At the end of November of 2022 Alice Crockett, the Young Persons Champion for Somerset’s Local Offer, started working on the Preparing for Adult Life section of the Local Offer: Preparing for Adult Life Here is her experience! I first…

We have two exciting updates regarding School Accessibility in Somerset. The first in Evercreech, and the second in Curry Rivel. Evercreech – washroom accessibility pod The aim of the project was to create a fully adapted wash facility where the…

Being a parent carer of a child or young person with additional needs can mean situations arise which are challenging. Somerset Parent Carer Forum have created a range of workshops based on topics parents have expressed would be helpful –…

The official opening ceremony for the new facilities at The Sky Academy in Taunton was held on 28 September 2023. The Sky Academy is a special school for boys with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Speech, Language and…

As part of Somerset’s commitment to reducing exclusion, improving attendance and children receiving the right support at the right time, new guidance and resources have been developed and are shared on the Local Offer. The Inclusion Somerset Offer of Support document provides…

Come and find out how Supported Employment can be part of your young persons best adult life. Do they want to go out to work, earn their own money, be part of the wider community and be a valued employee?…

Somerset’s Graduated Response Tool and Supporting Templates have been reviewed and updated in response to feedback. We would really welcome your feedback on these updates and how clear you now find the tool to be. Updates include: A new ‘Tools for identification…

We hope the transition to school has gone well for your early year’s children. The Early Years Area SENCos are prioritising School Entry Plan Reviews (SEPR) for children who may need continued support from our service for transition. The SEPR…

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to learn a little more and raise awareness on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD Awareness Month aims to increase understanding and reduce the stigma associated with this condition. Contact: the charity for families with…

The Educational Psychology Service is running training for all schools and their communities, this academic year (2023-24). This free three-hour training session will look at ADHD, what it is as well as what it isn’t, explore differences (neurodiversity), and offer practical strategies…

Our Events page is growing! Keep up to date with SEND events in Somerset using our events calendar which you can find on the Somerset Local Offer Website at SEND events (somerset.gov.uk). From meet ups to activity days, and sports clubs…

Somerset’s SEND services must publish clear, comprehensive and accessible information about support available to children and young people with SEND. This is known as our Local Offer. We are creating a review group of parent carers to be directly involved…

Independent Travel Training is available for students aged 14 plus with a special educational need or disability who require assistance to travel independently to an educational establishment, resource base or work placement. How are Students referred? SEND Students applying for…

A series of online relationship, health, and wellbeing resources worth £100 per person are available to all Somerset residents. They span topics such as pregnancy, labour and birth, parenting, mental health and wellbeing, and relationships. Residents can access the online…

Social Communication; Emotional Regulation; Transactional Supports (SCERTS) is an evidenced-based assessment and intervention framework to support autistic children and young people and those with social, emotional, and mental health needs. This training is FREE to the Somerset workforce and education…

The Community Inclusion and Activity Team’s October Half Term Calendar is available! There are a host of activities to keep everyone busy over half term. Inclusive activities include seasonal forest school activities, roller skating, a scary Halloween walk and so…

Do you know your responsibilities around Private Fostering? Many teams across the Council work with children and families in their service areas and roles, so with Private Fostering Awareness Week on the horizon, we’re highlighting the need to inform Children’s…

Don’t forget, booking for September’s online webinars on the Early Years Graduated Response Tool are now open! These webinars will introduce users to the new co -produced Early Years tool and are aimed at training professionals who use the Graduated…

We’re excited to keep you in the loop about our upcoming series of events designed to help you understand the services provided for children and young individuals with special educational needs and/or disabilities here in Somerset. Our events, typically hosted…

As we enter another academic year you may be evaluating your training needs, particularly for those transitioning from early years into reception classes. Dingley’s Promise Inclusion training is online, accessible, full of practical ideas and gives opportunity for true reflective…