SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITY
AT PELSALL VILLAGE SCHOOL
"Children have special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty which calls for special educational provision to be made for them. Children have special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty which calls for special educational provision to be made for them." (Revised Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs, published in September 2014 - last updated in April 2020).
Therefore, at Pelsall Village School, we will always endeavour:
• to ensure that all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum;
• to provide a differentiated curriculum appropriate to the individual’s needs and ability;
• to ensure the identification of all pupils requiring SEND provision as early as possible in school;
• to ensure that SEND pupils take as full a part as possible in all school activities;
• to ensure that parents of SEND pupils are kept fully informed of their child’s progress and attainment;
• to ensure that SEND pupils are involved, where practicable, in decisions affecting their future provision.
At Pelsall Village School, we recognise that many pupils will have special needs at some time during their school life. In implementing this policy, we believe pupils will be helped to overcome their difficulties. Whilst many factors contribute to the range of difficulties experienced by some children, we believe that much can be done to overcome them by parents, teachers and pupils working together.
Mrs S.Tuckwell-Allen JP,
Assistant Head Teacher, SENCo & Nurture Manager
Autumn 2023
For further information, please see below:
DATES FOR DIARIES: PARENT & SCHOOL UPDATES
Autumn (1) 2020: SEND PARENT NEWSLETTER
Autumn (2) 2020: SEND PARENT QUESTIONAIRE; SEND 'DROP IN' at PARENT CONSULTATIONS
Spring (1 & 2) 2021: SEND PARENT NEWSLETTER / SEND 'DROP IN' at PARENT CONSULTS (COVID)
Summer (1) 2021: SEND PARENT NEWSLETTER
Summer (2) 2021: SEND 'DROP IN' at PARENT CONSULTATIONS
Autumn (1) 2021: SEND PARENT NEWSLETTER
Autumn (2) 2021: SEND PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE; SEND 'DROP IN' at PARENT CONSULTS
Spring (1) 2022: SEND PARENT NEWSLETTER
Spring (2) 2022: SEND 'DROP IN' at PARENT CONSULTATIONS
Summer (1) 2022: SEND PARENT NEWSLETTER
Summer (2) 2022: SEND 'DROP IN' at PARENT CONSULTATIONS
Autumn (1) 2022: SEND PARENT NEWSLETTER
Autumn (2) 2022: SEND PARENT CONSULTATIONS / SEND TRAINING WITH Dr NORMAN
Spring (1) 2023: SEND PARENT NEWSLETTER
Spring (2) 2023: SEND 'DROP IN' PARENT CONSULTATIONS
Summer (1) 2023: SEND PARENT NEWSLETTER
Summer (2) 2023: SEND 'DROP IN' PARENT CONSULTATIONS
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD'S BEHAVIOUR
PARENT WORKSHOPS
To be held in school, led by the School Nursing Service.
Places can be booked at the school office or turn up on the day.
There will be time to ask questions afterwards.
Dates:
Thursday 9th November 2023: 2-3pm
Thursday 8th February 2024: 2-3pm
Thursday 23rd May 2024: 9-10am
FREE FAMILY SUPPORT SESSIONS
AUTISM AWARENESS
Families can attend who might be awaiting / suspect an autism diagnosis, seeking the 'right support at the right time'.
Dates to choose from:
Friday 10th November 2023, 9.30 - 11.30am
Thursday 8th February 2024, 12.30 - 2.30pm
Thursday 18th April 2024, 9.30 - 11.30am
Venue: Rushall Primary School, Pelsall Lane, Walsall WS41NG
Booking: via www.bookwhen.com/niat
Enquiries: contact Samatha Harrison at North Star Advisory Team on 01922 682300 or email Samatha.harrison@northstarfederation.org.uk
CAMHS
(Child and Adolescent Mental Health service)
Parent Workshops
These workshops are being run by CAMHS to try and raise awareness of the mental health difficulties faced by children and young people today as well as acknowledging the impact of on families and loved ones.
