Summer Term - dates for your diary
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 18th April 2024
We have a busy term planned which includes SENDIASS training courses, a Zoom Update with WBC on SEND Services, Health Engagement & Information event, Early Years Drop-in as well as out Parent Carer Participation Groups. There are more details in our events section.
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Can you help Wokingham Borough Council improve their SEND Local Offer?
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 6th March 2024
WBC have listened to families feedback and are working on improving the Local Offer website. They have two areas they would like your help with: 1. Scenario Testing: to test how easy it is to find information on the SEND Local Offer right now 2. Card Sort: to help decide how best to organise the information on the SEND Local Offer. Contine reading to see how you can help.
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Dates for Spring Term 24
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 31st January 2024
We have a busy term planned which includes SENDIASS training courses, a Zoom Update with WBC on SEND Services, as well as out Parent Carer Participation Groups. There are more details in our events section.
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Zoom update with WBC on the Safety Valve Programme
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 24th November 2023
Thank you to all the families who joined us on the 8th November to hear an update from Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) on the Safety Valve Programme. A recording of the presentation and Q&A's from the session is now available, please continue reading for the links.
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Information about WBC Complaints Procedure
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 22nd November 2023
An increasing number of families are contacting us regarding the WBC Children’s Services complaints process and why their complaints are not part of the Complaints Report to the CSO&S Committee. As we requested at the meeting on the 1st November, the WBC Local Offer webpage is currently being updated to make the information on the complaints process clearer and more accessible. We will let families know when this information is available. In the meantime here is information about the complaints process which families have asked for......
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Local Offer Live 2023 - Thank You!
Posted in SEN by Terri Walsh on 24th October 2023
Thank you so much to everyone who attended the Local Offer Live Event 2023. Thank you too to all the stall holders, helpers, councilors and the Mayor. We really appreciate everyones support.
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Local Offer Live 2023
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 4th October 2023
Its nearly here!! SEND Voices Wokingham in Partnership with Wokingham Borough Council CAN Network are hosting the Local Offer Live 2023- Family Information & Fun Day, on Saturday 7th October 2022, 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.00pm - 3pm at St Crispin's Leisure Centre, London Road, Wokingham RG40 1SR.
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Annual SEND Survey 2023
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 9th May 2023
Time to Have your Say! Our Annual SEND Survey covers all aspects of Education, Health and Social Care as well as availability of Information and parent carer wellbeing, so that it gives us a real overview of the "lived experience" for SEND families. This survey is for families of all children with special educational needs and/or a disability (SEND), not just those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or on formal SEN support at school. Closing date: 16th June
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**NEW** SEND Guide for Parents
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 2nd May 2023
We have produced a quick & easy guide for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities. This guide is available on our website here, keep reading for the link.
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What's On Summer Term '23
Posted in SEN by Terri Walsh on 25th April 2023
We have a busy Summer Term planned which includes SENDIASS training courses, a virtual drop-in session with WBC SEND Team and our face-to-face Drop-in & Chat sessions. Full details in our events section
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SEND Innovation & Improvement Programme Update
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 4th November 2022
We were very pleased to be joined by Helen Watson (WBC Interim Director of Children's Services) and other members of the SEND IIP team on the 19th October for our third SEND Innovation & Improvement Programme update.
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SEND Services in the Borough
Posted in SEND by on 1st November 2022
We have been made aware that some families are being told by their schools that SEND Services in the Borough are going to be cut. We spoke to the SEND Team before half term and have spoken to Helen Watson (WBC Director of Children's Services) yesterday about the issue and they have been assured us that this is not the case. We have asked WBC for a response that can be sent to families. Please click through to read more...
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Local Offer Live 2022
Posted in SEND by on 12th October 2022
Thank you to all the families who attended on Saturday. We hope that it was helpful, informative and that you had some fun! If you have any feedback about the day we would love to hear it, please email: info@sendvoiceswokingham.org.uk. We were overwhelmed with the response for tickets this year and know that some people were disappointed that they couldn't get tickets. We are already planning for 2023 and looking at ways that we can ensure that more people will be able to attend the next Local Offer Live.
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Local Offer Live 2022
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 13th September 2022
Local Offer Live 2022 - Family Information & Fun Day, Saturday 8th October 11am - 3pm @St Crispins Leisure Centre, London Road, Wokingham RG40 1SR. Click "continue reading" for more information and how to book your tickets
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Annual Wokingham Borough SEND Survey
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 22nd June 2022
SEND Voices Wokingham (the independent parent carer forum for Wokingham Borough) are running an annual SEND survey to get a complete understanding of the Special Educational Needs and/or Disability services for families in the Borough. We would love to hear your experiences of education, health and social care services in the Wokingham Borough. Please continue to the link to the survey
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SEND IIP Update for Parents - 4th May 2022
Posted in SEND by on 26th May 2022
Quarterly Updates with the Director of Children's Services - SEND Voices Wokingham were very pleased to be joined by Helen Watson and other members of the SEND Innovation & Improvement Programme team on the 4th May for and update with families. Please continue reading for the update on work and Q&A's from that session
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Update on SEND Home to School Transport
Posted in SEND by on 23rd March 2022
We are pleased that the review and update on SEND Home to School Transport has now been completed and all the relevant information has been updated on the WBC website. This includes the Assessment & SEND Transport Process, Eligibility Criteria and Application Forms. Continue reading for link to WBC website.
