Family Voice For families who have a child with a disability or additional need aged 0-25 years
Participate Find out what’s going on, Have a say, Make a difference
Autumn 2014
Aysha & Kalani There are lots of changes happening at the moment to services for children with a disability or additional need.
The new Education, Health and Childcare plans are now in force and there are lots of changes to the way information, advice and support is being provided to parent carers and children and young people with a disability or additional need - these changes are due to the SEND reforms.
Please take a look through our newsletter to find out more information about all of these changes.
In this issue Update on SEND reforms
New Information, Advice & Support Service Independent Supporters Find out more about Shropshire Cerebral Palsy Society
Telford & Wrekin News
Welcome and Update from PODS
Hello everyone and welcome independence (banking, The main focus of our back to our termly newsletter. travelling). This work is participation work for PODS continuing with our Parent Rep Parent Carer Forum has been We hope that you have had an team working on the Personal around the SEND Reforms which enjoyable summer break? Over Budget and RAS Project with came into effect on 1st the holiday you should have Martin Donkin from InControl. September 2014. received our Annual Report and our newly developed In addition we held our Picnic in We would like to thank all our Information Pack – we hope the Park. Even though the sun parent carers who have been you have found them useful – forgot to shine, the parents and involved in the new process they provide a range of children enjoyed craft-based including work on the Local information on our projects activities and the nature walk Offer, EHCP Plans, RAS/Personal including Passport for Life, Face hosted by John Trubshaw and Budgets – as we begin this new 2 Face, opportunities to get his assistant Tanya from Friends journey together, we will involved in our work and dates of Telford Town Park. continue to involve you for our Parent Carer Family throughout the process. Groups at Hadley or Dawley. Based on feedback and requests from you, a Sleep Workshop by In line with future plans around On Friday 27th June we held Cerebra was held on 1st the SEND reforms we are keen to our Annual Conference and September at HLC. This was a develop further parent carer AGM which was enjoyed by big success and many parents empowerment and culture parent carers and professionals reported back how useful it was change – through further demonstrating working to them, with several parents engagement with parent carer together. now accessing specialist support community and professionals. via Cerebra. We will host further We have included an workshops in the future so The new family centred approach infographic highlighting key other families can access this of the reforms will focus on points from the day. We service. The next newsletter will outcomes and sharing of would like to specifically thank, have a parent review of their positive experiences. Cllr Paul Watling, Karen Levell, individual experience of this Diane Partridge, Sara Vale, service. Clear pathways and procedures Chris Murray, Julie Edmunds will become available as we and our guest speaker Sherann The PODS Committee members move forward with the SEND Hillman (Co-Chair of Parents in and Parent Reps continue to reform journey, together with a Partnership, Stockport). attend meetings to ensure that range of partners – please join the voices of our parent carer us on this important journey and We thought it was important to community are heard, addressing get involved to help us: support parent carers issues around SEND Reforms, “Together we can throughout the holidays Emotional Health and Wellbeing, make a Difference”. and we continued with regular Disabled Childrens Charter social media updates and held (Health), Culture Change, Best Wishes a Family Group in August where Wheelchair Services, Personal On behalf of PODS Parent Carer we discussed personal budgets Budgets and Short Breaks. We Committee – ideas for use of budgets also provide regular reports to included funding 1:1 support Strategic groups including Please visit our website at for the child to access Children, Family & Young People www.podstelford.org/ mainstream or Ican2 services, Board and Aiming High for SEND swimming lessons, or 0-25 years. Telford & Wrekin News
Telford Tommy Awards 2014
Now is the time for you to Caring for or volunteering Sports, hobbies, arts and nominate children and to help others culture young people for a Telford Fundraising Business, innovation and Tommy 2014. Triumph over personal enterprise adversity Acting as a ‘voice’ for The Telford Tommy is Bravery and courage other children and young recognition for children and Involvement in people and young people who have made Raising the positive a difference in their community community projects Contribution to school, profile of children and or improved and enriched their young people own or others lives. training or college
Learning in non formal Please visit environments Successful children, young www.telford.gov.uk/ people and groups will receive telfordtommys or ring the a certificate of recognition. Community Engagement Team on 01952 382131 to find out more and how to nominate. Nominations close on 23 November.
Last year we received nominations from teachers and tutors, youth and community workers, children and family locality services, social services CHRISTMAS FUN FOR ALL staff, council staff who work with groups of young people, Choice of either of following: voluntary and community £5 per Family (places must be groups, dance and sports groups, charities, parents and booked) carers and a wide range of Council staff. Animal Man at Park Lane Centre, Woodside (70 places) Do you know a child, young Monday 22nd December: 1.30pm-3.30pm person or group who deserve to be recognised? Jungleland, Trench Lock, Trench
This is a big ‘pat on the back (150 places) for children and young people’ Tuesday 23d December: 6.15pm-8pm and we would encourage you (Food can be purchased until 7pm) to take part and nominate. For further details or for bookings, please contact PODS on 07775 342092 Last year we recognised over [email protected] 200 children and young people and this year we would like to recognise more. Award categories include: Telford & Wrekin News Focus on Down Syndrome Lian’s Story
didn't expect that had One week later blood tests anything to do with us, he confirmed Down Syndrome. invited me in and told me that Not too long later after Dougie’s heart readings were successful keyhole surgery our 'extreme' I had no idea what that boy was home and happy as meant but I didn't need to ask usual but now feeding well and because he gave me a sheet to gaining weight nicely. take home with me 'signs of heart failure'. I didn't need to ask Once the initial shock and fear anymore and he told me a doctor had slowly worn away I tried to from Birmingham Children's come to terms with the Hospital would contact me the enormity of the situation, then I next day to arrange a meeting, realised it’s not that enormous. one last thing, he asked, does We all have to work a bit harder Dougie stick his tongue out a to get to where we need to be lot..... what a weird question he's Dougie was born in but we have our boy, he’s a baby all babies do, but I September 2012 at a healthy - he’s happy, we have googled 'why did my doctor ask if whopping 10lb 110z and 10 him and he has us, what more my baby sticks his tongue out a days late. The first 5 months could a family need!! lot' and I didn't like what I saw, of his life were pretty average the main answer seemed to be a but he was struggling to gain concern for Down Syndrome. Nearly 19 months on and life is weight sufficiently and we pretty normal for us all, Dougie were back and forth to It couldn't be that because is doing well and I am finding hospital trying different things Dougie had been seen by great strength and comfort in with no success to fatten him countless doctors and doing my best to raise up and even saw a dietician. Paediatricians and surely awareness about Down
someone would have noticed Syndrome, along with my friend During one of our routine ‘that such a huge thing!! 2 days Hannah we have become milk isn’t working later we were at Birmingham appointments’, Dougie was parent advocates for the ‘Lose Children’s hospital where a suffering from a nasty cold so The Label’ campaign which cardiac surgeon explained that the consultant listened to his promotes person first language, Dougie had 2 holes in his heart chest and this is where including magazine articles and and this was more than likely why everything went into radio interviews. We certainly he was so tired whilst feeding overdrive, after listening to his don’t want people to be scared etc. One would need surgery, the chest the doctor asked me if to talk about Down Syndrome, other wouldn’t. OK, one shock anyone had ever mentioned a scared in case they say the down, then came the next one, heart murmur to me before.... wrong thing! he explained that with this heart no! So across the hospital I defect it was most prevalent in dashed with my little boy for babies who had Down Syndrome him to have a chest x ray and and asked if we had had any ECG. On returning to the chromosome testing, and I just Paediatricians office I could ‘knew’. hear him on the phone but Telford & Wrekin News
Hannah’s story
So, back to today. Watching my daughter take wobbly steps around shops, wittering on as she went was a freeze frame moment. I will, in time, learn to not limit my daughter and hopefully continue to shape her to be a strong, independent and fabulous woman. Down Syndrome is not frightening. It is incredible and humbling. Ella has made me the woman I am today and for that I am eternally grateful to her.
