is delivered at the Ealing Education Centre by Toni Medcalf, CEO of the Schools Counselling Partnership and a trained psychotherapist.

    View the SCP flyer for upcoming training and how to secure your place for Autumn 2023 dates.

    SEND Family school partnership award launch event

    • Do you want to improve the way your setting works in partnership with families of all pupils with additional needs?
    • Would you like to celebrate all the positive work you already do to support families and share good practice?
    • Would your school or setting benefit from working with colleagues from 3 West London boroughs and receiving free, high-quality training and support for your staff and leaders?

    Find out how by attending the online launch: Wednesday 12 July 2023, 10-11am (Via Microsoft Teams) Book your place directly via Ealing CPD Online. Contact Libby Giarraputo on 02088255465 or by emailing lgiarraputo@ealing.gov.uk to discuss the benefits of taking part for your school or Early Years Setting.

    “The impact of SEND FSPA has been wonderful, all staff and parents feel more confident to work together. Staff feel less anxious about having conversations with parents of children with additional needs. Parents feel listened to and have expressed a lot of gratitude.”

    Council for Disabled Children online training

    Free, short (about 20 mins) training to structure thinking about your provision. Great for SENCOs leadership team and other staff. Training catalogue | Council for Disabled Children

    Quality assurance of EHCPS

    Are you interested in being part of the group of professionals who quality assures Ealing EHCPs? Training is offered and you would be part of a rota with colleagues from across Ealing services. If you want to know more, please contact Sam sendline@ealing.gov.uk.

    AET Peer learning network for teaching and learning support assistants

    The Peer Learning Network (PLN) is a new online space for teaching and learning support assistants to put your knowledge into practice in your work with autistic children and young people. It is suitable for both those who have previously attended AET training and those who haven't.

    Hosted on a specific Facebook group for TAs and LSAs, we run hour-long live sessions every two weeks. The Peer Learning Network | Autism Education Trust

    Early Start referrals

    Seeking support at home for an under 5 in your nursery? For a child with SEND, aged under 5 - please direct parents to apply here:

    Link to share with parents Early Start SEND Inclusion Team | Ealing Directory (ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk)

    Calm spaces and sensory spaces in schools

    This month we are featuring the sensory room at Stanhope Primary School. Senco administrator Ayesha Kurimbux and the SEN team say the children are really benefiting from the environment.

    Do you have a calm space, sensory room, or specific area to support your children with SEN? Send your images to Sam Sendline@ealing.gov.uk to feature in future SEN Bulletins!

    Trips and children with SEND

    The SENDline has been hearing about some of the creative ways schools have been including all children:

    • arranging taxis to and from the residential trip for a child who can't manage overnight.
    • walking a pupil to the bus stop to be familiar with the distance, noise, and location,
    • watching video tours of the visit destination,
    • sending additional adults (above the usual ratio) and
    • making personalised social stories about what happens on a trip.

    Being able to participate alongside peers makes all the difference!

    Self-care summer

    Some young people find themselves struggling without the structure of school over the holidays. Sarah Jay, Extended Services Locality Co-ordinator, has shared the Self-care summer resources from the Anna Freud centre, to support young people, parents, and staff over the summer.

    West London SEND football club

    Launch of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) football club to increase access to football for girls, children and young people with SEND and underrepresented groups

    Brought to you by Middlesex FA, the Sikh Human Rights Group, GSGSS Southall, Southall Athletic Football Club and Indian Gymkhana Football Club .

    Starts on Wednesday 21 June 2023 1 hour from 4:30pm at Rectory Park Football Centre, Middlesex FA, Ruislip Road, Northolt, UB5 5FA. Contact 07551 397761. For more information and to book visit SHRG & Middlesex FA SEND Football Club Introductory Session Tickets, Wed 21 Jun 2023 at 16:30 | Eventbrite

    Podcast

    The Send Network podcast is hosted by the platform's India Dunkley and provides practical insights, tips, and discussion around practice within the sector.

    Why not try Episode Three: How to manage vicarious trauma as a SEND professional with Dr Asha Patel | SEND Network (send-network.co.uk) – a thought provoking look at how working with SEND may affect adults in school.

    Learning Disability Week 2023

    Look out for events around Ealing including a short film featuring Impact theatre.

    Learning Disability Week | Mencap

    Contact:
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    Last updated: 30 Aug 2023

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