Each session is via Zoom between 12 & 1.30pm on the following dates:
11/10/23: Communication / Speech & Language
15/11/23: Autistic Spectrum Conditions
6/12/23: Depression / Low Mood
17/1/24: Anxiety / OCD
14/2/24: Self harm
13/3/24: Anger / Conflict
17/4/24: Anxiety
To book a place, call Andrea Ehgartner on 01902 444021.
SENDIAS
(SEN & Disability Information & Support Service for Parents)
DROP IN SESSIONS
FOR PARENTS & CARERS 2023-2024
26.9.23: 10-12pm at Manor Farm, Rushall, WS4 1EU
27.10.23: 10-12pm at West Locality Hub, Wednesbury, WS10 8PE
22.11.23: 12.30-2.30pm at North Locality Hub, Blakenall, WS3 1HJ
14.12.23: 11-1pm at East Locality Hub, Brownhills, WS5 6HA
26.1.24: 10-12pm at Manor Farm, Rushall, WS4 1EU
19.2.24: 4-6pm at South & Central Hub, Birchills, WS2 8NG
21.3.24: 12-2pm at West Locality Hub, Wednesbury, WS10 8PE
19.4.24: 10-12pm at North Locality Hub, Blakenall, WS3 1HJ
20.5.24: 12-2pm at East Locality Hub, Brownhills, WS5 6HA
18.6.24: 1-3pm at Manor Farm, Rushall, WS4 1EU
15.7.24: 1-3pm at Manor Farm, Rushall, WS4 1EU
Email for information: walsallsendias@family-action.org.uk
Working Together Coffee Morning
Wednesday 16th August, 10.30am to 12pm, Manor Farm Community Association
"Co-production is not just a word, it's a meeting of minds coming together to find a shared solution. In practice, it involves people who use services being included and working together from the start to the end of any project that affects them"
We would like parents and carers to work as our partners in improving services for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Walsall.
SENDIAS and the Local Authority invite parents and carers to join us for a coffee and a chat about how we can make this possible.
No booking required, just turn up on the day. Look forward to seeing you.
WALSALL FAMILY HUBS
These are for children, young people aged 0-19 (up to 25 for additional needs) and their families providing a welcoming, safe, local space where you can go for advice & support and accessing a range of services....
Saturday 15th July
10am to 12pm / 12pm to 2pm
South & Central Locality Hub, Birchills Street, Walsall WS2 8NG
Saturday 22nd July
10am to 12pm / 12pm to 2pm
East Locality Hub, Ogley Hay Nursery, Brickin Street, Brownhills WS8 6AU
Activities include: face painting, bouncy castle, ice cream van NSPCC's Look, Say, Sing, Play, Grandpa Sticks story adventure, Walsall Fire Service
No booking required, just turn up to the session you prefer. Look forward to seeing you there!
The Autism Show
The National Event For Autism
23-24th June 2023 at the NEC, Birmingham
If interested, you can book online at www.autismshow.co.uk
or buy tickets on the door on the day.
SEND LOCAL OFFER
WEBSITE IMPROVEMENT DAY
This is a Consultation and Coproduction event for parents and carers to work with the Local Authority in helping to improve the SEND Local Offer Website.
Date: Wednesday 19th April 2023
Time: 10.30am to 1.30pm
Location: Frank F Harrison Community Association, Stephenson Square, Walsall, WS2 7DY
Lunch and refreshments to be provided.
Tickets to be booked through:
eventbrite.co.uk/local-offer-website-improvement-day-tickets/
605060410977
Autism West Midlands
Siblings Workshop
Wednesday 12th April 2023: 1-4pm
Thursday 13th April 2023: 1-4pm
Beechdale Community Centre
WS2 7DX
To book - https://shop.autismwestmidlands.otg.uk
To contact - Email: Michelleh@autismwestmidlnads.org.uk
Tel: Michelle on 07512307002
In Our Hands
Working Together Event For The Children of Walsall with SEND
An opportunity to share thoughts on the updates & developments to help shape services for children & young people with SEND in Walsall.