Love you Princess. Never change, Hi my name is Hannah and friends and has the most Mom x today I have been shopping precious face. She started with my almost 3 year old mainstream nursery last year My journey with Ella has led me daughter Ella. This may seem and took it in her stride facing to come in to contact with PODS like a pretty mundane average all the new challenges head on. Parent Carer Forum when I was thing for a mom to say, but She is going up to the next invited to a Children and Families when I gave birth to Ella those class when she returns in Board meeting a couple of years ago to talk about my experiences short years ago I wasn’t able September months ahead of with health professionals to imagine it. That is because when it was expected. I really Ella has Down Syndrome. should have learnt by now that understanding of disabilities. Ella will never stop amazing When I first saw my child I me!! Following that I regularly knew almost instantly that she attended family groups and had Down Syndrome and it At 3 months old Ella had open meetings and was soon filled me with dread, shock and heart surgery so to be here welcomed onto the committee. confusion. I don’t know why, now is incredible. It is quite At the AGM this year I was voted as I knew nothing about Down common that babies born with in as Vice Chair where I continue Syndrome only that people Down Syndrome have a heart to be involved in ‘Making A who have it share some facial defect. Ella’s was serious Difference’. similarities. I still feel enough to require surgery at embarrassed about the tears I such a young age but since shed over my beautiful, then she has thrived and Lose the Label Campaign beloved and adored child but I grown incredibly well. At the for couldn’t stop them. As time time it was the worst moment of my life waiting for her to Person First Language went on I realised Down come out of surgery but I see Syndrome is nothing to be www.downssideup.com feared but rejoiced. Ella is an now it was the best thing that incredibly intelligent child who could have ever happened to is adored by family and her. Telford & Wrekin News
Adaptive Clothing
around one body type, CAPR- Styles’ clothing is based on those with additional needs and reflect their requirements. From extra room for nappies or pads available in all of our trousers to feeding tube access and covers included into t-shirt designs we will be able to accommodate for all of your needs.
All the clothing is made to order to cater for the individual needs KIT TRUST Claudias Son, Christian of the intended user the garments integrate practical You may have heard features into stylish designs. The about the new charity clothing relieves strain and KIT TRUST who we CAPR-Style have previously reduces risk when dressing and Improving your quality of life introduced: through our clothing undressing whilst also greatly reducing the time spent on the They have a facebook Offering a full wardrobe of task. Available in sizes from 3 page and they have handmade adaptive clothing years of age to adult sizes with just announced designed around the needs or customisable sleeve length and “Our dark den and the wearer. The clothing is leg length options we can cater weighted blanket have handmade to order and offers a for any size. arrived and are now range of customisations to give available for free loan, you the perfect fit. If you have any questions, along with our Dodgem suggestions for clothing you for any child in the Growing from Claudia Romero would like to see, or like any Telford area” creating adaptive clothing for more information drop us an her own disabled son Christian email at [email protected] or If you’re interested, CAPR-Style now produce a give us a call on 07804 512 186. please pm us and we will be in touch stylish range of body vests, trousers and t-shirts all with Check out or full range Facebook link here: innovative features discreetly www.capr-style.com https:// integrated into the design cater www.facebook.com/ for a variety of additional people/Kit- needs. Trust/1000082277502 As the youngest of three sons 15 Claudia was fed up of only being able to dress Christian in jogging bottoms and loose jumpers whilst his brothers were able to wear different styles of clothing. Traditional clothing is generally designed Telford & Wrekin News
Healthwatch tackles GP Appointments
Healthwatch Telford and survey designed to find out
Wrekin (HWTW) was exactly what kind of established by the Health and experiences people have when Social Care Act 2012 to act as trying to book an appointment the voice for patients across at their surgery – from whether the borough, and each region they can get through to the of England has own local surgery by phone to whether Healthwatch. It is intended to they get to see their preferred allow the public to get doctor. more involved with the planning and delivery of health People wishing to take part in and social care. All local the survey will be able to do so Healthwatch sit beneath the online (keep an eye on their ANIMALS Healthwatch England umbrella website for a link), and HWTW AS THERAPY organisation, which volunteers will also be in handles issues of nationwide attendance at several surgeries We are developing a concern. across Telford and Wrekin in range of stories, sharing the near future to gather the benefits of owning a As well as representing patients patients views. There are many pet – we will include a in official meetings and volunteering opportunities at new story each term and collecting information on Healthwatch Telford and our first story comes people’s experiences with care Wrekin, please call Chris from Melanie Taylor who services, HWTW has the power Hancock on 01952 739540 for has shared her to enter and view any publicly- further details. experience with us: funded premises in its jurisdic- tion. This involves Healthwatch In addition to this project, “Kalani has ADHD & authorised representatives HWTW is also hoping to hear ODD. We have just entering a premises to see for about people’s experiences of bought 2 baby bunnies themselves how services are autism diagnosis and CAMHS. called Lilo & Stitch. being delivered, and talking to patients, their relatives and Anybody who wishes to give Everytime she is with carers to find out what they feedback can do so via their them they have a think about the quality of the website calming effect on her. service. (www.healthwatchtelfordandwr We have only had them ekin.org.uk/content/speak-out) for about 4 weeks but Complaints about getting a GP or by collecting a Speak Out she does everything for appointment are among the form from their offices at them - feeding, cleaning most common that Healthwatch Meeting Point House, and of course cuddling. receive from the public, and Southwater Square Healthwatch Telford and TELFORD, TF3 4HS It’s given her a real Wrekin are working together 01952 739540 sense of responsibility with Healthwatch in info@healthwatchtelfordand too. Also our other Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent wrekin.org.uk daughter Aysha loves the and Shropshire to get to the PAT dog at Hope House - heart of the matter. www.healthwatchtelfordandwre she is very tactile and kin.org.uk will sit for ages just The joint GP project stroking him . . . “ incorporates a comprehensive Telford & Wrekin News SEND Reforms
As a parent carer forum it is practice will be a challenge as facilitate the development vitally important for us to we seek to facilitate the best of the child or young understand the needs of parent possible educational, social person and to help him or carers and how these can be and health outcomes. her achieve the best met by working collaboratively possible educational and with Telford & Wrekin Council However, we are rising to that other outcomes. and Health partners. We would challenge through addressing like to thank you for your input needless bureaucracy and An important element of the into the recent SEND Reforms duplication, remaining reforms is around the Local st survey which showed that 43% focused on the views and Offer that went live on 1 of our parent carers partly needs of the children and September 2014 which provides understand the reforms, 60- young people, and information on what services 80% had heard of the Local encouraging the participation are available from local Offer, EHCPs or Personal of their parents and carers in agencies across education, Budgets although only approx decision making as we work health, social care and leisure & 20% had a good understanding together to prepare ‘our’ fun, defined by age groups. In of them. With this is mind, we children for adulthood”. addition a section for all ages will be developing a new focusses on support, charities, Information Pack alongside This is very encouraging as we service directories and benefits. Parent Partnership Service (now highlight the Local Authority IASS) which will be provided in Functions in Part 3 of the Parent Carers have helped to a range of formats (website, Children and Families Act 2014 collate this offer so far, and we social media, printed copies). (pages 19-83) below, relating to are on the start of the journey supporting and involving children for providing further As we move forward with the and young people with SEN & information. If you have any SEND reforms under the Disability, whereby the Local favourite websites you would Children and Families Act 2014, Authority must have regard to: like to see included on this page we asked our Director of please get in touch via the link Children’s Service, Laura Views, wishes and feelings of on the www.telford.gov.uk/send Johnston, to comment: the child, his or her website or let us at PODS know. “We at Telford & Wrekin are parent or the young person. fully supportive of the Importance of the child and Other elements of the reforms Special Educational Needs his/her parent or the young we are working on and (SEND) changes, and person participating as fully continue to include parent welcome the opportunity to as possible in decisions carers include the Education, improve the life chances of relating to function Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) our vulnerable learners. The concerned. which will replace statements 2014 Code of Practice Importance of the child and over a 2-3 year process, clearly sets the agenda for his/her parent or the young Personal Budgets and a RAS involving children, young person being provided with (Resource Allocation people and their families, information and support Questionnaire), through all agencies necessary to enable Communication and working together in participation in those Transitional arrangements. partnership. The principles decisions. Updates on each of these in the Code echo the The need to support the areas will be made available on Council’s co-operative child and his/her parent or our website. values; we know that the young person in order to