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AGM 2022 Update
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 17th March 2022
Thank you to all the parents who attended our AGM and also the parent focus group to help with the update on WBC Emotional Health & Wellbeing (EHWB) Strategy.Please continue reading for our AGM update on the work we have done this year and the feedback from the EHWB focus group.
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Local Offer Guide 2022
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 8th March 2022
Updated for Spring 2022 - Once again we have not been able to run our Local Offer Live event, but thanks to funding from the Pears Foundation we have updated our Local Offer Guide for 2022, with even more information for families to help them fine services, organisations help & support.
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AGM 2022
Posted in SEND by on 11th February 2022
WBC Emotional Health & Wellbeing Strategy and Ordinarily Available Provision & SEND Voices Wokingham online AGM
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SEND IIP meeting with parents 29th June 2021
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 20th December 2021
Quarterly Updates with the Director of Children's Services - SEND Voices Wokingham were very pleased to be joined by Carol Cammiss and other members of the SEND IIP team on 29th June for and update with families. Please continue reading for Q&A's from that session
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Message from SENDIASS
Posted in SEND by on 14th December 2021
Message from SENDIASS with feedback on how your responses to the survey on their service will be used to continue to develop and improve their service for families
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WBC SEND Team Update
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 19th October 2021
Following feedback from families, particularly around the delays in the EHCP Annual Review process, there have been some changes to the WBC SEND Team. Continue reading for more information
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Ofsted and CQC Joint local area SEND Revisit May 2021 Report
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 1st July 2021
Between 11 May and 13 May 2021, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) revisited the local area of Wokingham to decide whether sufficient progress has been made in addressing each of the areas of significant weakness detailed in the written statement of action (WSOA) issued on 29 April 2019.
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Membership and Social Media Co-ordinator (short term contract)
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 24th June 2021
JOB VACANCY - We are looking for someone to support and develop our Social Media presence, increase and manage our membership, and produce a local information booklet. Please continue reading for more information about the role and person specification or email info@sendvoiceswokingham.org.uk. Closing date for applications 18th July 2021.
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WBC Ordinarily Available & Graduated Response
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 14th June 2021
Ordinarily Available & Graduated Response - what is it?This is the Provision the local authority (WBC) expects to be made available by schools, early years and post-16 providers & SEN Support in Mainstream Schools.WBC have recently published their updated document, a copy with more information about Ordinarily Available and the graduated response continue reading to find out more about SEND support that should be provided by schools and education settings in the Borough.
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WBC CAN Network Newsletter May 2021
Posted in Council by Terri Walsh on 19th May 2021
Due to a technical issue, Wokingham Borough Council CAN Network is unable to send its usual pre May half term holiday newsletter to parents, carers in Wokingham, so they have asked us to share it families. Please continue reading for link to their May newsletter
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OFSTED/CQC Reinspection of SEND Services 11-13th May
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 3rd May 2021
Ofsted and CQC inspectors are re-visiting Wokingham between 11 and 13 May to find out how much progress the local area has made with addressing the significant weaknesses that were identified at the last inspection in March 2019.During the re-visit, Ofsted and CQC inspectors will be keen to hear from as many children and young people and their parents and carers as possible, specifically about the weaknesses identified in the WSOA.
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Local Offer Guide & Free Prize Draw
Posted in Consultation by on 26th March 2021
Like so many things this year, we haven't been able to run our Local Offer Live event so instead, we have produced this Local Offer Guide. It also includes details of how to join SEND Voices Wokingham a feedback form and the T&C's for our free prize draw.
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SEND Strategy 2020 OUTCOME MEASURES
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 27th November 2020
Over the past few months a lot of work has gone into updating and improving Wokingham's 3-year Strategy for SEND (0-25). It is vital to include the views of parents and carers on the Outcome Measures we select for the Strategy so we will be running 2 focus group sessions. Continue reading to see the DRAFT Outcome Measures suggested so far.
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NHS - Identifying a child’s needs and finding help
Posted in SEND by on 17th September 2020
The information aims to support early identification of needs and provide advice and signposting re next steps for parents and professionals.The information may be helpful if your child/young person is:• struggling to cope in their pre-school, nursery or school• there are concerns about their social and emotional well-being • there are concerns about any areas of their development that are impacting on their access to education or day to day living
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Home to School Transport Policy - What is most important to you?
Posted in Consultation by on 3rd August 2020
Wokingham Borough Council are currently reviewing and updating its Home to School Transport policy and we have shared with them the issues and concerns that you have told us about transport for children & young people with SEND. We now need your feedback to know what the priorities are. Please continue reading for our 2 minute survey.
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Survey - Families Focus on services during Covid 19
Posted in Consultation by on 19th June 2020
SEND Voices Wokingham would like to find out your views and experiences of services over the last few weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that this is an unprecedented and scary time for families and presents many different challenges. We would like to know how you feel various services in education, health and social care are supporting you during this difficult time so that we can talk to them about where improvements are required.