13th February 10.30 to 13.30
Willenhall Chart Centre
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/504662648567
14th February 10.30 to 13.30
Manor Farm Community Association
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/504441888267
15th February 17.30 to 19.00
Microsoft Teams
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/504786890177
Refreshments will be provided at face to face events.
For further information contact: localoffer@walsall.gov.uk or 07787274566
HOPE (Autism Network) Parent Support Group
Manor Farm Community Centre
King George Crescent
Rushall, Walsall
WS4 1EU
Tuesday 13th December 2022
Tuesday 24th January 2023
9.15am to 11.15am
Tel: 07939966379
Email: info@hopeautismnetwork.com
www.hopeautismnetwork.com
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY ACTIVITY
& FOOD PROGRAMME
(HAF)
Monday 19th December to Thursday 22nd December 2022
Book a place at:
www.walsall.gov.uk/children_and_young_people/haf_signup
or call: 01922 653899 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)
or email: WR4C@walsall.gov.uk
FACE WALSALL
Parent Carer Forum - Information Sharing Event
Friday 25th November 2022
10am to 12 noon
Bloxwich Active Centre, High Street, Bloxwich, WS3 2DA
Confirmed as attending so far:
Walsall Carers Hub, Talking SENse, Speech & Language, Healthwatch Walsall, Work Pays, Paediatric Physio, Adult Learning Disability Team, Care First Management, Occupational Therapy, SEND Local Offer.
Book via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/44153817155
WALSALL SEND LOCAL OFFER AND 'IN OUR HANDS' WORKING TOGETHER EVENTS
We have our SEND local offer attached on this page for your information.
This is now the link for Walsall Children's Services SEND Local Offer also for your information:
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/the-send-local-offer
During October, some parent working together SEND EVENTS called 'In Our Hands' are being held at the following locations:
17.10.22 (10.30am to 1pm) at Willenhall Chart Centre, Gomer Street, Willenhall WV13 2NS
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-our-hands-tickets-410483255467
18.10.22 (10.30am - 1pm) at Manor Farm Community Association, King George Crescent, Rushall WS4 1EG
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-our-hands-tickets-410581850367
19.10.22 (10.30am - 1pm) at Frank F Harrison Community Association, Stephenson Square, Bloxwich WS2 7DY
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-our-hands-tickets-410586263567
20.10.22 (10.30am to 1pm) at Nashdom, Sun Street, Walsall WS1 4AL
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-our-hands-tickets-410591830217
If you are interested in attending, book your free ticket (lunch and refreshments are also provided for free) using the Eventbrite link under the venue of your choice.
For further information contact: localoffer@walsall.gov.uk or 07787274566
HAF Now Live!
Walsall's Holiday Activity Food Programmes
Open to 5 to 16yr olds in receipt of Free School Meals
or who are Young Carers
Range of sports & skills activities to choose from, meals included
If you are interested and would like to register for your unique code, there are 3 ways to contact HAF:
Visit: go.walsall.gov.uk
Email: WR4C@walsall.govb.uk
Phone: 01922 652899
COLLINGWOOD AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP
A support group for parents & carers of children with autism. It can be very daunting if your child has been given a diagnosis of autism. Being part of this group, meeting other people going through the same fears, problems & experiences you are can help.
EVERY TUESDAY 7-9pm
Collingwood Centre
Collingwood Drive
Great Barr
Birmingham
B43 7NF
SCHOOL NURSE PARENT Q&A SESSIONS
ON TRANSITION
Thank you to parents who attend the Nursery to Reception & Primary to Secondary sessions.