Telford & Wrekin News
SEND Reforms
Figure shows a screen shot of the SEND Local Offer website
SEND Direct Local
Back in July 2013 Telford and parents, all were interviewed as When u started the post and Wrekin (with support from a group by Elizabeth Archer from my reply was ‘meeting the PODS) put in a bid to the SENDirect. parents!’ SEND Consortium who had invited Local Authorities to The bid and interview were I started in post as Project express an interest in successful and an Agreement Officer, SENDirect participating in a pioneering was signed for the project to Personalisation and Department of Health and th run from 9 September 2013 Commissioning (possibly the Department for Education st until 31 March 2015. longest job title in the funded project to develop st SENDirect. Council) on 1 February In October 2013 a Project 2014. I was keen to progress
Officer post was advertised on the project as soon as There were 12 expressions of possible and started the interest received. The internally within the Council to lead on the SENDirect networking process of finding Interview for the bid took out who would be involved in place on 8th Augusut, 2013; project, the interview took supporting with the project. Representing the Council place in November 2013 and I were Laura Johnston, Viv was successful in being McKay, Sarah Johnson, appointed to the post. I Continued on the next page…………………….. Katrina McCormick , while remember being asked what I
Jayne Stevens and Deb Hart was most looking forward to of PODS represented Telford & Wrekin News
What I found from the start was SENDirect I joined up with parents. The next one was the way of working in PODS committee members to planned for July but we felt (in co-production had already started put on an information stall, consultation with PODS) that it to embed in children’s services, including sensory tent at would be better to postpone the event until the Autumn when the PODS play a really key role in this T. Party. and the work could not progress in school holidays were over and the the way it has without them. SEND reforms were in place. Unfortunately the weather was not kind to us on the day but When they send out a questionnaire We are really excited in Telford we had fun dancing in the rain or survey they are asking you as a and were happy to meet the and Wrekin about being involved parent what you think and then families who braved the awful in the development and pilot of they take this back to any meetings weather to pop and say hello SENDirect, it has been a fabulous they attend. This means the voices to us and find out more. opportunity for us to be part of of parents are heard because the something that families nationally representatives from PODS bring will benefit from. If you would like your comments and ideas to us in We have put on a number of to know more about the SENDirect the Council. workshops to promote project please do contact me I SENDirect, including one on would love to hear from you. As part of the promotion for personalisation in June for Julie Edmonds – 01952 381150 [email protected] SENDirect National
SENDirect is an exciting new best possible way for families. development of new online service which aims to help Services by identifying young people and families of You’ll find the website at gaps in the market. children with additional needs to www.sendirect.org.uk from 22nd have more choice and control September. We’re aiming to have over the support they receive. thousands of services listed It’s for all types of service – How will SENDirect work for online by March 2015. In the social care, education, health, families? early stages, it’s likely that leisure, equipment and We’ve developed a website that they’ll be concentrated in and everything else in between. is easy to use, easy to navigate around our 10 pilot areas. The and welcoming so that you’ll be more people that can help us to SENDirect has been developed able to: spread the word to other with funding from the Search for view, compare providers, the more this Department for Education and and buy services; number will grow and we’ll be Department of Health, and is Get relevant and practical able to reach more families. backed by 9 national disability information from trusted charities which form the SEND sources to give you Consortium – Ambitious About What about people who confidence in using a Autism, Contact A Family, need extra support? personal budget and Dyslexia Action, Family Fund, Professionals working with making decisions about ICAN, KIDS, Mencap, National families - or family supporters - services, activities and Autistic Society and Scope. will be able to use SENDirect in support for your child; exactly the same ways as Review services your described above. You can also We’ve been working with 10 children have used and link your account to someone pilot local areas, including make recommendations to that you trust and ask them for Telford and Wrekin, to develop a other families; advice about services you are website that will work in the Influence the interested in. Shropshire News
Welcome and Update from PACC
and better system. It has been a You can also encourage other huge task and one that isn’t yet parent carer to join PACC and to completed but there have been go on our database. We now significant steps taken towards have contact with over 400 establishing a new system that families but there are several places families and young people thousand families in Shropshire at the heart of decision making who have a child with a disability and offers improved opportunities or additional needs and we for young people with SEN and would very much like to extend disabilities and those who care our reach. for them. This edition of Participate has For PACC the last three years has lots in it as always. We have brought significant opportunities shared a number of parent’s September has come around to develop parent carer stories this term which we hope with a bang again after the participation in Shropshire. you enjoy reading and have long summer holidays. This is PACC representatives now are provided updates on our work always a challenging time for our consistently involved in with Shropshire Council on the families with adjustment to new developing and reviewing Local Offer and Transport. If routines, new teachers and for services and our workload is there is any particular topics you would like us to cover in future some even new schools. I have definitely on the increase. With editions please do let us know. always found that it also tends this in mind we are always to coincide with a rush of clinic looking for additional help and appointments for my children as input from local parent carers. Sarah Thomas everyone catches up on PACC appointments after the This term we are offering an Participation Co-ordinator summer break! This year we opportunity to train as a parent have had extra excitement to carer rep with a training event at add into the mix with the new the beginning of October If you Special Educational Needs and are interested in joining the PACC Parent and Carer Council Disability system coming into management committee or Pacc force. becoming a parent carer rep
please do get in touch. We will Website These changes to the way SEN be holding our AGM in November and disability support is www.paccshropshire.org.uk and electing new committee provided to young people and members then. Facebook families is the result of 3 years work, which started in 2011 www.facebook.com/ We know how busy parent when families responded to a ShropsPACC Green Paper consultation with a carers are and understand that everyone will not be able to very strong message that the Twitter contribute to PACC’s work in this existing system was failing. https://twitter.com/ way but you can always support Since then parent carers, young ShropsPACC people with SEN and disabilities us by sharing your experiences and professionals from the via surveys and consultations or statutory and voluntary sector more generally via our Facebook have worked to create a new page or email. Shropshire News Update on Transport Services
Independent travel training (ITT) helps provide young people with the skills they will need to enable them to travel independently to school or college and to the places they wish to travel to for social reasons. As part of the training a travel trainer accompanies the young person on their journeys until the parents and school are happy that they are ready to travel independently.
When students are entitled to free school transport the council will provide a travel card for the This article has been personalised transport budgets. services they use to get to school submitted by the or college. Shropshire Transport Team This doesn’t mean that parents about their work with PACC can’t access existing forms of Many bus operators now offer the transport such as taxis or council enhancements with these Shropshire Council’s passenger minibus transport, which work travel cards which enable students transport team have been very successfully for many to use them for free outside of working alongside colleagues students and their families, but school/college times. from the Special Educational are intended as alternative Needs (SEN) team and options for those families with When travel training has been representatives from PACC, students who may benefit from implemented within other local Parent Partnership (PP) and having transport delivered in a authority areas it has had a SEN schools to look at how different way. There isn’t a positive effect on the lives of the transport services can be particular time when parents young people who have taken delivered differently to better and carers have to consider part, creating more independence, meet the needs of students these options as we all know confidence and greater well-being. and their families.
