Welcome to the June issue of SEND News. My name is Julia Ridge and I have been Head of Vulnerable Learners since January 2023. ‘Vulnerable children/learners’ is a term that you may hear often in any education setting. The No…

Ellise, a young lady from Somerset, has emerged as an inspiring figure. She has physical impairment and augmentative and alternative communication needs and has gone on to being a motivational speaker! Her journey began with the use of an augmentative…

In early June, Somerset Council held the first of three Let’s Talk SEND & Inclusion events for this year, hosted by Somerset Parent Carer Forum. We are excited to share a recap of the session with you, to give you…

We are really pleased to launch the updated guidance and information for families and educational setting focusing on how to support children and young people with sensory processing differences. The updated materials have been produced in partnership between education settings,…

The Community Inclusion and Activity Team (CIA Team) in Somerset is dedicated to providing inclusive activities for children with disabilities or additional needs. Whether it’s monthly family clubs, teen clubs, or fun days out during school holidays, the CIA Team ensures that…

Seven education settings have been involved in the Autism in Schools project over the last 6 months. These settings have collected feedback from families about their experiences and used to this make changes to their offers. All staff in the…

WISE up Workshops The Somerset Parent Carer Forum have created a range of fantastic workshops based on topics parents have expressed would be helpful – Workshops for Information, Support and Education (WISE). All the workshops are delivered or co-delivered by someone with lived…

Somerset’s Local Offer pages are a hub of information on supporting children and young people aged 0-25 years old with additional needs in Somerset, and their families. Our Events page is always growing! Keep up to date with SEND events…

Connect Somerset is about all professionals and community groups working together to help families and residents to improve their lives. It is a partnership between Somerset Council, Somerset NHS, Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprises, and Schools, Colleges, and Early…

Somerset Youth Forum is inviting all young people in Somerset aged 10-18 years (or up to 25 years with SEND) to a special session to discuss the final stages of the new Children and Young People’s Plan and its launch.…

In preparation for the upcoming general election, Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, has developed a resource specifically designed for children and young people: What is a General Election? Resource for children and young people This resource…

The Fit for Work Program aims to help adults with disabilities get ready for employment. It offers a 10-week program, with sessions lasting 2 hours each week. Coaches will focus on various sports and strength and conditioning training to prepare…

A project to support young people’s wellbeing by discovering what makes them happy has resulted in a new e-zine. 30 organisations and 620 young people in Somerset have taken part in the “What Makes You Happy?” community project. The year-long…

Charting the achievements from April 2023 to March 2024, the new SENDIAS Annual Report looks at the operational functions, support, development, and the difference the team has made. The SENDIAS Team provides free impartial, confidential advice and support about education,…

Excellent, free training available to support hearing the child’s voice. Route1 Advocacy is a service that supports children and young people in care, and those receiving a service from Children’s Social Care. They do this by matching volunteers with young people…

It’s one of the largest volunteer forces in the country – and now you could be a part of it by giving time to become a school governor. Being a school governor is a challenging but hugely rewarding role. It…

The Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) are launching a new campaign! “SSCP NAI Awareness Week 2024” will be launched in the first week of July (1st to 5th), aimed at raising awareness about non-accidental injuries to babies and support services…

Easy to follow online modules enable children to learn English or over 120 other languages – all for free with a Somerset library membership! Children can now access up to 120 language learning modules via the Transparent Languages Online ‘Kidspeak’…

Local organisations are collaborating to support children and young people and prevent concerns around violence in key town centre locations. While Somerset remains a safe place to live, we recognise the need to engage with young people, parents and guardians…

Do you have questions around SEND and Inclusion? Do you want to share your views on how things are working for your child? We are delighted to announce the first of our three Let’s Talk SEND & Inclusion events for…