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Changes to EHCP Legislation due to Covid-19
Posted in Council by Terri Walsh on 7th May 2020
On the 1st May the Government activated temporary changes to the legislation covering EHCP's under the Coronavirus Act 2020. There are two main areas of change, please continue reading for more information on these changes.
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Update from WBC Adult Social Care
Posted in Council by Terri Walsh on 27th April 2020
For families who have a young person aged 18-25 years, we are also in contact with the Wokingham Borough Council Adult Social Care team. They have asked us to share the following messages with you. We will share any further updates as soon as we receive them.
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Covid 19 Quick Reference Guide for SEND Families
Posted in SEND by on 21st April 2020
We have put together links and resources for families who have children and young people with SEND in the Wokingham Borough, it is not an exhaustive list but gives some key information.We will produce updates as further information becomes available (information correct as of 21st April 2020)
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How can we keep in touch?
Posted in Consultation by on 3rd April 2020
We would be really grateful if you could complete this really short survey and let us know the best way for us to keep in touch with you so we can collect the information for our meetings with Education, Health and Social Care.
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Co-production - What does it mean for my family?
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 28th February 2020
SEND Voices Wokingham are leading a multidisciplinary group who have developed a Wokingham SEND Co-production Charter for our area that will be signed up to by the Local Authority, Health and SEND Voices Wokingham about how we will work together to improve services for children and young people with SEND.
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Wokingham Written Statement of Action - November Update
Posted in Council by on 16th December 2019
The Wokingham SEND Improvement Board met again on the 12th November and the 6 Task & Finish Groups presented their progress over the last month. SEND Voices Wokingham continue to represent parents across all the multi-agency Task & Finish group meetings as well as the SEND Implementation Board meeting.
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Local Offer Live 2019 - Saturday 12th October
Posted in AGM & Family Day by on 9th October 2019
This Saturday is our annual Local Offer Live. It is FREE to attend. On the day there will be numerous information stalls where parents and carers can find out more about support, services and activities that are available locally to support families who have a child with SEND.
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Wokingham - Written Statement of Action Approved by Ofsted/CQC
Posted in Council by on 18th September 2019
SEND Voices Wokingham attended yesterdays SEND Improvement Board meeting and it was confirmed in a letter from Ofsted/CQC that "the statement of action is deemed to be fit for purpose in setting out how the local area will tackle the significant areas of weakness identified in the published report letter."
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Blue Badges for Hidden Disabilities
Posted in Council by on 6th September 2019
In June the Department for Transport announced changes to the blue badge parking scheme to include non-visible (hidden) disabilities. These changes will come in from August 30.The blue badge parking scheme, to include non-visible (hidden) disabilities, how these will be implemented and how you can apply to Wokingham Borough Council website https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/parking-and-transport/blue-badges/new-hidden-non-visible-criteria-blue-badges/
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Max Card Collection
Posted in SEND by on 9th July 2019
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLECTING MAX CARDS - Helen will be at ASD Family Help's coffee morning on Monday 15th July from 10.30 - 12 and then Sarah will be at the same venue from 12.30 - 2.30pm during the ASSIST drop in. Location - Woodley Airfield Youth Centre, Hurricane Way, Woodley, RG5 4UX. Please remember to bring proof of your child's SEND
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Annual newsletter 2019 published
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 27th June 2019
Our annual newsletter is published every year and distributed to our members and more widely through partner organisations who work with families of children and young people with SEND. It contains information about the work and our achievements in the last 12 months.
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WBC Learning Disability Strategy Survey
Posted in Consultation by on 11th June 2019
WBC Learning Disability Strategy SurveyYour views could help shape this new strategy - The council is working on it's plan for adults and young people with a learning disability. They need your help to develop the plan and want to hear from you on what the council needs to do.
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Short Breaks Survey 2019
Posted in Consultation by on 8th February 2019
Following the changes over the last year to Short Breaks and Respite care in the Wokingham Borough REACH Wokingham are carrying out a short survey. We would like to know how the changes have affected you and your family so that we can continue to work to improve this service for families.
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Annual Newsletter Published 2018
Posted in SEND by Terri Walsh on 30th April 2018
Our Annual newsletter is published each spring and distributed to all families on the CAN Network mailing list in the Wokingham Borough. It contains important information about our key achievements over the past 12 months.
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WBC 0-25 SEND Strategy document for Consulation
Posted in Council by Terri Walsh on 30th March 2018
Wokingham Borough Council have been working on a new 0 – 25 years Strategy and would like comments from parent carers on this strategy document. A link to the document is here: 0-25 Strategy Document for consultation Please send any comments to: Sharon.Scott@wokingham.gov.uk and copy info@sendvoiceswokingham.org.uk The consultation closes on Friday 16th March 2018
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SEND Self-evaluation Survey
Posted in Council by Terri Walsh on 25th January 2018
All local authorities have to produce a self-evaluation of current services for children and young people with special educational needs & disabilities (SEND) in their borough .
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