pupil and family circumstances can change over time. We recognise that this option will As part of this process we have not be possible for all young spoken with other authorities people for a number of reasons who have successfully For example, these alternative including in Shropshire the implemented alternative options could be considered when a student starts at a new availability of public transport. transport options to school or considered at times complement the more such as when they are preparing Personal transport budgets traditional forms of home to for post 16 education or at (PTB) are a sum of money school transport (taxi and mini review time. The two main provided to parents or carers of bus transport). These include, alternative options we have children with special educational but are not limited to, looked at so far are: needs who are eligible for independent travel training and
Shropshire News
transport assistance. PTBs are ‘Shropshire’ model, we will be options, to help us better used to enable parents/carers to holding a series of workshops in understand how they can make the arrangements for conjunction with PACC and positively impact upon young school transport that suits their Parent Partnership at various people’s outcomes. circumstances best. This may be locations across the county. through themselves or a family We do appreciate that not member taking them to school The idea of these workshops is everyone will find one of these or a shared arrangement to share with parents and carers options suitable for their family amongst a group of parents. our initial thoughts and the best circumstances, but when practice we have identified from The way in which the other councils. We are very parents and carers do think they could be of benefit, we really Shropshire scheme will be keen hope that they will explore the delivered is currently being alternatives and the benefits evaluated and establishing how to capture the views of parents they can offer. and carers to help shape and payments that form a PTB will be calculated and how develop what these options will We hope to see you at one of look like and how they will be payments to parents and carers these workshops which will be will be administered. delivered. At the same time we announced in the near future. want to hear from any parents
We are at an early stage of or carers who would like to planning how these schemes participate in the pilots of these will look, and to help create a The Joy Of…...Learning to Ride a Bike
just opened in Telford town to do private sessions for park who offer balance groups etc? bike courses for children 2-12 years so we took They provide all the bikes, Dani – 2 sessions later (1hr helmets etc. each) she is now riding up and down our street every day! Contact info is: Cycle experience Our family and friends are Telford totally amazed at the Tf1 6qj transformation and that it 0845 434 8451 happened so quick [email protected] From Jenny — PACC Member The courses are not We would like to thank Jenny specifically for special needs for her article on cycling We have never been able to but Dani managed fine – staff courses. get Dani riding a are very good and classes are If anyone would like to write bicycle without stabilizers small in numbers. For those an article for our newsletter, and several others have also that couldn’t manage a please send to tried! There is a cycle place session with others, maybe enquiries@paccshropshire. they would be prepared org.uk Shropshire News
The Local Offer in Shropshire
What does the SEND a variety of ways of doing this you want to know more about Reforms say about the and are hoping to start work next your School’s Local Offer speak Local Offer ? week with a provider who will to the SENCO at your child’s Every local authority must help us all and work with families school. identify education, health and to build up the information in the social care services in their most useful way. Local services should local area provided for children, reflect what local people young people and families who We currently have a holding page need. have SEN or disabilities and on the Shropshire Council Your local authority must ask include them in an information Website introducing the Local children, parents and young directory called the Local Offer. Offer http://shropshire.gov.uk/ people what they think the This will also help local local-offer/ and information linked Local Offer should include, and authorities as they can use it to to this is being added on a how they think people should see where the gaps in provision regular basis as it is being be able to access it, and most are. The Local Offer also needs created. authorities will have worked with their local Parent Carer to include information about services provided outside your Forum to develop this. They We have explored a number of local area that local people are must publish what children, options including some off the likely to use. young people and parents tell shelf designs but feel that them about their Local Offer working closely with users will and say clearly what they will What has Shropshire done really enable us to produce a so far? do about the comments they local offer that meets the needs receive. Shropshire Council and of Shropshire families. We partners including PACC have believe that this will give us Your local authority also needs started to bring together this more flexibility to respond to local schools, colleges, health information in one place. This what families say, ensuring that services and other service is the start of a big piece of the Shropshire Local Offer not providers to contribute to the work that should help us all to only includes the right Local Offer. see better what is working and information but that it is also where the gaps are. To achieve easy to find and supports families this the ‘information directory’ This Local Offer needs to be and young people to make needs to be more than a list of kept up to date, and so your services. Parent carers have positive decisions about their local authority will need to seek been telling us how they want futures. feedback from children, young to be able to use this people and parents as part of that process. information to understand and Schools are working on building support children and to share up their own Local Offer what works and what doesn’t if information and this will be linked What has Shropshire done they wish to. to the main site in time. All so far? Shropshire Schools have received We have worked with parent To make the information useful information about the benefits of carers and other partners requires a different approach to working with parents and young during this summer to the way it appears on web people to ensure that he understand what the Local pages. The group working on information they publish is what Offer should include including the Local Offer have looked at families need to know. If attending the PACC conference Shropshire News
and running an online survey. the Local Offer and we are accurate and up to date. When Using this feedback ‘themes’ thinking about how we can appointed this person will be a have been developed to start to ensure that all families can key point of contact for any pull together information about benefit from this new resource. parent carers and partners who what parents thought were have questions about or feedback important topics. We know that not everyone in on the Shropshire Local offer. These include; Shropshire has access to the internet and that we need to We have been in touch with a Education 0-25 years think about different ways that group of parent carers who told us Health people can access the they are interested in developing things further and we are planning Social care information contained in the to do some more work with them Education health and care local offer. We also understand in the very near future. If you plans (EHCP) and other that sometimes parents need to want to get involved please Assessments talk to somebody about the help contact PACC. It is important that Childcare they need and that information is only one aspect of supporting parent carers and young people Early years families. are involved not only in creating Moving into adult life the Local offer but also in it’s on
Parenting support and going review and development. We are just in the process of Information recruiting for a Local Offer Financial support Sarah Wilkins Co-ordinator role that will Business Support Team ipande Ltd Leisure maintain a focus on the (secondment), Service Manager Transport development of the Local Shropshire Council
Offer and help to ensure that the We are have been told that we Pacc has 2 parent representatives information it contains is on the Local Offer Group and this need to make it easy to access article has been provided by this group for Pacc.
Autism West Midlands Shropshire Conference Wednesday 26th November 2014 9.30am-2.30pm At The Barnabas Church Centre, Longden Road, Shrewsbury Cost - £15 for parent carers/£35 for professionals Includes refreshments including sandwiches for lunch
Our 6th Shropshire Autism Conference brings together a range of experts to offer insights and information on issues relevant to parents and carers of children across the age range. Parents, people with Autism and professionals working with families are encouraged to attend this conference; there will be opportunities to hear expert speakers, share ideas and strategies informal workshop sessions and chat with others who have similar experiences
For further information or to book a place, please contact Hilary McGlynn - 01743 210940 Shropshire News
A focus on Short Breaks & what they can offer
Short break activities offer educational or leisure The Shropshire Short breaks important opportunities to young activities for disabled Statement can be found on the people with disabilities or children outside their Shropshire website at http:// additional needs and their homes www.shropshire.gov.uk/ disability-information/short- families. Caring for a disabled services available to assist breaks-for-children-with- child can bring significant carers in the evenings, at disabilities/shropshire-short- challenges for families and weekends and during the breaks-statement/ sometimes doing the things school holidays. others take for granted can be In Shropshire a range of short very difficult; a night out for Under this Duty local authorities break activities are offered parents, a family visit to the were also required to prepare a without assessment, through cinema or even going on holiday 'Short Breaks Services the ‘All In’ programme. This is can become impossible. Short Statement' by 1st October a range of activities for young breaks can enable young people 2011 for local carers, with people who have difficulties in with disabilities or additional information about local short taking part in mainstream needs to develop their break provision. activities without support due to independence away from their an additional need. The family, to develop new skills and This statement must include: confidence and to have fun. programme doesn’t offer one to details of the range of one support and for some For parent carers they offer a local services available much needed break from their activities parents or carers are any criteria against which role as carers and enable them required to stay while their child to learn to trust others to care eligibility for services participates in the activity. To for their child. They also provide will be assessed find out more about the ‘All In’ opportunities for families to have how the range of services programme visit https:// fun together and to create has been designed to www.shropshire.gov.uk/ disability-information/short- valuable happy memories. meet the needs of local carers. breaks-for-children-with-
disabilities/short-breaks-all-in- In April 2011 the Breaks for activity-programmes/ or ring the Local authorities are required to: Carers of Disabled Children Shropshire Council Customer Regulations 2011 came into publish their short breaks Services Centre on 01743 force. Under this Duty, local services statement and 250225 place a copy of the authorities are legally bound to statement on their website provide a range of short breaks We thought that it would be services including: keep the statement under helpful to speak to some parent review carers who access ‘All In’ and day-time care in the where appropriate revise attend one of the Short break homes of disabled children the statement activities to find out what it or elsewhere have regard to the needs offers and what difference this overnight care in the of local carers when has made to them and their homes of disabled children preparing and revising the children. or elsewhere statement.
