SEND News

We recently talked to Helen McInnes about Somerset Council’s Route1 Advocacy and Independent Visitor Service. Hello Helen, in a nutshell, what is Route1 Advocacy and what do you do? We are a small team of 7 field staff, a team…

Sian Smiley, Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) Engagement and Participation Officer received a Special Acknowledgement Honour for outstanding work in SEND. At the event Sian was recognised for her achievements in elevating the voice of the child with SEND…

The Unstoppables met in February to talk about the support that they and other Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities young people receive in education, they were joined by the Somerset Council Executive Director for Children, Families and Education, Claire Winter.…

A children’s book written by children, young people and staff of Somerset’s Children’s Social Care about the work of social workers has been produced and will be given to every primary school in the county. ‘Social Worker Sam’ tells the…

As part of her campaign on ‘Young people and social media’, Somerset Member of Youth Parliament Emma Brown has put together a survey to capture young people’s voices and opinions on social media. Here she is to tell you all…

We’re excited to announce our third Let’s Talk SEND event of the year – mark your calendars! When: Tuesday 18 March Where: Wincanton War Memorial Hall, Wincanton, BA9 9JF What’s happening: Visit info stalls and take-home helpful resources Chat about…

There aren’t any places at my preferred school, what can I do now? Is there anyone that can support me preparing for my appeal? I have just moved into the area and need support finding a school for my child……

The Autism and ADHD SENCO Discussion Group met on the 26 February to explore the theme of reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent children and young people, led by Educational Psychology. They talked about what is meant by reasonable adjustments, and how…

Somerset Council is consulting on the draft school term and holiday dates for the 2026 – 2027 and 2027- 2028 academic years. These will apply to Community and Voluntary Controlled schools. While Academies, Voluntary Aided, Foundation, and Free schools can…

Everyone is impacted by the cost-of-living rising which can put extra pressure on families. Somerset partners are here to help, and we have listed some services and support that may be useful for you to know about. There are so…

We know that you are experiencing a lot of acute respiratory infections amongst your child/student and staff population, with illnesses like the common cold, COVID-19, flu as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While it is not possible to tell…

A network of over 100 hubs connecting the most vulnerable families and residents to their local community resources Connect Somerset works with over 100 community hubs – places where partners and professionals can deliver statutory and community services. Hubs play…

We are holding a series of online webinars in early 2025 to help individuals plan care and support needs for themselves or the adults they care for. These informative sessions aim to provide valuable insights and practical advice on navigating…

Somerset Council is consulting on the draft school term and holiday dates for the 2026 – 2027 and 2027- 2028 academic years. These will apply to Community and Voluntary Controlled schools. While Academies, Voluntary Aided, Foundation, and Free schools can…

Somerset Parent Carer Forum know being a dad of a child with additional needs or disabilities can come with its own set of challenges. That’s why we’ve created a new Dads’ Group – a space just for YOU. What’s it all about? A…

Help your Local Authority and NHS services by returning equipment you no longer need. Look for the barcoded equipment label – it will have either Medequip or Millbrook Healthcare on it. How? Contact Medequip to request a collection by calling…

We thought this week we would take the to remind you what the Unstoppables do and how we operate. We’re on the lookout for new members, so if you like the sound of the group, get in touch, and join…

Somerset Parent Carer Forum are pleased to update you on their upcoming series of WISE Workshops happening over the next month! These workshops are designed to empower and support you with information, strategies, and advice you need as a parent or carer of a child with additional needs…

The Pre-assessment Pathway for Neurodiversity Interventions: Graduated Response has been updated! The document has been used by SENCOs in line with Somerset’s Graduated Response Tool for several years now. Sources of information, and possible intervention, have recently been reviewed and…

Which playgrounds do you find most inclusive? We are looking for recommendations and feedback from parent carers in Somerset on which playgrounds you find most accessible and inclusive for children with additional needs and/or disabilities. Your views matter! We’d love…