As we come to the end of a very busy half term, here’s an update on our activities and what’s to come next half-term.
Area SEND Inspection Update with WBC & Health
The report of the Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Wokingham Area SEND services and support was published on the 18th May.
The report found: There are widespread and/or systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), which the local area partnership must address urgently.
You can read our response and the full report here: Wokingham Area SEND inspection
Please join us on Tuesday 2nd June where parent carers will have the opportunity to meet directly with representatives from Wokingham Local Authority and Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB) (was BOB ICB) and Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (BHFT).
This session will provide families with the opportunity to:
- Hear directly from local leaders about the inspection findings
- Understand the immediate actions and improvement plans being put in place
- Ask questions and share feedback
- Learn more about the Wokingham's SEND Reform Plans and what these mean for children, young people and families locally
Time: 6.30 - 8.00pm
Venue: The Holt School, Holt Lane, Wokingham RG41 1EE
Book your place here: Area SEND Inspection Update with WBC & Health
We have been contacted by a number of families asking us to share their concerns about WBC’s response to the inspection report: Council and partners commit to improving SEND support, with the Director of Children’s Services and the Head of SEND.
Families feel that the response places significant emphasis on health provision while not fully addressing other important issues highlighted in the inspection report, including:
- children being out of education
- the use of part-time timetables
- the lack of a cohesive and joined-up approach across services
The feedback will be sent ahead of the update session on 2 June so that these concerns can be addressed during the event.
If you have any feedback you would like included in the feedback, please email us at info@sendvoiceswokingham.org.uk by the end of Tuesday 26 May.
Our Annual SEND Survey will be launching very soon - keep an eye on your inbox for the link!
This year, your feedback is more important than ever. The survey will help us understand whether the actions and improvement plans developed following the Area SEND Inspection, as well as the wider Area SEND Reform Plans, are making a meaningful difference for children, young people, and families across the Borough.
Schools White Paper and SEND Reform - Have your Say!
You can read the the summary of key themes we submitted following from your feedback here: SVW SEND Reform Consultation Response.
Thank you to everyone who contributed.
Highlights of our Recent Work
Here are some of the other ways we’ve been supporting and influencing local SEND services:
Attended key meetings, including the Priority Action Plan, SEND Strategic Partnership Board, SEND Assurance Board, Wokingham Wellbeing Board, Children & Young Peoples Partnership Board and Best Start Early Help Steering Group
Hosted our SEND Coffee Morning alongside the SENDIASS drop-in sessions every fortnight at Wokingham Youth Centre
We attended the Wokingham Area SEND Reform Plan meetings and workshops to help develop Wokingham Areas plan
Attended The WBC Preparing for Adulthood Marketplace event, Local Offer working group along with a workshop to improve mental health services for 16-25 year olds
Continue to raise concerns about wheelchair services.
Hosted the EHCP Process training for parent carers in partnership with SENDIASS and helped interview for 2 new people to join the SENDIASS team.
Dates for Next Half-Term
SEND Coffee Mornings & SENDIASS Drop-ins
We host a coffee morning alongside the SENDIASS drop-in sessions every fortnight at Wokingham Youth Centre, 35 Reading Road, Wokingham RG41 1EG from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
SEND Voices Wokingham will be there to offer a cuppa, a chat and opportunity to connect with other families.
Parents and carers can also speak one-to-one with a SENDIASS advisor. No appointment is needed - sessions run on a first-come, first-served basis, with appointments usually lasting around 20 minutes.
Dates for next half-term:
- Friday 5th June
- Tuesday 16th June
- Friday 3rd July
- Tuesday 14th July
SEN Support In School ~ A Parent's Guide
Wednesday 10th June 10.00 - 11.30am
Preparing for Adulthood
Tuesday 23rd June - 7.00 - 8.30pm
EHCPs Annual Reviews ~ A Parent's Guide
Wednesday 15th July 7.00 - 8.30pm
These FREE training courses for Wokingham Borough parent carers will be run by the team from Wokingham SENDIASS via Zoom. More details available on our website here: SVW Events
Please email:lnfo@sendvoiceswokingham.org.uk to book a place, stating which course you would like to attend.