Shropshire News
The Perry Riding for the benefits are important Short breaks need to well Disabled Group offers a number preparation for adulthood for planned, with a focus on of Short break activities some young people with disabilities or skills development and of which are funded by additional needs. preparation for adulthood Shropshire Council as part of Short breaks need to act the ‘All In’ programme. These Shropshire Council and as a gateway for long term include weekly riding and Shropshire Clinical involvement in community equestrian vaulting sessions Commissioning Group have both activities where supportive and holiday time ‘Have a Go’ identified the importance of early relationships are given sessions involving pony care, intervention in the lives of time to develop and young riding and vaulting. We spoke children with disabilities or people’s abilities can be to a number of parent carers recognised, valued and additional needs and their whose children attend the Perry celebrated. and participate in the Short families. It is recognised that it breaks activities. We asked is more cost effective to prevent The full PACC Short breaks why they took part in the families reaching crisis point than conference report is available activity and what difference it to put support in once that crisis on our website at http:// made for them and their child. point has been reached and www.paccshropshire.org.uk/ The comments from the Short breaks clearly have a key newsletters- parents are shared over the role to play in this. In the reports/4569111188 page and it is clear that climate of current financial participating in the group’s restraints it is important that activities makes a wide ranging public money is used effectively contribution to their children’s and PACC hope that Shropshire lives and their own. Council and Shropshire CCG ‘For some parents the recognise the need to invest in provision of short breaks The new Children’s and short breaks as an essential simply means the Families Act highlights the need means of supporting families of difference between to prepare young people with children and young people with a disabilities or additional needs disability or additional need. In being able to cope with for adulthood from early on in May 2013 PACC held a their disabled child and their lives. Short breaks clearly conference exploring the future not being able to cope.’ have an important role in this. of Short breaks in Shropshire. They provide essential We asked parent carers to (A report on Themes opportunities for young people consider the quality of their Emerging from the to learn and to experience life children’s lives and their own, Qualitative Research outside of the family home. now and how they would like into the Impact of Short They can support the them to be in the future. We Break Provision on development of communication then considered how short Families with Disabled skills, confidence and enhance breaks could contribute to Children Centre for individual’s self-esteem and improving their lives. The report Disability Research, emotional wellbeing. from the conference gives some December 2009) important messages for those For parent carers they offer a who deliver short break services break from the responsibility of in Shropshire; caring, the opportunity to build their confidence in the support Short breaks need to be provided by others and the invested in as important Turn the page to read stories chance to see their child grow source of early from Shropshire families and succeed. All of these intervention support Shropshire News
Families experiences of participating in activities at the Perry RDA
Helen Burton and Blossom; Bina and Duncan; Blossom is 7 and has left sided Duncan is 7 years old and has Cerebral Palsy in all 4 hemiplegia which is a physical limbs, he is a wheelchair user and attends mainstream disability in her left arm and leg school. Duncan attends weekly Hippotherapy sessions causing weak and fluctuating “Duncan loves coming to the Perry sessions, he started muscle tone. Blossom takes on the ‘Perry’ the mechanical horse which he loved but part in the weekly RDA vaulting he was overjoyed to start riding on Teddy the ‘real’ horse sessions is a member of the this year. Perry vaulting team that this Attending the sessions have helped with his sitting, year won the RDA national coordination and stability. It also has meant he has championships. learnt new words and helped with his counting because “Since joining the Perry when we are on ‘Perry’ he counts to see how long he can Vaulting Sessions we have seen sit up on his own. There are lots of extra benefits to Blossom flourish not just Duncan coming to the Perry, it isn’t just about the horse physically but as a person in her riding and his physical own right, it has improved her development, there general wellbeing and how she are so many other feels about herself. Being with things that it is the other children in the group helping.” with whom she feels Team work at the Perry - James, comfortable and confident has Blossom & Katie really helped and watching her friendships grow has been beautiful. Blossom is in a Natalie Hughes and William; mainstream school and is aware William is 2 and half and has been attending the that she is different to the Hippotherapy session at the Perry for a few weeks. majority of other children who Hippotherapy is horse based therapy for people who are there; at the Perry she is have a range of disabilities including physical, sensory just the same as everyone and communication difficulties. else. At the Perry William has no physical difficulties but need a high there is an level of support around his language and social understanding skills he is diagnosed with an Autistic and acceptance Spectrum Condition. Natalie explained to us of everyone’s how just being with the horses encourages differing lives” William to engage with others; “ William loves animals and the sensory input from the horses. The Perry is a very calm place and that really helps William. It also provides another environment in which Blossom William can learn in an enjoyable and ‘Flying’ at the RDA interesting way.” National Vaulting Shropshire News
Helen Ashby and James James attends the Perry vaulting sessions and is a member of the Perry RDA Vaulting Team. “My son, James who is ten, has been coming to Perry since he was four. We were referred there by our physiotherapist and we can without doubt say that taking him there has been amazing. James has many problems, no-one has a reason why he is disabled - but we know that something happened a few days after he was born. This has left him with learning and physical disabilities, as well as visual problems. James started initially with hippotherapy, but over the last year or so the Perry group have extended his challenge to vaulting. I have to admit, that I didn't even know what vaulting was when he started. The changes we see as a direct result of his weekly sessions are wonderful. It has helped him overcome some of his physical difficulties - and it's especially helped with his motor planning. He finds it difficult to know how to tackle everyday obstacles such as getting out of the bath and each movement needs to be broken down into simple steps. Some of the vaulting moves have helped with this as getting up on a horse by lifting your leg over is very much like getting out of the bath! It's also made him much stronger physically and he can now hold himself up better and he sits up so much straighter. The holistic nature of the sessions means that he develops social skills, learns team work and his confidence has grown; this is over and above the good work his school have put in to these areas. As parents, we are impressed at how fearless he seems! It's also a time for us as parents to get a bit of a rest too. To sit and watch for the time that he rides, with a cup of coffee is great; a welcome rest and time to be with other parents/carers and have a chat. All this and you get to watch your child do something amazing!”
Penny and Joe and
Fin;
Joe and Fin are 9 year old twins, both have Cerebral Palsy that James and Katie at the RDA National Vaulting Competition Jo and Fin at the hippotherapy session (NB: Hats are not worn for hippotherapy) affects their mobility. Helen Myles and Katie; They attend the Katie is 9 years old and is diagnosed Saturday morning Hippotherapy sessions together. with Aspergers and Dyspraxia. She “Joe and Fin have been attending the Perry since they attends vaulting sessions on a Saturday were 2 years old. The sessions at the Perry give them afternoon and is a member of the Perry the opportunity to experience a range of movements RDA vaulting team. that they would ordinarily not have achieved. They “ We have seen Katie go form strength have also built friendships and relationships with the to strength since joining the vaulting fantastic volunteers and ponies. We believe that sessions, thanks to the great team of Hippotherapy should be more available and funded and volunteers at the Perry. Katie loves the recognised by the NHS. It supports their development sessions and gets so much out of them. in so many ways, giving them an understanding of If we miss a session or two I really speed and distance which really helps with other aspects of their lives. notice that her co-ordination and The sessions give us a break and chance to sit with a confidence reduces. The chance to take cup of tea and chat to other parents, without worrying part in competitions and to be part of a team really gives her a sense of because we know they are happy. To get this short achievement, her bedroom is full of break on a Saturday morning is as essential to our well- being as it is to the kids.” rosettes and she is so proud of them.” Shropshire News
SEN Team update (Articles provided by Julia Dean & Janice Stackhouse)
st Finally D Day arrived – 1 children, young people and their assessment. We are continuing September 2014. Not just the parents/carers informed about to work on this document with start of a new term but the how we are changing our process our parent carer colleagues in beginning of a new era in SEN, to ensure that we are not only order to provide a more an opportunity to improve legally compliant but are accessible format and will add outcomes for children and developing best practice. this to our website when young people by developing completed. our practices so that we work Two big areas for development closely with our colleagues include requesting an assessment Converting Statements of across health and social care for an Education, Health and Care SEN and Learning Difficulty whilst placing children and plan (EHCP) and converting the Assessmet (LDA) into an young people at the heart of all Statements of SEN and Learning EHCP that we do. Disability Assessments that we We have published information currently maintain in Shropshire. about our conversion process Sounds obvious…. wasn’t that on our website: what we should always have Requesting an EHCP: http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/ special-education-needs-and- been doing? The answer clearly We hope that you will feel that disability-(send)/education,- has to be yes. However, easier you can work closely schools, said than done. The Children health-and-care-plans-(ehcps)/ settings, and health and care and Families Act 2014 will statement-of-sen-conversions/ professionals to identify your ensure that what many have This includes a plan so that you child’s Special Educational Needs aspired to for some time will will be able to see in which and develop appropriate now become standard practice academic year we will be for all. Of course it takes time strategies to support them and converting your child’s for changes of such review their progress. Where it is Statement of SEN to an EHCP. felt that an Education, Health and significance to become second Care plan may be needed you will nature and no doubt there will This will be reviewed regularly be able to get more information to ensure that we are sharing be teething problems along the and find out how to make a way but with a positive attitude our plans and information with and a willingness to make it request for an EHCP assessment you as it becomes available.
