May 2020 Edition 2 Family Matters Dear All, I hope that you are all well and have been enjoying the weather? I am sure that with the news of schools and other education settings set to reopen, there are mixed feelings of how this will impact on your children. I hope that your schools are updating you accordingly about the measures they are introducing to keep your children as safe as possible. If you have any concerns contact your Specialist Teacher Advisor or feel free to contact me for a chat.

I encourage you to join our closed Facebook group, there are daily posts and activities. follow the link… https://www.facebook.com/groups/1976610119025916/?ref=share This is a group for families in who are experiencing the effects of sight loss. It is led by us and we wish it to be a respectful and helpful information hub where you can chat with other families and communicate with us.

Information and support

Hampshire Parents

The VI Specialist Teacher Advisory Service team are

contactable during this difficult time (term time only), to answer any questions or to signpost you accordingly. If you do not have the contact details of your STA, please contact team member Donna Irving: [email protected]

Government Information and Guidance in regards to Covid-19 https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Government Information-Frequently Asked Questions https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus- outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak- faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

Government Information- For Parents/Carers in regard to reopening of schools and other educational settings.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of- educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/reopening- schools-and-other-educational-settings-from-1-june

-

Buddy Dog Service at ‘The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (UK) has been relaunched. Buddy dogs live within a family where there is a child or children with a visual impairment. Guide Dogs are running discovery webinars for parents to find out more about this great service. Call Guide Dogs on 0800 781 1444 or follow the link: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/services-we-provide/buddy-dogs-for- children

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Educational Psychologists (HIEP) have launched a phone line if you have any concerns about your child’s emotional well-being. Basingstoke & North Test Valley: 01252 814835 , & Havant: 02392 441497 East Hants, Rushmoor &Hart: 01252 814 729 Winchester, Eastleigh, New Forest & South Test Valley: 01962 876239 https://www.shamblehurst.co.uk/wp- content/uploads/2020/04/Educational-Psychology-Telephone- Support-Line.pdf

Do you have a child with an EHCP at any of the following Schools?

Winchester & Eastleigh Shakespeare Infants, Hiltingbury Juniors, Kings Copse Primary, Wyvern College, , Kings School Fareham & Gosport Lee-on-the-Solent Infants, Alver Valley Juniors, Holbrook Primary, Portchester School, Fareham , Havant Mengham Infants, Trosnant Juniors, Morelands Primary, Hayling College is testing an EHCP banding system. The schools listed have been chosen to test this new system. If you are interested to learn more about this proposal, you can sign up to the information events by emailing: [email protected]

Don’t forget you can also follow Open Sight for the latest information on:

Please join our closed Facebook group, follow the link… https://www.facebook.com/groups/1976610119025916/?ref=share This is a group for families in Hampshire who are experiencing the effects of sight loss. It is led by us and we wish it to be a respectful and helpful information hub where you can chat with other families and communicate with us.

If you require any further information or support please do not hesitate to contact me, Nicky Nicky Wilmot [email protected] or contact 02380 646384