The Walsall School Nursing Service offers a range of help for with:
Keeping healthy
Immunisations
Emotional health
Weight management
Sexual health
Drugs & alcohol
Smoking
If parents would like further information or support, the School Nurses can be contacted between 9am to 5pm, Monday & Friday on: 01922 423349 or by email: schoolnursing@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk
Additionally, there are 2 School Health websites for children and young people to access for further information:
www.healthcareforkids.co.uk (Primary age)
www.healthcareforteens.co.uk (Secondary age)
Other Useful Links:
Amazing Things Happen
A short film that explains Autism very well. Appropriate for children too.
Autism West Midlands
Local events for Children and Families, Help and Support, Books and Resources, Outreach
Tel: 0121 450 7582 / 0212 450 7575 / 0303 0300111
http://www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/
British Dyslexia Association
The BDA is the voice of dyslexic people. Our vision is that of a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people to reach their potential.
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
The Ear Foundation
The Ear Foundation is the only national UK charity to support and to provide activities for deaf children and young people with cochlear implants, their families and supporting professionals.
http://www.earfoundation.org.uk/
Epilepsy Action
Epilepsy Action is a community of committed to making life better for people with epilepsy by providing advice and support for all ages and their families. See their website for their 2017-21 strategy plan.
http://epilepsy.org.uk/info/children-young-adults
FACE Walsall PCF
FACE Walsall PCF is the Local Authority's Parent / Carer forum and is run by voluntary groups of parents / carers of children and young people with SEND 0-25 years.
Contact: 07856314596
Email: facewalsall@gmail.com
Website: www.facewalsall.wordpress.com
I CAN
I CAN is the charity that helps children with speech and language difficulties across the UK. The charity works to create a society where their special needs are recognised, understood and met, so that they have the same opportunities in life as other children.
The National Autistic Society
The NAS exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs.
National Deaf Children's Society
The National Deaf Children’s Society is the only UK charity solely dedicated to providing support, information and advice for deaf children and young people, their families and professionals working with them.
National Parent Partnership Services
National Parent Partnership Services offer information, advice and support for parents of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN). Your child’s school or your Local Authority will have details of your local service.
http://www.iassnetwork.org.uk/
Resources for Autism
Play and Youth Clubs, Holiday Play Schemes 5-18 ASD
Tel: 01922 654639
SOS!SEN independent charity - Remote Advice Services
Offering friendly, independent advice for parents looking for information and advice on Special Educational Needs. It is a registered independent charity open between 9.30am & 5pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.
Contact: 0300 302 3731
Email: admin@sossen.org.uk
Website: https://www.sossen.org.uk
Young Minds
Young Minds offer free, confidential online and telephone support, including information and advice, to any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25
SUPPORTING OUR CHILDREN WITH SEND
DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Once again, schools have been closed to the majority of children due to escalating infections. As with other schools, Pelsall Village School was only open to those children who absolutely must attend. Some of these children may have specific SEND, EHCP or vulnerability needs which will be managed in school as normal. However, if such children were staying at home during these challenging times, their class teacher was posting appropriate educational tasks on their class page on the school's website every day as well as offering daily interactive Zoom lessons to help maintain useful contact with school.
As much as possible, it is recommended that children with SEND needs are able to quickly establish a simple but regular routine whenever having to work at home. Using the school's website to access their educational tasks will continue to help give them some reassurance of normality as well as following visual timelines of what needs to be done each day. If you feel your child will benefit from talking through what is going on at the moment, creating pictures to support the conversation will also be of some help to reduce anxiety levels.
If you have any questions or would like some more specific SEND tasks to help your child during this time, please contact me at s.tuckwell@pelsallvillage.co.uk
In the meantime, here is a very comprehensive and very useful website for supporting SEND children and parents at this time https:/nlandeducation.padlet.org/gill finch2/SupportForChildrenandFamilies.
Mrs S.Tuckwell-Allen JP
Assistant Head Teacher, SENCo & Nurture Manager
Pelsall Village School
Updated: January - March 2021
First posted: March - May 2020