work we will get there. by looking on our website (http:// www.shropshire.gov.uk/special- The government have told us
education-needs-and-disability- that we have until April 2018 to The SEN Team along with (send)/education,-health-and- convert Statements of SEN parent representatives and care-plans-(ehcps)/). Parents and into Education Health and Care colleagues from health and young people can request an Plans and until 31st August social care have been working assessment for an EHCP without 2016 to convert Learning hard over the last twelve going through the educational Difficulty Assessments. This is months to prepare for the placement. Information about an enormous task for us in implementation of the Children how to do this can be found by Shropshire as we currently and Families Act and ensure using the link above or by maintain approximately 2000 that we are able to meet our contacting the SEN Team on Statements of SEN and 112 legal responsibilities. However, 01743 254366. You will also Learning Difficulty Assessments we recognise that the work is find Shropshire’s guidance for for pupils with complex needs.
only just beginning. We are requesting an EHCP which To enable this to happen we using our website to help keep includes our criteria for have employed a team of Shropshire News
skilled staff who will be Kettlemere Centre Update working closely with you and our The Kettlemere staff team have been busy establishing partners in health and social themselves within the temporary accommodation at Lakelands care. They are currently Academy. We have been building relationships with key partners planning how this will happen and setting up procedures to enable the smooth transition of and what we will need to put in place so that the process can pupils into the provision. Staff have been working closely with work for all of us. We are pupils, parents and other professionals to gather information to working with pilot schools to create personal profiles to ensure we are fully prepared to meet the produce a step by step guide for needs of the pupils and to enable us to put together an families and professionals and individualised package to best meet the needs of the children. will add this to our website as soon as it is completed. We are excited about the prospect of welcoming our first pupils to the provision and intend to start the transition process with these We are aware that we may not very soon. Once these first students have settled in, we will set always get it right and would them to task creating a ‘Blog’ which will keep everyone informed of welcome any feedback from you developments and progress on site. Students will also be asked to so that we know what is going share their designs for a suitable logo for the Kettlemere Centre. As well and what we need to do to the building progresses there will be further opportunities to work get better. with parents and children to ensure ‘ownership’ of the provision with ideas around garden design, choice of fixtures, fittings and Thank you. furnishings. The Shropshire SEN Team SEN Shropshire Team Update September 2014 has brought changes to Shropshire’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) team in more ways than one! Along with the introduction of Education Health and Care Needs Plans the team has taken on a new structure.
Over the years many people will have had known of Tim Baker, Sue Patsalides and Vicky Webb and it is with sadness that we have said goodbye to them this summer as they have left the team to move into new futures; we sincerely wish them all the best.
Along with new staff joining us to cover the roles that Tim, Sue and Vicky undertook, we have used this opportunity to redesign the SEN team and in addition to our existing functions we have been able to develop our Early Years and Post 16 areas of work – in line with the SEND reforms 0-25 age range. It is anticipated that these new roles will provide added support for children and young people and their families at some of the most crucial times in their education and training.
All of the existing and new SEN team members have experience of either working within SEN or other education Local Authority teams.
We are very fortunate to have been able to recruit people who are very familiar with Shropshire and known to many of us. Conversion Officers will be responsible for undertaking conversions for pupils who are timetabled to have a transfer review during the current academic year. Our SEN team Statutory Assessment Casework Officers will also be involved in some conversion work where they are involved with the case. The full details of the new SEN team are now on the PACC website at www.paccshropshire.org.uk on our SEND pages. The SEN team can be contacted on 01743 254366. The Shropshire Council SEN web page can be accessed on www.shropshire.gov.uk/send.
Face 2 Face News
What it’s like to be a Face 2 Face Written by one of our Befriending Team
So what’s it’s like to be a It does not matter if you get and very painful to listen too. Befriender? What a question any wetter; you begin to feel Other times you share a laugh where do I possibly start. good and happy. In summary and smile comes through, these befriending its emotionally hard times you know it’s worth it, hopefully making a difference is I was passed a leaflet by a work, but ultimately rewarding, what is important. friend asking for befriender it makes you feel good inside. So did any of that make any volunteers, she said “think you sense? will be good at this”. I don’t take Team spirit is a big part of praise well at all, so I reluctantly befriending. We all went for a and nervously made the call. A Hearing someone else’s story celebration meal at the end of visit was arranged by Shana makes you feel immensely the course, and a posh tea and where I briefly discussed my privileged. Each persons cake party as a treat to celebrate situation and how we as a family “journey” is unique but will National Volunteers Week. Team have arrived where we are. share many common themes. meetings are held every 6-8 weeks. These give you the These can be disbelief, anger, denial and eventually option to discuss issues you may I started a 40 hour course over be experiencing, give you a new 10 weeks in January, a very cold acceptance. The role of the approach or idea on how best to one I seem to remember. The befriender is to listen and move things forward. You course was full, intense, thought emotionally support the family provoking and tough. I think through the various stages, befriend alone, but as a most people had a wobble as to milestones with whatever up’s befriender you are never really whether this was really for them. and down’s that throws at alone. The support network is Mine happened very early on them. there for you to access whenever week 3. I stuck with it, I am glad you need. I did. I have met the most I can’t give examples as amazing group of women (it’s confidentially is paramount. Befriending is a commitment, a open to men too by the way). During my brief time as a big one, but one I am very Different in their experiences, befriender there have been happy and proud to be a part of. their child’s needs, but linked by visits that have left me To be told thank you for being a common element, been there there is like walking in the rain frustrated, dare I say angry and want to help others through and getting a free face lift. that people have to fight for it. things that could make life easier. I started to mull over this whilst on holiday. An analogy, that’s what I need. So here goes. You have to stay impartial,
Befriending is like walking into a professional and remain calm head wind, its cold and its rain. on the outside; even if on the Progress is being made albeit inside you are feeling slow. It’s physically tough, but frustration and a sense of For more information on if when you are soaked and the helplessness. Sometimes I have becoming a Befriender is for you wind is giving you a free face lift come home and cried, the or requesting our Befriending it becomes strangely uplifting, stories you are hearing are real support contact Shana on exhilarating even. 07557 130 091 Face 2 Face News Joint News
New Shropshire Women and Children’s Centre to open 29th & 30th September
Children’s Inpatients and Whilst Women and Children’s Assessment Unit Services are changing, most Children’s Oncology and people accessing the services Haematology will continue to go to the same Children’s Outpatients hospital as they do now. (please note that Children’s Outpatients will still take place at the Royal Women and children in Shrewsbury Hospital) Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid Wales are From 30 September, the to benefit from improved following services will be open services from the end of in the centre: September when a new • Antenatal Ward £28million centre opens at • Postnatal Ward If your child has direct access to the Princess Royal Hospital either of our hospital sites, we • Delivery Suite (PRH) in Telford. will let you know what this will • Neonatal Unit mean for you and what you The Shropshire Women and should do after 29 September. Children’s Centre will open over Cathy Smith, Women and two days on 29 and 30 Children’s Care Group Director If you have any questions September 2014 when it will at The Shrewsbury and Telford please speak to the Consultant become the main facility Hospital NHS Trust, said: in charge of your child’s care. providing care for women and children for Shropshire, Telford “Excitement is growing Both the Princess Royal Hospital & Wrekin and mid Wales. ahead of the opening of and the Royal Shrewsbury what will be a fantastic Hospital (RSH) will continue to The Children’s Ward at PRH facility for our patients and have an A&E, while Women and moved into its new home within staff from the end of Children’s Services remaining at the centre — returning to its September. The inpatient the RSH will be: former ward on the ground floor facilities at PRH really will of the hospital which has been be excellent ensuring the Midwife-led Unit refurbished — in May. best possible care for Children’s Assessment Unit patients and women who and Outpatients need to be treated there. From 29 September, the Early Pregnancy We would like to thank following services will be based Assessment Service everybody who has been in the centre: (EPAS) involved in helping us to Gynaecology Inpatients, Maternity Outpatients and Emergencies, Procedures design and shape our new Scan, and Antenatal Day centre, including members and Early Pregnancy Assessment Assessment of Parents Opening Doors Outpatient and adult day Telford and the Shropshire case services will also Parent and Carer Council.” Joint News
Next steps agreed on the Children’s Assessment Unit (CAU) at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
continue to take place at both Local NHS managers Nurses and will receive hospitals. have agreed that a referrals from GPs as well as seven-day Children’s conducting follow-ups and Women having a low-risk birth Assessment Unit (CAU) investigations. will still be able to choose to will be provided at the have their baby at home, at Royal Shrewsbury Acutely unwell children will be one of Shropshire’s five Hospital after the accepted by both A&Es, which Midwife-led Units (at Oswestry, Shropshire Women and Bridgnorth, Ludlow, currently see 12,000 children Children’s Centre opens each year at Princess Royal Shrewsbury, or Wrekin at PRH) at the Princess Royal Hospital and 8,000 children at or one of the Midwife-led Units Hospital in Telford at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. provided by the Powys the end of September. The majority of children who Teaching Health Board. attend A&E are discharged From the end of September without follow-up. Our local For more information about the CAU at the Royal ambulance providers (West the Shropshire Women and Shrewsbury Hospital will be Midlands Ambulance Service Children’s Centre please visit open from Monday to and the Welsh Ambulance www.sath.nhs.uk/future or Friday for 13 hours per Service) plan to take acutely email [email protected] or day, from 9am-10pm, with unwell children direct to the call 01743 261183. last admission at 8pm. Princess Royal Hospital CAU/ inpatient unit. The CAU at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital will In addition to the services at also extend its opening PRH and RSH, there will hours to cover the continue to be Midwife-led weekend. It will be open 10 Units in Bridgnorth, Ludlow hours each day on and Oswestry, and women Saturday and Sunday from can also choose to give birth 12 noon to 10pm, with last at one of the Midwife-led Units admission at 8pm. run by Powys Teaching Health Board, or at home. The CAU at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford will also extend its opening hours to 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week when the Shropshire Women and Children’s Centre opens at the end of September.
The CAUs will be staffed by senior Paediatricians, Advanced Paediatric Nurse Practitioners and Children’s 1 page IS—Debbie gibbon 1 page—PPS rebranding includ- ing IAS from Lesley perks
Joint News
SEND Reforms - New Information, Advice and Support Service
As part of the Special Chapter 4, The Local Local authorities and CCG’s need Educational Needs and Offer) to know what local parent carers Disabilities reform Local Staff providing think this service should look like, Authorities and Clinical information, advice and for example; Commissioning Groups (CCG’s support should work in are responsible for health partnership with children, What makes an IAS services in local areas) must service impartial and young people, parents, ensure that parent carers and independent? local authorities, CCGs and young people with disabilities or other relevant partners additional needs have access to How do you want to be able The provision of impartial information, advice to receive and support. information, advice and information, advice and support should help to support? The new SEND Code of Practice promote independence recognises there are many and self-advocacy for What makes a good IAS existing organisations that children, young people Service? provide impartial information, and parents advice and support, for example Staff providing Who do you already use for local Parent Partnership information, advice and information, advice and Services (PPS), and these support should work support? existing services should be built with their local Parent on to create a comprehensive Carer Forum and other What is good about the IAS service that takes into account you receive already? representative user groups the following principles (such as Youth Forums) to The information, advice What could be improved? ensure that the views and and support should be experiences of children, impartial and provided at Please contact PODS and PACC to young people and parents arm’s length from the local let us know what you would like inform policy and practice authority and CCGs to see your new Information, The information, advice Advice and Support Service look and support offered should The points above highlight the like. be free, accurate, need to work in partnership confidential and in formats with parent carers and young which are accessible and people to create local responsive to the needs of information, support and advice Email users services and PACC /PODS and PODS (Parents Opening Doors) Local authorities should PPS have been working hard to [email protected] review and publish ensure that this Information annually happens. Parent Partnership Pacc (Parent and Carers Council) about the effectiveness of Services across the country are [email protected] the information, advice now part of the Information, and support provided, Advice and Support Services including customer Network and will have a key satisfaction (see also role to play in this new service.
Joint News
Parent Partnership has a new Name
After 14 years we have In the autumn we will have a Service) to talk to parents evolved in to the Information, re launch event where we will around the SEND Reforms, Advice and Support Service for ask you for your ideas to please just contact us to discuss Shropshire and Telford and develop the service. We hope to your needs. Wrekin. have representatives of the
Information, Advice and Support Have you looked at our website The Code of Practice, July Services Network speak at the recently? 2014, states- event, as well as representatives www.parentpartnership- “Local authorities have of the Local Authorities who will shropshireandtelford.org.uk has established Parent Partnership hold workshops. a variety of up to date Services to provide information available. information, advice and We are currently writing our new support to parents in relation selection of leaflets and to SEN……….Local authorities Information, Advice and Support should build on these existing updating our website to Service (formally Parent services to provide the incorporate the changes in law Partnership Service), in information, advice and that came into effect on partnership with the Telford and support detailed in this September 1st. Watch out for our Wrekin CVS, deliver the chapter……Information, advice new logo. Independent Support Service. If and support services should be you need support as you move impartial, confidential and If you run a support group or from the old system to this new accessible and should have the work in a school and would like a system, call us on 01952 capacity to handle face-to- member of the Information, 457176. Visit the Independent face, telephone and electronic Advice and Support Service Support page on our web site enquiries.” (formally Parent Partnership for more details. Disabled Student Allowance
equipment, assistance with changes on the basis that they travel costs and the provision of do not support the support workers where commitments made in the necessary. Children and Families Act to ensure that young people with The Government announced on disabilities are supported to 12th September that proposed acheive the best possible Disabled Student’s Allowances changes to the Disabled outcomes in their lives. are non-repayable grants that Students Allowance (DSA) will assist with the additional costs be delayed and that there will To find out further information, incurred by disabled students be further discussions with all please visit our webpage in relation to their study in those affected before any where you can read the higher education. decisions are made. This delay Ministerial statement along is very much welcomed by with a letter welcoming the Disabled Students Allowances organisations that support delayed changes from the finance a range of support, young people with disabilities Special Educational including the purchase of and their families, who have Consortium. computers and specialised campaigned against these
Joint News
Independent Support
Independent support is rolling We’re based at the Glebe Centre out all over the UK. in Wellington, supporting Independent supporters will be parents and carers in their available every step of the way community either by individual for families as they navigate one to one support, workshops the new SEND system. The and sign posting. new system will provide much Other sources of greater integration of vital services and one system for We are working closely with Information children and young people with Information, Advice and Support SEN from birth to 25. Service,( IASS), formally known Contact a Family Helpline as Parent Partnership Service. Independent supporters will be Telephone: 0808 808 3555 able to spend one-to-one time If you would like to speak to a with families giving them the member of our Independent IPSEA independent help and advice support team please contact Independent Parental they need to progress through Information, Advice and Support Special Education Advice the new SEN assessment and Service - 01952 457176 Telephone: 01799 582030 education, health and care planning process. We’ll be working closely with all Autism West Midlands services providing support to In Telford and Wrekin and Telephone: 0121 450 7582 parents and children and young Shropshire, Independent people. We’ll be providing support will be available to A4U parents, carers and children workshops, information sessions and individual support. Action, Advice & Advocacy and young people; Telephone: 01743 256218
Needing support to Debbie Gibbon, Head of Projects transfer from Statement for Telford and Wrekin CVS said Pals to EHC plan ‘CVS are delighted to have been Patient Advice & Liaison Needing support to awarded the contract. We have Service understand local offer over 14 years experience Shropshire 0800 032 0897 Needing a named contact working alongside colleagues in Telford 01952 580407 throughout the education, health and social care assessment and planning locally. We know the key difficul- Healthwatch Needing information ties families face and want to en- Shropshire 01743 237884 about personal budgets sure both parents, carers and New entries to the their children are empowered, can Telford 01952 739540 system-statutory make choices and most of all un- assessment requests derstand the new systems.’ Mencap Direct Needing signposting to Telephone 0808 808 1111 information, advice and For more information; support services across www.ncb.org.uk, health, social care and www.parentpartnership- specialised educational shropshireandtelford.org.uk knowledge
Our team consists of both paid
Joint News
The Send Reforms — What happens Next?
The Department for Education Authority is required to publish for special educational has published statutory a Local Transition Plan by the provision, the college must guidance for Local Authorities end of September 2014. All use its best endeavours to put outlining how the transfer of Statements must be transferred appropriate support in place. young people to the new by April 2018. system should be managed. All LDA‘s must, where This document can be found on Children and young people appropriate, be transferred to https://www.gov.uk/ currently on School Action and EHCPs by September 2016. government/publications/send- School Action Plus will also have The EHCP assessment for this managing-changes-to-legislation a phased transfer to the new group is triggered by request -from-september-2014 category of SEN Support. The and in agreement with the guidance states that from the young person st Transitioning to the new 1 September early year’s system – key points from settings and schools should; Transferring to an EHCP does the guidance; not just mean rebadging a As of 1 September 2014, it will ‘As part of their ongoing Statement or LDA Report. An no longer be possible to issue a review of support for EHCP must only be issued Statement as a result of an children with SEN, schools following a ‘transfer review’ request for assessment made and early years settings has been completed. from this date & no new should review pupils on Learning Disability Assessments Early years action/early Parents / young people must can be commenced. years action plus and School be given at least 2 weeks’ The parent of a child with a Action/ School Action Plus to notice of the transfer review statement of SEN will continue put in place SEN Support. As part of the ‘transfe review’, to be able to request a This will include setting clear local authorities must invite re-assessment under Part IV of targets for progress, parents or young person to a the Education Act 1996 during agreeing what support meeting to contribute to the the transition period but will not should be provided and transfer review. have the right to request an tracking how it is working. EHC needs assessment under We anticipate that most of From the point that the the Children. these children will have ‘transfer review’ commences, transferred to the SEN parents and young people will support category by spring The only group that Local have appeal rights under the 2015, with all pupils moving Authorities are required by law new system. to SEN support by to prioritise for transfer to the September 2015’ new system in 2014/15 are A child that has a statement children/young people moving of SEN is expected to be from school (including school Under the 0-25 SEND Code of offered an EHC Plan. If a local sixth forms) to a post-16 Practice, SEN support is being authority decides not to offer institution or an apprenticeship. introduced into FE Colleges and an EHC plan the local The order in which other groups sixth forms. This means that authority must notify the will be transferred will be where a student has a learning child’s parents or the young decided locally and each Local difficulty or disability that calls person within 10 weeks of the start of the ‘transfer review’. Joint News
Shropshire Cerebral Palsy Society
therapies, as well as specialist mobility equipment. We ask that Kaidy’s Story when considering special equipment that you get a recommendation from a Shropshire Cerebral Palsy Society have been supporting professional who knows your our family for a few years now. child, so we can be sure the
equipment is going to be At first we were told that they suitable. You can check all our could support funding a pair of grant criteria on our website. shoes each year, as with Right Sided Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy We are a small group of our daughter gets through quite volunteer Trustees who meet a few, and wearing a splint monthly. We aim to make means we need two different decisions on grants promptly at sizes every time. This was a our monthly meetings and give great help to us, and still is. But feedback as soon as we can. As they don't just help with the we are all volunteers we ask little things. Kaidence was also that you check our grant criteria supported financially to attend carefully and make sure you Hippotherapy classes at the Shropshire Cerebral Palsy include all the necessary Perry RDA Centre and they have Society has been helping information when applying. This provided us with the funding to people in Shropshire and will mean we can deal with your purchase a child carrier, which Telford for over 40 years. We request as quickly as possible. over the last three years we have used nearly every support children and adults with cerebral palsy. Parents weekend. As a family we We are always interested to love walking and enjoying this can contact us directly for a hear parents’ experience of grant, or to ask for advice together means a lot to us. getting the help and equipment about grant criteria. Specially designed carriers that they need for their child. Please are suitable for mobility limited
get in touch if you have any children up to a certain weight It is important to know your thoughts about what is not are available but fairly child might not be given the provided in Shropshire for expensive, so we thought that ‘label’ of cerebral palsy; children with CP. our days of long walks without a instead hemiplegia, diplegia, pushchair or buggy were athetosis or something similar You can email us direct at: en- coming to an end. Shropshire might be used that reflects quiries@shropshirecerebralpalsy Cerebral Palsy Society offered to how cerebral palsy affects society.co.uk fund our carrier so we could your child. If you’re not sure continue our weekly walks up whether we can help please the Wrekin and enjoy walking You can check our grant get in touch for advice. without having to take her criteria and find out more about buggy everywhere, it was We have helped lots of what we do at: amazingly generous and www.shropshirecerebralpalsysoc families like Kaidence’s. We allowed us to carry on with a iety.co.uk . have provided funding for family activity that we all holidays, shoes, white goods, enjoyed. Joint News
We managed to book a performance, which mesmerized weekend at Alton Towers the kids. We had a great time, Splash Landings Hotel. We had spending quality restful time a wonderful time as our together as a family, which we all booking also included weekend know is not always as easy to find passes to the water park. time for as we would like. Kaidence and Trinity love swimming, and here they could We cannot thank Shropshire play on slides, swim the rapids, Cerebral Palsy Society enough for and we even found a 'Hot the ongoing support they offer us. Spring' in which I managed to We have been able to do things deliver some of Kaidys as a family that we feared would physiotherapy in. But the most be extremely difficult to achieve fun had to be the buffet dinner with the limitations of Kaidys and kids entertainment in the conditions and the financial evening. We had all you can implications that come along with eat with such an array of these. They have allowed our This year they approached us puddings, I got carried away family to carry on doing things we to let us know that they had and had far too much cake, love, to be able to provide our increased their family holiday while the girls and their Dad daughter with things that she allowance to £300, we had managed to fill their bowls to needs when she needs them that been aware of this allowance the brim with ice cream, otherwise we would not be able before so this year we took sweets and fruit from the to do for her. We are just one full advantage and enjoyed a chocolate fountain. The family fortunate enough to benefit fabulous weekend break entertainment was fabulous, from this superb organisation, but together. Due to work with limbo and games for the there could be so many more. commitments and school we little ones followed by a mini were only able to fit this one disco. We even popped over to As a parent of a child with break in this year so we the main hotel where there Cerebral Palsy I cannot wanted to make it extra was a Pirate Cabaret recommend them more highly. special.
Disabled Holiday Info
Disabled Holiday Information The website consists of a is a website that has been large range of information designed to give travellers about Shropshire, but also has with all disabilities and information on attractions, mobility issues (not just activities and accommodation wheelchair users) appropriate across the UK. For further information, please information on accessible visit the Disabled Holiday holiday accommodation, Some information is also Information website at attractions, activities and available across Europe. trails, enabling a choice of suitable accessible holidays A wide range of information www.disabledholidayinfo.org.uk bearing in mind individual leaflets and guides are needs. available on their website. Dates For Your Diary
PODS Parent Carer Forum Pacc Family Groups ASD Specific group - Lord Hill Hotel, Shrewsbury (Monday daytime 10-12 noon) Thursday 2nd October, 6th November, Hadley Learning Centre, Crescent Rd, 4th December (8pm-10pm). Hadley, TF1 5JU 3rd November, 1st December, OASIS Group - Baptist Church, Claremont Street 5th January, 2nd February Monday 13th October, 17th November, 15th December (10am-12 noon) Family Groups (Thursday evenings 7-9pm) OASIS Group - Monkhouse Granary Venues to be confirmed - please check website Wednesday 15th October, 12th November, 6th November, 11th December, 10th December (8pm-10pm) 8th January, 12th February
The Pods Committe The Pacc Committee
Sarah Thomas Jayne Dave Beckie Sharon Earney Jeannette Griffiths Esther Scriven Debbie Participation Participation Committee Committee Chair Officer Officer
Michelle Shana Hannah Committee Committee Committee Zara Bowden Nick O’Leary Annette Whitaker Julie Davenport Co Chair PODS Parent Carer Forum Po Box 772 Pacc Shropshire Telford PO Box 4774 Shrosphire Shrewsbury TF7 9FD Anne Lanham SY1 9EX Co Chair Tel: 01952 271532/0777 534 2092 Tel: 0845 601 2205 Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.podstelford.org www.paccshropshire.org.uk
We are keen to hear from you about what you would like to see included in Participate in the future. We particularly would like to hear about your family’s experiences, top tips or celebrations of achievements and photographs are always welcome. Please send your articles/information to [email protected] or [email protected]